RN

RayV

09/05/2007 7:50 AM

Dreaming of Router bit storage

As long as Charlie is dreaming about the perfect shop what about the
perfect place to store router bits?

I only have about 20 bits right now but some are in a small box others
are in the plastic bag or plastic box they came in and the whole mess
of them are laying in a drawer. Time to do something with especially
since I just got the PC 4212 dovetail machine (2 more bits) which
needs a storage place.

What is the ideal storage system for router bits? (If you already
built it add a link)


This topic has 25 replies

Dd

"Dave"

in reply to RayV on 09/05/2007 7:50 AM

09/05/2007 11:11 AM


"Charlie M. 1958" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Swingman wrote:
>
>> http://e-woodshop.net/images/Rbits.jpg
>>
>> A box, with no top and which can be moved to the router, workbench, etc;
>> lined with a commercial foam "router bit" holder; all in a drawer
>> dedicated
>> to router paraphernalia.
>>
>>
> Now that's a more manly and practical solution than mine. I see a couple
> of green bits in there too though, Ray. :-)

Wood magazine
http://woodstore.net/earoor.html is one
Also try September 2001 issue 135 page 20 for another one

RN

RayV

in reply to RayV on 09/05/2007 7:50 AM

09/05/2007 8:02 AM

On May 9, 10:55 am, "Charlie M. 1958" <[email protected]>
wrote:
> RayV wrote:
<snip>
>
> > What is the ideal storage system for router bits? (If you already
> > built it add a link)
>
> Here is my solution:
>
> http://www.loyno.edu/~cbmarsh/tigerbitcase.htm

Sweet!

I hope those aren't $5 woodcraft green bits in that beautiful case,
not that I have any I just heard they were that color ;-) .

Gj

GROVER

in reply to RayV on 09/05/2007 7:50 AM

09/05/2007 8:55 AM

On May 9, 10:55 am, "Charlie M. 1958" <[email protected]>
wrote:
> RayV wrote:
> > As long as Charlie is dreaming about the perfect shop what about the
> > perfect place to store router bits?
>
> > I only have about 20 bits right now but some are in a small box others
> > are in the plastic bag or plastic box they came in and the whole mess
> > of them are laying in a drawer. Time to do something with especially
> > since I just got the PC 4212 dovetail machine (2 more bits) which
> > needs a storage place.
>
> > What is the ideal storage system for router bits? (If you already
> > built it add a link)
>
> Here is my solution:
>
> http://www.loyno.edu/~cbmarsh/tigerbitcase.htm

Charlie M,
If and when you decide to move your router bit collection to another
organizer you can use this one to store your wifes tiara in.
Joe G

Dp

DZIN

in reply to RayV on 09/05/2007 7:50 AM

09/05/2007 9:08 AM

On May 9, 7:50 am, RayV <[email protected]> wrote:
> As long as Charlie is dreaming about the perfect shop what about the
> perfect place to store router bits?
>
> I only have about 20 bits right now but some are in a small box others
> are in the plastic bag or plastic box they came in and the whole mess
> of them are laying in a drawer. Time to do something with especially
> since I just got the PC 4212 dovetail machine (2 more bits) which
> needs a storage place.
>
> What is the ideal storage system for router bits? (If you already
> built it add a link)

One of the mags suggested cutting different sized squares of 3/4 stock
with properly sized holes in the middle of each. Large squares for
those monsters and smaller for the straights, ogees, roundovers etc.
(sized a bit larger than the radius of the bits) The blocks are
friction fit in a box or drawer so they can be lifted out. Why they
are loose is a mystery to me. But, the blocks being rigid keeps the
bits and their edges well separated. My foam system isn't all that
stable and the bits can lean into one another.

Since my storage is in a couple drawers similar to Karl's I'm thinking
I'd size the blocks to fit those drawers, less a divider to hold the
wrenches away from the bits.

bb

in reply to RayV on 09/05/2007 7:50 AM

09/05/2007 9:14 AM


Charlie M. 1958 wrote:
> RayV wrote:
> > As long as Charlie is dreaming about the perfect shop what about the
> > perfect place to store router bits?
> >
> > I only have about 20 bits right now but some are in a small box others
> > are in the plastic bag or plastic box they came in and the whole mess
> > of them are laying in a drawer. Time to do something with especially
> > since I just got the PC 4212 dovetail machine (2 more bits) which
> > needs a storage place.
> >
> > What is the ideal storage system for router bits? (If you already
> > built it add a link)
> >
>
> Here is my solution:
>
> http://www.loyno.edu/~cbmarsh/tigerbitcase.htm

Awesome...but it brings a question to mind: Does your wife know you
have this much free time?

