DJ

D J

21/05/2007 10:44 AM

Good router bits?

Folks,

I want to make some raised panel cabinets.

Any suggestions on the router bits. Some of them cost fortune, which I
don't want.

I checked ebay for used ones, but can't trust.

thanks,
DJ


This topic has 18 replies

Aa

Andy

in reply to D J on 21/05/2007 10:44 AM

21/05/2007 11:50 AM

> Any suggestions on the router bits. Some of them cost fortune, which I
> don't want.

Fine Woodworking just did a comparison article - check your local
library or bookstore.
According to my own limited experience, Infinitytools.com is a good
source for reasonably-priced and high-quality bits.
MLCSwoodworking.com has great prices, free shipping, great customer
service, and their bits are pretty good quality (much better than the
$1/ea eBay import specials, but not quite as good as the higher-end
pro bits).
Also, search the archives here - this has been discussed before.
Andy

RN

RayV

in reply to D J on 21/05/2007 10:44 AM

21/05/2007 12:09 PM

On May 21, 1:44 pm, D J <[email protected]> wrote:
> Folks,
>
> I want to make some raised panel cabinets.
>
> Any suggestions on the router bits. Some of them cost fortune, which I
> don't want.
>
> I checked ebay for used ones, but can't trust.
>
> thanks,
> DJ

When I bought this set it was about $40, may have been a sale, anyway
they worked fine for the Poplar frame and MDF panels I made. Came
with a few washers to fine tune the fit.

http://www.holbren.com/product.php?productid=96&cat=30&page=1

YMMV

DJ

D J

in reply to D J on 21/05/2007 10:44 AM

21/05/2007 12:28 PM

On May 21, 1:44 pm, D J <[email protected]> wrote:
> Folks,
>
> I want to make some raised panel cabinets.
>
> Any suggestions on the router bits. Some of them cost fortune, which I
> don't want.
>
> I checked ebay for used ones, but can't trust.
>
> thanks,
> DJ

I can see there are three more messages, but don't get to read them..
something wrong?

db

dpb

in reply to D J on 21/05/2007 10:44 AM

22/05/2007 9:07 AM

On May 21, 12:44 pm, D J <[email protected]> wrote:
> Folks,
>
> I want to make some raised panel cabinets.
>
> Any suggestions on the router bits. Some of them cost fortune, which I
> don't want.
>
> I checked ebay for used ones, but can't trust.

Used you don't want unless you just happen to find another "one-timer"
who bought the Amana or another top-quality set and built one set of
kitchen cabinets and then you probably wouldn't save that much anyway
from what I've seen watching auctions in the past.

I agree w/ the others that it's a false economy in the larger
picture. It depends also in part on what you're making the cabinets
from -- if it's a softwood, you may get by w/ a lesser bit, but if you
are using a fine hardwood and particularly anything w/ any grain
characteristics at all, you want the best and sharpest bit you can
find.

db

dpb

in reply to D J on 21/05/2007 10:44 AM

22/05/2007 9:18 AM

On May 21, 12:44 pm, D J <[email protected]> wrote:
> Folks,
>
> I want to make some raised panel cabinets.
>
> Any suggestions on the router bits. Some of them cost fortune, which I
> don't want.
>
> I checked ebay for used ones, but can't trust.

Used you don't want unless you just happen to find another "one-timer"
who bought the Amana or another top-quality set and built one set of
kitchen cabinets and then you probably wouldn't save that much anyway
from what I've seen watching auctions in the past.

I agree w/ the others that it's a false economy in the larger
picture. It depends also in part on what you're making the cabinets
from -- if it's a softwood, you may get by w/ a lesser bit, but if you
are using a fine hardwood and particularly anything w/ any grain
characteristics at all, you want the best and sharpest bit you can
find.

db

dpb

in reply to D J on 21/05/2007 10:44 AM

22/05/2007 10:23 AM

On May 21, 12:44 pm, D J <[email protected]> wrote:
> Folks,
>
> I want to make some raised panel cabinets.
>
> Any suggestions on the router bits. Some of them cost fortune, which I
> don't want.
>
> I checked ebay for used ones, but can't trust.

