Things to Know About Router Bits
The best Router bits are the ones that get the job done.
Router bits come in all shapes and sizes.
Basically bits are made of one of three materials.
The least expensive are made from high speed steel.
These are used mostly to trim laminate or work on soft wood as they dull faster.
Carbide Tipped would be the best for most applications.
They are usually more expensive but they stay sharp longer and are a good choice for hard woods and other hard material.
These will give you more bang for your buck.
The next would be Solid Carbide Router Bits.
These are the most expensive bits.
For the average armature woodworker this type of bit would be out of range and not practical for the beginner.
Unless you expect to make a living at woodworking.
The carbide tipped will do the same job with excellent results.
Router bits come with different size shank.
The most common is 1/4 and 1/2 inch.
You might want to consider when you buy your bits to use 1/2 inch shank.
They have less vibration and less chatter.
Most routers come with Collets for 1/4 and 1/2 inch.
You get better results with the 1/2 inch.
Reducing the vibration is very important not only to the quality of the cut, but for safety.
Now for a good rule of thumb.
Never loan you router bits to anyone.
Always keep your bits separated and don't let them bump into each other.
Carbide holds a sharp edge but they do chip easy and that will ruin the bit and give you less than desirable results with your finished project.
Special care should be taken when changing and in storing your router bits.
Store your bits in a case inserted in a hole that is the same size as the shank of the bit.
I make my own storage rack.
If you take care of your router bits they will take care of you and will give you perfect cuts.
Router bits come in all shapes and sizes.
Basically bits are made of one of three materials.
The least expensive are made from high speed steel.
These are used mostly to trim laminate or work on soft wood as they dull faster.
Carbide Tipped would be the best for most applications.
They are usually more expensive but they stay sharp longer and are a good choice for hard woods and other hard material.
These will give you more bang for your buck.
The next would be Solid Carbide Router Bits.
These are the most expensive bits.
For the average armature woodworker this type of bit would be out of range and not practical for the beginner.
Unless you expect to make a living at woodworking.
The carbide tipped will do the same job with excellent results.
Router bits come with different size shank.
The most common is 1/4 and 1/2 inch.
You might want to consider when you buy your bits to use 1/2 inch shank.
They have less vibration and less chatter.
Most routers come with Collets for 1/4 and 1/2 inch.
You get better results with the 1/2 inch.
Reducing the vibration is very important not only to the quality of the cut, but for safety.
Now for a good rule of thumb.
Never loan you router bits to anyone.
Always keep your bits separated and don't let them bump into each other.
Carbide holds a sharp edge but they do chip easy and that will ruin the bit and give you less than desirable results with your finished project.
Special care should be taken when changing and in storing your router bits.
Store your bits in a case inserted in a hole that is the same size as the shank of the bit.
I make my own storage rack.
If you take care of your router bits they will take care of you and will give you perfect cuts.
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