Router Bits (Makes, Models and Types)

[Dissolve]

Hello,

I'm purchasing my first router soon (Probably a second hand dewalt 625 hopefully) and to start with I know I will need a few template following bits or various diameters, but I'm unsure what type is better for cutting hardwood like mahogany/ash/maple?

What brands do people swear by for durability/accuracy?
I'm not sure what type of cut I'm looking for when it comes to template following bits?

Thanks

 

[speeder1987]

You can't go wrong with wealdon cutters, most people on this forum seem to swear by them.

I've also heard good things about titman cutters, though I have no experience myself

Cheers
John

 

[Kalimna]

Hi,
I have used Axminster bearing-guided (top and bottom) straight cutters for routing around a template. If you go for the down shear (slight spiral to the cutter edge), you will get a finer finish, but they are more expensive.
As for what size/diameter - Im not sure that it matters *too* much, but Im sure someone else will correct me there if needed. If your router accepts 1/2" shank cutters, go for them.
Wealden Tools always get a good report here, and of the couple of cutters Ive purchased from them (rebate and spiral downcut), they seem to do an excellent job. Very helpful with advice also.

Cheers,.
Adam

 

[eribaMotters]

Just type Wealden into the forum search bar. I think you will find the answer to your question.

Colin

 

[Phil Pascoe]

+1

 

[chippy1970]

Wealden here too , use them all the time . Order by 3pm and the cutters are through your letter box the next day

 

[JonnyD]

I generally use Titman Trend Freud Trend Cmt and Wealden. All are good Titman are probably the best and what I would use for a big production type job. Wealden are the best value IMO. For your trimmer I would recommend this with replaceable blades and you'll probably not have to buy another cutter and changing the blades is a fraction of the cost of a new cutter http://www.wealdentool.com/acatalog/Onl ... m_270.html

Cheers

Jon

 

[Dissolve]

I generally use Titman Trend Freud Trend Cmt and Wealden. All are good Titman are probably the best and what I would use for a big production type job. Wealden are the best value IMO. For your trimmer I would recommend this with replaceable blades and you'll probably not have to buy another cutter and changing the blades is a fraction of the cost of a new cutter http://www.wealdentool.com/acatalog/Onl ... m_270.html

Cheers

Jon

That's a great idea! Thanks for sharing. Is it not possible to sharpen cutter blades on a standard bit? Obviously this one has extremely cheap blades so there would be no need really but I thought you'd be able to sharpen standard bits?

Cheers guys. Looks like I'll get one of the Wealdon template followers with replaceable blades!

How much easier does a down shear bit cut difficult grain? I'll be working with Sapele which I know can be a bit of a pain, not sure if it's worth getting a spiral bit to compensate?

 

[JonnyD]

I generally use Titman Trend Freud Trend Cmt and Wealden. All are good Titman are probably the best and what I would use for a big production type job. Wealden are the best value IMO. For your trimmer I would recommend this with replaceable blades and you'll probably not have to buy another cutter and changing the blades is a fraction of the cost of a new cutter http://www.wealdentool.com/acatalog/Onl ... m_270.html

Cheers

Jon

That's a great idea! Thanks for sharing. Is it not possible to sharpen cutter blades on a standard bit? Obviously this one has extremely cheap blades so there would be no need really but I thought you'd be able to sharpen standard bits?

Cheers guys. Looks like I'll get one of the Wealdon template followers with replaceable blades!

How much easier does a down shear bit cut difficult grain? I'll be working with Sapele which I know can be a bit of a pain, not sure if it's worth getting a spiral bit to compensate?

You can touch up the bits with a diamond stone but if you send them off to be sharpened the radius will reduce slightly so you will need an undersized bearing . If its difficult grain I tend to use sharp brand new cutters or carefully climb cut which s not a technique I would advise until your familiar and comfortable using the router

Cheers

Jon

 

[Dissolve]

Thanks! I'm going to order o0ne of the Wealdon replaceable bits for my general trimming!

I need to trim some 40mm solid beech worktop as my first job. I just wondered what type of bit would be best for the job? Would any straight cutter with a bearing guide suit?

 

[Allubo]

The trend sets from b&q or similar have a pretty good selection and all good for getting used to how the cutters work, they're also good as back ups/man made board cutters available in 1/4" and 1/2" collets.

For specialist cutters is use Wealdon too.

Other good cutters are CMT, Blue tornado, really as long as you steer clear of those cheap red cutter sets in the crappy wooden boxes, you'll be good, as you progress you'll find some company's have cutters you need and some don't.

Ps I have a Wealdon 50mm straight cutter with a top bearing that I keep for flushing thick solids. They do an option with replaceable blades too, it's personal preference which to go for.

Alex

 

[Phil Pascoe]

The small cheap sets are fine, as long as you don't expect too much of them. I've got a couple - most of the bits have only had a few minutes use, but have got me out of a jam. If you're going to machine tens or hundreds of metres, buy good ones.

 

[Dissolve]

I'm going to be trimming 45mm hardwood down to a template so was considering one of these:

http://www.wealdentool.com/acatalog/Onl ... m_270.html

But would a shorter bit without the bottom bearing be better and routing the depth of the boards in several passes?

 

[Racers]

Thanks! I'm going to order o0ne of the Wealdon replaceable bits for my general trimming!

I need to trim some 40mm solid beech worktop as my first job. I just wondered what type of bit would be best for the job? Would any straight cutter with a bearing guide suit?

Hi,

I did mine with a 1/2" milling cutter like this one http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Osborn-1-2-En ... 256c67ac95
Worked very well on end grain oak, and are cheap.

Pete