Starting a hobby or a small business in the woodworking scene might come off as overwhelming to most people. It’s a big advantage in your performance if you have the crafting skills, but those are not enough to make you successful in this field. You need to have the best set of tools in your workshop, especially if you expect to produce outstanding results.
For one thing, you need a wood router in your workshop; it’s the must-have tool if you want to pursue woodcraft. Suppose you managed to have the best ones in the market; in that case, you’d be able to perform a wide variety of cutting applications, such as decorative trimming, dovetail jig, and lettering on different types of materials other than wood. Still, keep in mind that the best router kits are nothing without the smaller components that build them.
Router bits play a vital role in trimming operations; it literally initiates the cutting magic. In this article, we will talk mainly about router bits and the factors you need to consider when buying a set. If you’re just getting started in the woodcraft scene, you’re at the right post because we’re also featuring the best router bit set for beginners. Read further!
Factors to Consider When Buying a Router Bit Set for Beginners
Assessing which router bit set to get is very important, especially because you’re still figuring your way around the tools you’ll be using for woodcraft. If you browse for this accessory in the market, you’ll encounter several brands claiming that their products are the current superior ones. However, what you buy is for you to decide. Here’s a list of factors you’d want to keep in mind when purchasing a router bit set:
Bit Size
For this factor, check your wood router whether it has a ½-inch or ¼-inch collet. Most routers have only one, and some have both sizes. It’s important to note that the collet because that determines the bit shank diameter that’s compatible with your wood router. Additionally, bits with ½-inch shank diameter are more recommended by professionals because it’s more durable against project materials than those with ¼-inch.
Bit Types
Router bits come in various types and sizes, and each one lets you execute different cutting styles and techniques. If you want to cater to a wide range of projects or develop your skills and expose yourself to various project queries, you’d like to learn about each bit type and go from there. On the other hand, you can choose a kind that you think you’d use the most for practicing. Just remember that each bit shape and size has a corresponding cutting role; you can’t use one for all cutting techniques.
Durability
The durability factor of a router bit lies in the kind of material it’s constructed with. There are 3 bit construction types: solid carbide, carbide-tipped, and high-speed steel (HSS). Like the router bit types, each material provides you with different trimming purposes and applications.
If you want to cut through softwood materials, choose the HSS. If your projects require hardwood and heavier application, opt for the carbide-tipped bits. If you’re going to delve into more complicated tasks that require finesse, get the solid carbide.
Sharpness
While a sharp router bit can do cutting wonders, keep in mind that this relates to safety issues. It’s good to have a sharp wood router for clean and smooth results but ensure that this factor doesn’t affect your safety.
Price
Router bits don’t come at the same prices. As mentioned, bits have different types and depending on their cutting output, one is cheaper or more expensive. It’s highly recommended that you go for router bit sets to save money because purchasing one bit at a time costs more. Still, you can just opt for one bit type depending on the cutting style you’re utilizing the most.
Product Recommendations
In this section, we recommend you our top three picks for the best starter router bit set. Hopefully, you’ll be able to choose something on the list as an addition to your workshop tools.
KOWOOD Router Bits Sets of 24A Pieces 1/4 Inch Shank Router Bit Set T Shape – for Commercial Users
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The first starter set we have in this list consists of 24 router bits that utilize alloy blades. Each bit has a solid hardened steel board, making the bits durable enough to withstand rough working applications. The bits have a ¼-inch shank diameter that allows you to cut through materials smoothly; this shank size also reduces vibration in the bit, preserving its sharpness to prolong usage.
For $39.99, you get a range of router bits that you can use on materials like plywood panel, MDF, and particle board. The package comes in an easy-to-carry wooden case that protects the router bits from storage damage.
Hiltex 10100 Tungsten Carbide Router Bits | 15-Piece Set
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The second on our list is slightly cheaper because it only contains 15 pieces of router bits. Each one has a blade made of YG8 Tungsten carbide that delivers the smoothest and most accurate cuts on various wood types. The bits have a universal 1/4-inch shank bit size, making it compatible with most wood routers. It also comes with a wooden index case for neat organization and bit protection. This set is perfect for budding woodcraft hobbyists to perfect common cutting approaches like grooving, veining, and trimming. At $22.32, the Hiltex router bits are surely a great investment.
MLCS 8377 15-Piece Router Bit Set with Carbide-Tipped 1/2-Inch Shanks
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Our final product recommendation is this MLCS 8377 set that consists of 15 router bits. It costs the most compared to the other ones on the list at $44.70, considering that it just contains 15 pieces; however, we guarantee that this set is worth a try. Each bit ½-inch shank diameter is more commonly used by professionals and hobbyists because of its durability. The MLCS 8377 pieces all have quality carbide-tips, making them accurate and easy to work with, especially on tough projects. Lastly, the package is encased with a wooden box that provides enough protection to prevent bit storage damage.
Final Thoughts
A router bit is such an essential part of a wood router. Without a good one, you’re compromising your crafting work. It’s important to have the best ones to improve your trimming skills further and get used to different approaches. Hopefully, this guide provided you with relevant suggestions and helped you decide how and what to get a beginner-grade router bit set.