Used you don't want unless you just happen to find another "one-timer"
who bought the Amana or another top-quality set and built one set of
kitchen cabinets and then you probably wouldn't save that much anyway
from what I've seen watching auctions in the past.

I agree w/ the others that it's a false economy in the larger
picture. It depends also in part on what you're making the cabinets
from -- if it's a softwood, you may get by w/ a lesser bit, but if you
are using a fine hardwood and particularly anything w/ any grain
characteristics at all, you want the best and sharpest bit you can
find.

db

dpb

in reply to D J on 21/05/2007 10:44 AM

22/05/2007 7:19 AM

On May 21, 12:44 pm, D J <[email protected]> wrote:
> Folks,
>
> I want to make some raised panel cabinets.
>
> Any suggestions on the router bits. Some of them cost fortune, which I
> don't want.
>
> I checked ebay for used ones, but can't trust.

Used you don't want unless you just happen to find another "one-timer"
who bought the Amana or another top-quality set and built one set of
kitchen cabinets and then you probably wouldn't save that much anyway
from what I've seen watching auctions in the past.

I agree w/ the others that it's a false economy in the larger
picture. It depends also in part on what you're making the cabinets
from -- if it's a softwood, you may get by w/ a lesser bit, but if you
are using a fine hardwood and particularly anything w/ any grain
characteristics at all, you want the best and sharpest bit you can
find.

Dp

DZIN

in reply to D J on 21/05/2007 10:44 AM

23/05/2007 7:17 AM

On May 22, 10:23 am, dpb <[email protected]> wrote:
> On May 21, 12:44 pm, D J <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > Folks,
>
> > I want to make some raised panel cabinets.
>
> > Any suggestions on the router bits. Some of them cost fortune, which I
> > don't want.
>
> > I checked ebay for used ones, but can't trust.
>
> Used you don't want unless you just happen to find another "one-timer"
> who bought the Amana or another top-quality set and built one set of
> kitchen cabinets and then you probably wouldn't save that much anyway
> from what I've seen watching auctions in the past.
>
> I agree w/ the others that it's a false economy in the larger
> picture. It depends also in part on what you're making the cabinets
> from -- if it's a softwood, you may get by w/ a lesser bit, but if you
> are using a fine hardwood and particularly anything w/ any grain
> characteristics at all, you want the best and sharpest bit you can
> find.

Mine are the CMT raised panel sets. They have provided good service
through several kitchens many types of hardwood and plywood. (the
Cabinet Maker's set comes with a t&g set for the backs and side
panels)
I have several MLCS Katana bits and a few Amanas and I'd say that
their quality is "good" but not excellent. The Woodline bits I have
were/are unsatisfactory. Worse than Crapsman and Hickory! (HD sells
Hickory)
As always, YMMV.

Gene

Dd

"Dave"

in reply to D J on 21/05/2007 10:44 AM

22/05/2007 7:00 PM


"Leon" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Dave" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>>
>> Check out Woodline bits. If they're good enough for Sam Maloof they are
>> good enough for me.
>>
>>
>>
> You realize that they pay him to use their bits, don't you?
>
>
I don't think a perfectionist such as he would use junk no matter what he is
paid.

Dd

"Dave"

in reply to D J on 21/05/2007 10:44 AM

22/05/2007 12:02 PM


"dpb" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On May 21, 12:44 pm, D J <[email protected]> wrote:
>> Folks,
>>
>> I want to make some raised panel cabinets.
>>
>> Any suggestions on the router bits. Some of them cost fortune, which I
>> don't want.
>>
>> I checked ebay for used ones, but can't trust.
>
> Used you don't want unless you just happen to find another "one-timer"
> who bought the Amana or another top-quality set and built one set of
> kitchen cabinets and then you probably wouldn't save that much anyway
> from what I've seen watching auctions in the past.
>
> I agree w/ the others that it's a false economy in the larger
> picture. It depends also in part on what you're making the cabinets
> from -- if it's a softwood, you may get by w/ a lesser bit, but if you
> are using a fine hardwood and particularly anything w/ any grain
> characteristics at all, you want the best and sharpest bit you can
> find.
>