Aa

Andy

in reply to RayV on 09/05/2007 7:50 AM

09/05/2007 9:40 AM

> What is the ideal storage system for router bits? (If you already
> built it add a link)

I'm sure it's far from ideal, but my current setup is a piece of 1"
butternut (no reason; just had a lot) with 1/2" and 1/4" holes drilled
in it, which sits in a toolbox drawer. Added a dowel to one of the
1/4" holes where slotting cutters sit, and drilled a larger hole where
the unused collet sits. I could post a picture if you really want,
but it's pretty straightforward - spacing of the holes just depends on
the size of your bits. Mine just isn't quite big enough in terms of
capacity.
I just picked up a discarded 3.5" floppy disk storage container -
basically 2 drawers, about 10" deep, that once held disks (remember
those?) vertically. Kind of like a double-wide one of these:
http://www.mcminone.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=MCMProducts&category%5Fname=3831450&product%5Fid=CS00128
I'm thinking a piece of ~3.5" wide scrap in each drawer, with several
holes drilled most of the way through, will make it into a nice
enclosed router bit holder (whenever I get a round tuit). Maybe the
thing can be mounted under my router table - we'll see. I should
include some space for the collet wrench.
Ideal router bit storage (in many climates) should probably be
enclosed and include some dessicant, unless you're really good about
oiling/waxing/protecting all your bits.
Good luck,
Andy

CM

"Charlie M. 1958"

in reply to RayV on 09/05/2007 7:50 AM

09/05/2007 9:55 AM

RayV wrote:
> As long as Charlie is dreaming about the perfect shop what about the
> perfect place to store router bits?
>
> I only have about 20 bits right now but some are in a small box others
> are in the plastic bag or plastic box they came in and the whole mess
> of them are laying in a drawer. Time to do something with especially
> since I just got the PC 4212 dovetail machine (2 more bits) which
> needs a storage place.
>
> What is the ideal storage system for router bits? (If you already
> built it add a link)
>

Here is my solution:

http://www.loyno.edu/~cbmarsh/tigerbitcase.htm

CM

"Charlie M. 1958"

in reply to RayV on 09/05/2007 7:50 AM

09/05/2007 10:10 AM

RayV wrote:

>> http://www.loyno.edu/~cbmarsh/tigerbitcase.htm
>
> Sweet!
>
> I hope those aren't $5 woodcraft green bits in that beautiful case,
> not that I have any I just heard they were that color ;-) .
>

Me? Cheap Woodcraft router bits? :-)

CM

"Charlie M. 1958"

in reply to RayV on 09/05/2007 7:50 AM

09/05/2007 10:29 AM

Swingman wrote:

> http://e-woodshop.net/images/Rbits.jpg
>
> A box, with no top and which can be moved to the router, workbench, etc;
> lined with a commercial foam "router bit" holder; all in a drawer dedicated
> to router paraphernalia.
>
>
Now that's a more manly and practical solution than mine. I see a couple
of green bits in there too though, Ray. :-)

CM

"Charlie M. 1958"

in reply to RayV on 09/05/2007 7:50 AM

09/05/2007 11:25 AM

[email protected] wrote:

>
> Awesome...but it brings a question to mind: Does your wife know you
> have this much free time?
>

She doesn't want any of my "dust collectors", as she calls them, in the
house. So I'm forced to make extravagant shop items for my own
enjoyment. :-)

pP

[email protected] (Peter Ashby)

in reply to RayV on 09/05/2007 7:50 AM

14/05/2007 9:55 AM

charlieb <[email protected]> wrote:

>
> And if you're gonna make a cabinet for the router
> bits - why not cooper the doors? If you make some
> minor mistakes along the way - HEY it's JUST SHOP
> FURNITURE! (and what you learn may show up in some
> future "house furniture" project. Coopered doors
> aren't rocket science things. Try it, it's easier
> than you think.

My first set of frame and panel doors sit on my bench cabinet. It also
holds my first set of hand dovetailed drawers. I got over excited
planing the horns of the styles so there is a curve to the tops ;-) and
the crappy plywood delaminated in places as I cut the dovetails but as
you say the experience is invaluable.

My router bits sit in a large pull out tray arrangement below the
drawers on full extension sliders. It is in essence a piece of 18mm mdf
drilled with groups of different sized, blind ended holes. Currently it
holds 6 and 8mm router bits, screwdriver bits and every drill bit that
doesn't have its own case. Works well for me.

