Woodworking question (router bits)

[Coytee]

I'm quickly heading to paralysis by analysis....  help!

 

Recently picked up a router (Porter Cable 7539), belt sander (Porter Cable 362 if I recall) and a Bench Dog ProMax cast iron table for $400.

 

Now, I need to get some bits for the router.

 

I know there are bits.....and there are bits.

 

Looking for some dovetail, flush and frankly....don't know what else!

 

Been looking around and it seems Whiteside and Eagle America are touted as among the best.

 

What say you?

 

I'd rather spend a bit more and get a bit that will hold its edge longer.  Would also be nice if the bit could be resharpened.  (can bits be resharpened or am I dreaming?)

 

What are some of the better brands and why would you say they are the better brand?

 

 

 

 

 

 

[CECAA850]

I've had good luck with Freud.  Cheap bits are cheaply made not just inexpensive, you're wise to steer clear.

[USNRET]

Here's some things to think about:

 

and this would make a nice dovetail jig:

[Coytee]

Wife always chastises me for buying something expensive (usually associated with being quality)

 

I ask her, "when was the last time you regretted buying quality?"

 

Bought a Stihl pole saw a couple weeks ago ($650).  She would go out and look at brand 'x' for $150.....  "a pole saw is a pole saw"

 

yes honey.....whatever you say.

 

So, are the Freud's carbide tipped, solid carbide?  Any benefit to solid carbide (which what I think Whiteside touts how they make most of theirs)

[Woofers and Tweeters]

The what else - you might want to get some different sizes of Roundover, and Ogee bits and the Grove, Chamfer, Cove and Straight bits for starters. Unless you're going into it for business or are planning miles of cuts, real expensive or sharpening might not be needed. 

[CECAA850]

So, are the Freud's carbide tipped, solid carbide? Any benefit to solid carbide (which what I think Whiteside touts how they make most of theirs)

 

No idea.  You may or may not have seen some of my subwoofer builds.  I honestly have no idea how many that I've built over the years and haven't had to replace or sharpen a bit yet.  Mine are used on both wood and MDF which is much harder on a bit than wood.  If you're going into serious production then I'm not the guy to ask.

[geoffr]

Everything that you need to know about routers:

http://www.routerforums.com

[OO1]

Freud Tools are

 

I've had good luck with Freud.  Cheap bits are cheaply made not just inexpensive, you're wise to steer clear.

watch this to compare Freud tools with cheaper bits

 

http://www.freudtools.com/index.php/video

[OO1]

 

 the Quadra cut 4 cutter design bits are the best out there -

Edited April 26, 2015 by Randyh

[Coytee]

I will say, I'm a hands down fan of Freud when it comes to replacing my circular blades (miter, circular, table...)