There’s a wide array of power tools that enthusiasts and professionals work with in the crafting industry. If you’re dealing more with woodcraft and woodworks, you should know that a wood router is one of the important tools that complete a workshop. While there are more modern and technology-driven tools currently, these conventional tools still come in handy, especially when you’re just getting started on the hobby.
With that being said, it’s also important to take note of the components that do the actual work within a wood router. One of the most important attachments in this power tool is the router bits; indeed, these are the ones that come directly on your material to cut, engrave, or carve. Like wood router units, different brands claim they have the finest router bits in the market. If you’re just getting started with woodcraft, you will get overwhelmed by misleading advertisements.
In this article, we’re featuring one of the leading brands when it comes to producing high-quality router bits: Freud. We’re going to talk about two of their products and help you determine which router bit set for the money.
Things to Check on When Getting a Wood Router Bit Set
Before we proceed to our product recommendation section, let’s talk about a few points you’d want to remember when you’re buying router bits.
Bit Type
Wood routers play a role in letting you execute different cutting styles and crafting techniques, and the secret behind that are the various kinds of router bits that are available. You’ve got the most commonly used type, which is the straight bit. You also have the bits for decorative trimming, engraving, and edging, such as the flush-trim, chamfer, round-over, and edge-forming bits. Assess which cutting technique you mostly utilize on your queries, and settle on that bit type. On the other hand, you can get a router bit set if you want to explore different techniques.
Bit Size
You can refer to your wood router for this factor and check whether its collet size is ½” or ¼”; this will determine what bit size you’re going to need. Ensure that you’re buying the one that’s compatible with your wood router. Most wood routers come with both those sizes, so that would be a bonus for you if your unit has that feature.
Sharpness
Sharpness is your key to accomplishing a wide array of woodworks that require different types of materials. The sharper your router bits are, the better. Still, it would be best if you were careful about how sharp your bit can be. It can compromise your projects’ results and your own safety.
Vibration Rate
You need to include this factor in the list because it adds up to the bit’s overall durability. A low vibration rate helps you prevent instant wear. You’ll also be able to maintain to avoid dull router bits. You can check if the bit you’re holding has an excellent vibration rate based on its spin rate.
Durability
The bit construction is generally the deciding factor on how durable a bit can be. The material used on the router bit also determines which cutting applications it can cater to. There are three types of bit constructions: High-Speed Steel (HSS), Carbide, and Solid Carbide. HSS bits are more used on projects based on softwood materials. On the other hand, Carbide bits are applied on woodworks that require hardwood. Lastly, the Solid Carbide bits are needed on projects that fall in the more complicated category.
Price
Just like wood routers, router bits have varying prices that depend on cutting techniques they can offer. The bit type and size affect this factor because certain kinds cost more, while some come at lower prices. If you’re just getting a bit replacement, you can settle for individual pieces to save money. We recommend that you get a set if you want to further expand your routing skills; it’s also a great choice because sets typically have more affordable prices.
Product Recommendations
In this section, we will provide you with our reviews on the two Freud wood router bit sets. If you’ve been meaning to buy a bit set from the brand but you’re conflicted on which one you want to buy, this short product guide might help you out. Let’s get right into it!
Freud 5 Piece Round Over/Beading Bit Set
The Freud 89-102 is set that’s composed of 5 pieces of round-over bits that offer you outstanding edging approaches, making it very useful when it comes to softening the edges of fine and delicate furniture. The package comes with a 3/8-inch bearing that converts all the round-over bits into beading router bits; this allows you to use them on decorative trimming. You can use the Freud 89-102 on materials, such as softwoods, hardwoods, and plywoods.
These bits are compatible with wood routers with a ½-inch collet size and can be attached to handheld or table-mounted routers. The set comes in a handy wooden box for safe bit storage; you can either carry it around in your toolbox or mount it on the wall.
For the price of $101, we think it’s quite expensive for just five pieces of router bits. Let’s see what the next product has got to offer.
Freud 91-100 13-Piece Super Router Bit Set
Indeed, the Freud 91-100 is a super router bit set because of its 13-bit inclusion. The set provides you with a wide selection, composing of straight, mortising, round nose, cove, rounding over, Roman ogee, chamfer, rabbeting, dovetail, flush trim, and v-grooving bits. All of these are compatible with a 1/2-inch collet size.
Like the first Freud set, the model 91-100 can be used on projects based on hardwoods, softwoods, and plywoods. The bits are also compatible with handheld and table-mounted wood routers. Lastly, the package comes in a shadow box that you can carry or mount on a wall or a bench.
At $209.00, this bit set can cater to many projects that require various cutting styles. We think we have a clear winner between these two products!
Final Thoughts
Between Freud’s 89-152 and 91-100 models, we recommend that you get the second bit set, based on its price and the total router bits offered. The 5 bits included in the 89-152 was undoubtedly outshined by the 13 bits in the 91-100 set. Let us know what you think!