Peter
--
Add my middle initial to email me. It has become attached to a country
www.the-brights.net

cc

charlieb

in reply to RayV on 09/05/2007 7:50 AM

13/05/2007 12:09 PM

Things in drawers are hidden - which is ok - unless they
get hidden again under some other stuff. And little
boxes inside of boxes are just as bad. Worse yet, the
boxes tend to hide from you - often under a stack of
stuff you piled on top of them. (OK - so I'm the only
one here who has to do an archeological dig to find
something "I just set down a moment ago".

My vote is to store router bits in a wall hanging
cabinet. Hard to stack things - on a wall. And if
you hang the cabinet on the wall closest to the
router table . . .

And if you're gonna make a cabinet for the router
bits - why not cooper the doors? If you make some
minor mistakes along the way - HEY it's JUST SHOP
FURNITURE! (and what you learn may show up in some
future "house furniture" project. Coopered doors
aren't rocket science things. Try it, it's easier
than you think.

http://web.hypersurf.com/~charlie2/CooperedDoors/CooperedDoors0.html

The coopered doors were easy. The knife hinges weren't.
It's the little stuff that causes all the grief.

charlie b

Cc

"CW"

in reply to RayV on 09/05/2007 7:50 AM

10/05/2007 2:10 AM

A 33/64" drill makes it a lot easier to get the bit back out of the hole.

"dadiOH" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:Eqq0i.9669$pW5.4238@trnddc07...
>
> 1. Take a 3/4" thick board
>
> 2. Drill 1/2" holes in it not quite all the way through. Make a
> pretty pattern :)
>
> 3. Size board to fit drawer
>
> 4. Put board IN drawer.
>
> If you have both 1/2" & 1/4" bits, put a piece of 1/2" dowel in board
> hole(s), drill 1/4" hole in dowel.
>
> --
>
> dadiOH
> ____________________________
>
> dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
> ...a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
> LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
> Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico
>
>
>

TV

Tom Veatch

in reply to RayV on 09/05/2007 7:50 AM

09/05/2007 11:21 PM

On Wed, 9 May 2007 21:14:55 -0500, "Dave" <[email protected]> wrote:

>
>"Steve Hall" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> On Wed, 09 May 2007 07:50:06 -0700, RayV wrote:
>>
>>> As long as Charlie is dreaming about the perfect shop what about the
>>> perfect place to store router bits?
>>
>> Here's the way to do it:
>>
>> http://www.woodmagazine.com/wood/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/wood/
>> story/data/366.xml
>>
>Can't get on the site you listed above. An error comes up.
>
The URL wrapped to the second line. Add "story/date/366.xml" to the
end of URL and it works fine. Actually looks like a pretty neat idea.
Might try it in one or more of the drawers on my router table.

LH

Lew Hodgett

in reply to RayV on 09/05/2007 7:50 AM

10/05/2007 2:31 AM

CW wrote:

> A 33/64" drill makes it a lot easier to get the bit back out of the
hole.

Along with drilling thru holes in a piece of 9 ply, then attaching a
piece of door skin with some brads to close the holes.

Just make sure you use backer boards to eliminate tear out.

Lew

dd

"dadiOH"

in reply to RayV on 09/05/2007 7:50 AM

09/05/2007 8:46 PM

RayV wrote:
> As long as Charlie is dreaming about the perfect shop what about the
> perfect place to store router bits?
>
> I only have about 20 bits right now but some are in a small box
> others are in the plastic bag or plastic box they came in and the
> whole mess of them are laying in a drawer. Time to do something
> with especially since I just got the PC 4212 dovetail machine (2
> more bits) which needs a storage place.
>
> What is the ideal storage system for router bits? (If you already
> built it add a link)

1. Take a 3/4" thick board

2. Drill 1/2" holes in it not quite all the way through. Make a
pretty pattern :)

3. Size board to fit drawer

4. Put board IN drawer.

If you have both 1/2" & 1/4" bits, put a piece of 1/2" dowel in board
hole(s), drill 1/4" hole in dowel.

--

dadiOH
____________________________

dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
...a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico


Wf

"WoodButcher"

in reply to RayV on 09/05/2007 7:50 AM

09/05/2007 1:46 PM

One man's ideal is another's nightmare but these work just fine for me.
http://www.flambeauoutdoors.com/otdrs_fishing/sm_storage/tufftainer_n_spinner.html

Art

"RayV" <[email protected]> wrote
>
> What is the ideal storage system for router bits?

sS

[email protected] (Scott Lurndal)

in reply to RayV on 09/05/2007 7:50 AM

09/05/2007 8:28 PM

"bob" <[email protected]> writes:
>
>"RayV" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> As long as Charlie is dreaming about the perfect shop what about the
>> perfect place to store router bits?
>>
[snip]
>>
>> What is the ideal storage system for router bits? (If you already
>> built it add a link)
>>
>
>
>Take a slab of 2" wood, and drill a bunch o' 1" deep holes in it. Voila!
>I have mine in a big drawer in the router table, so I can just open it and
>grab the one I need.

