By Ken Schulte
So your ready to stock your shop with a set of router bits? Chances are you already have a few bits. What are the best choices? Do you buy a big set or do you build up your collection one at a time? Both have their merits.
Individual Router Bits
This method involves collecting your set, piece by piece, one bit at a time. This can take longer but usually means you don't have router bits that go unused in your collection. Knowing what your looking for can help stock your bit holder faster and reduce the chance of putting your project on hold while you go to the store or order online.
Decide and Conquer
The next step is to decide what your main projects are. If you know you cut a lot of dado's, grooves or slots for example, you will want to have a good variety of straight router bits available. If you laminate a lot of your projects, having more than one flush trim bit is very valuable. (when one is dull, you have a backup) If you like to make attractive edge profiles with your router table, then those would be the bits that you would target. This is where you decide whether or not you need a pre-assembled set or not.
New Bits
New router bit designs come out all the time. Specialized needs are always being
addressed and marketed. There is a new set of plywood edge bits that allow you to
make amazing finished edges for plywood. These bits were not available a year ago. You won't find them in the newer pre-assembled router bit sets. Adding them to your collection is a great option, especially if you build any furniture. New bits that solve old problems are constantly becoming available.
Storage
If you buy a set, chances are they came in an attractive box or wall mounted cabinet. These sets do not leave room for you to add your own router bits. When you build your own collection, you can address your own storage cabinet needs by either building your own or using Bit holders. I like bit holders and you can make them very fancy if you like to show off a bit. For most of us, storage and room are always an issue. Believe it or not, solving the storage problem first is a good place to start.
Pros and Cons
Individual Router Bits
Pros
- Can buy individual router bits based on needs
- Allows you to buy specialized bits
- Custom storage choices
- Mix and match brands
- Mix and match router shank diameters
- Cons
- Can be more costly
- You may have to stop your project and order
- Takes more research
Router Bit Sets
Pros
- Allows you to have a large variety in one purchase
- Very cool cabinets to display
- They are organized
Cons
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