Replies

1. 
   SCFrankland | May 03, 2004 01:21pm | #1

   Forget about buying sets as most bits you will not use. Your best bet for buying bits is to buy the ones you need when you need them. Also buy the better quality bits as they cut better have a higher degree of finish and can be sharpened several more times before replacement.

   Scott C. Frankland

   Scott's WOODWORKING Website

   "He who has the most tools may not win the race of life but he will sure make his wife look like a good catch when she goes to move on."

2. 
   BenA | May 03, 2004 03:56pm | #2

   Kim: Check out the Freud web site, and you'll see a excellent selection of router bits you may need.  As Scott said in previous post better to by quality bit,than to by cheap one.Good luck

   http://www.freudtools.com/woodworkers/rep/router_bits/Router_Bits/Beading/html/Beading_1.html

3. 
   jackplane | May 03, 2004 07:06pm | #3

   Kim,

    I think bit sets can be a great value, compared to buying individually. A good set to start with would have 10-15 pieces, including a coupla roundovers,flush trimmers, dovetail, T-slot,ogee(s), and a chamfer bit. 1/2" shanks will serve you better than 1/4" for the most part.Avoid high-speed steel and bits with pilots instead of bearings.

1. 
   Dustmight | May 04, 2004 04:07am | #5

   There's usually split opinions on this issue, but I agree with Jackplane. A small set can be a great way to start. MLCS' 15 piece set for $40 is good quality, reasonably priced, and should suit the purposes of average hobbyists for a few years. When and if they wear out, you can replace the bits you use the most often with more expensive higher quality bits like Whiteside, CMT or Freud. I wouldn't recommend buying the large sets (66 piece), because the cash outlay is high, the quality is still only decent, and you will definitely have bits that you don't use. Woodline, Price Cutter, and Grizzly also have decent quality bits at reasonable prices.

4. 
   SawdustSteve | May 03, 2004 10:04pm | #4

   Hi Kim... I agree with an earlier posting to buy what you need rather than what some company thinks you will want. The bits that see most use in my small home shop are... 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 and 3/4 straight bits, 1/8 and 1/4" round-over bits, 3/8 and 1/2" Flush trim bits 2 different dovetail bits, a rabbeting set and an assortment of Roman Ogee and beading bits. If you will do a lot of work with plywood, then a set of 'undersize' bits to fit the newer, thinner plywood are needed. From there, get what you need as you need.

   SawdustSteve