I use old 35mm plastic film canisters for smaller bits. Label the top lid
with the bit info, drill a grid of holes the size of the film canister (but
smaller than the lid diameter) and drop them in. Can be mounted vertically
or horizontally. The larger bits hang in their original packaging in an
old medicine cabinet with a sheet of 3/8" plywood fitted internally.

The advent of digital SLR cameras means that the supply of film canisters
will likely be drying up, however.

scott

Sk

"Swingman"

in reply to RayV on 09/05/2007 7:50 AM

09/05/2007 10:16 AM


"RayV" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> As long as Charlie is dreaming about the perfect shop what about the
> perfect place to store router bits?
>
> I only have about 20 bits right now but some are in a small box others
> are in the plastic bag or plastic box they came in and the whole mess
> of them are laying in a drawer. Time to do something with especially
> since I just got the PC 4212 dovetail machine (2 more bits) which
> needs a storage place.
>
> What is the ideal storage system for router bits? (If you already
> built it add a link)

FWW, perhaps too simple, but it works for me:

http://e-woodshop.net/images/Rbits.jpg

A box, with no top and which can be moved to the router, workbench, etc;
lined with a commercial foam "router bit" holder; all in a drawer dedicated
to router paraphernalia.


--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 2/20/07
KarlC@ (the obvious)




PO

"Paul O."

in reply to RayV on 09/05/2007 7:50 AM

09/05/2007 7:29 PM


"RayV" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> As long as Charlie is dreaming about the perfect shop what about the
> perfect place to store router bits?
>
> I only have about 20 bits right now but some are in a small box others
> are in the plastic bag or plastic box they came in and the whole mess
> of them are laying in a drawer. Time to do something with especially
> since I just got the PC 4212 dovetail machine (2 more bits) which
> needs a storage place.
>
> What is the ideal storage system for router bits? (If you already
> built it add a link)
>

My not so fancy soloution.
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u275/oplholik/DSC01041Small.jpg

--
Paul O.
[email protected]

SH

Steve Hall

in reply to RayV on 09/05/2007 7:50 AM

10/05/2007 12:04 AM

On Wed, 09 May 2007 07:50:06 -0700, RayV wrote:

> As long as Charlie is dreaming about the perfect shop what about the
> perfect place to store router bits?

Here's the way to do it:

http://www.woodmagazine.com/wood/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/wood/
story/data/366.xml


Dd

"Dave"

in reply to RayV on 09/05/2007 7:50 AM

09/05/2007 9:14 PM


"Steve Hall" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Wed, 09 May 2007 07:50:06 -0700, RayV wrote:
>
>> As long as Charlie is dreaming about the perfect shop what about the
>> perfect place to store router bits?
>
> Here's the way to do it:
>
> http://www.woodmagazine.com/wood/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/wood/
> story/data/366.xml
>
Can't get on the site you listed above. An error comes up.

Lr

"Leon"

in reply to RayV on 09/05/2007 7:50 AM

09/05/2007 4:10 PM


"RayV" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> As long as Charlie is dreaming about the perfect shop what about the
> perfect place to store router bits?
>
> I only have about 20 bits right now but some are in a small box others
> are in the plastic bag or plastic box they came in and the whole mess
> of them are laying in a drawer. Time to do something with especially
> since I just got the PC 4212 dovetail machine (2 more bits) which
> needs a storage place.
>
> What is the ideal storage system for router bits? (If you already
> built it add a link)
>

I have a piece of 3/4" thick plywood with 1/2" diameter holes drilled 1/2"
deep. I stick the router bits upside down in those holes.

LH

Lew Hodgett

in reply to RayV on 09/05/2007 7:50 AM

09/05/2007 5:00 PM

RE: Subject

The method used in the NYW router station is very straight forward.

Lew

bm

"bob"

in reply to RayV on 09/05/2007 7:50 AM

09/05/2007 12:59 PM


"RayV" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> As long as Charlie is dreaming about the perfect shop what about the
> perfect place to store router bits?
>
> I only have about 20 bits right now but some are in a small box others
> are in the plastic bag or plastic box they came in and the whole mess
> of them are laying in a drawer. Time to do something with especially
> since I just got the PC 4212 dovetail machine (2 more bits) which
> needs a storage place.
>
> What is the ideal storage system for router bits? (If you already
> built it add a link)
>


Take a slab of 2" wood, and drill a bunch o' 1" deep holes in it. Voila!
I have mine in a big drawer in the router table, so I can just open it and
grab the one I need.


Bob


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