Check out Woodline bits. If they're good enough for Sam Maloof they are
good enough for me.


nn

name

in reply to D J on 21/05/2007 10:44 AM

22/05/2007 8:43 AM

D J wrote:
> Folks,
>
> I want to make some raised panel cabinets.
>
> Any suggestions on the router bits. Some of them cost fortune, which I
> don't want.
>
> I checked ebay for used ones, but can't trust.
>
> thanks,
> DJ
>

Lee Valley has good quality bits, not too expensive.

www.leevalley.com

Lr

"Leon"

in reply to D J on 21/05/2007 10:44 AM

22/05/2007 12:15 AM


"D J" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Folks,
>
> I want to make some raised panel cabinets.
>
> Any suggestions on the router bits. Some of them cost fortune, which I
> don't want.
>
> I checked ebay for used ones, but can't trust.
>
> thanks,
> DJ
>

Buy the most expensive "name brand" than you feel comfortable with spending
money on. I prefer CMT, Amana, the old Jesada, and Infinity, in that order.

LB

Larry Blanchard

in reply to D J on 21/05/2007 10:44 AM

22/05/2007 8:25 PM

dpb wrote:
>
> Used you don't want unless you just happen to find another ....

That's the fourth copy of this message. all at different times. Do you have a
slow stutter or is gmail having problems?

--
It's turtles, all the way down

EP

"Edwin Pawlowski"

in reply to D J on 21/05/2007 10:44 AM

21/05/2007 7:49 PM


"D J" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Folks,
>
> I want to make some raised panel cabinets.
>
> Any suggestions on the router bits. Some of them cost fortune, which I
> don't want.


Nothing is more expensive than a cheap bit that will damage the wood. Go
with any of hte decent brand names like Infinity, Freud, Whiteside, etc.

Check www.infinitytools.com and www.routerbits.com

LH

Lew Hodgett

in reply to D J on 21/05/2007 10:44 AM

22/05/2007 6:08 AM

"D J" wrote:

>
> I want to make some raised panel cabinets.
>
> Any suggestions on the router bits.
<snip>

As Leon suggested, stay with the majors, buy the best you can afford.

Trying to cut corners on cutting tools is strictly false economy, IMHO.

SFWIW, have used a couple of Infinity bits, they work for me.

Lew

Lr

"Leon"

in reply to D J on 21/05/2007 10:44 AM

22/05/2007 7:09 PM


"Dave" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>

>>
>>
> I don't think a perfectionist such as he would use junk no matter what he
> is paid.
>

Sam Maloof is a great woodworker but absolutely NOT a perfectionist. He
freehands a lot of his of his work. Supporting a product, good or bad is
not going to harm his reputation.

Tiger Woods promotes Buick. Being the multi millionaire that he is I
seriously doubt he owns a fleet of Buicks.

Fv

"9.9 Fingers"

in reply to D J on 21/05/2007 10:44 AM

22/05/2007 12:08 AM



> "D J" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> Folks,
>>
>> I want to make some raised panel cabinets.
>>
>> Any suggestions on the router bits. Some of them cost fortune, which I
>> don't want.
>>
>> I checked ebay for used ones, but can't trust.
>>
>> thanks,
>> DJ
>>

DJ,

While not an expert at woodworking, I have been building stuff outta wood
for 30+ years. (Most of what I do would be classified by the more talented
members of this group as either finish carpentry or "craft" quality.) That
being said, I have been using routers for nearly 30 years.

Last year I found a company called Woodline USA
(http://store.woodline.com/). Fair prices- especially if you but some of
their sets. *Excellent* customer service. I damaged a carbide tipped bit
due to MY negligence, and they replaced it at no cost. Didn't even charge
me shipping! Now THAT's customer service. :>)

Not affiliated with, yada, yada, yada, and all the other disclaimers.

Gary Kasten
St. Peters, MO

Lr

"Leon"

in reply to D J on 21/05/2007 10:44 AM

22/05/2007 5:39 PM


"Dave" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> Check out Woodline bits. If they're good enough for Sam Maloof they are
> good enough for me.
>
>
>
You realize that they pay him to use their bits, don't you?


You’ve reached the end of replies