Router roundover bits for starting out.
ahneedhelp
| Posted in Tools for Home Building on
I need to invest in a basic set of roundover bits (for a 1/2″ router that also has a 1/4″ adapter) mainly for easing the corners of 4×4 posts, etc.
Doesn’t have to be drastic, just enough to soften the edges for things such as 4×4 doug fir posts I might use for a children’s loft/bunkbed.
I’ve been scouring the posts and the sizes mentioned range from 1/16″ to 1/4″.
Can you recommend a brand-name kit that has 4 – 6 bits or I could buy one or two bits to get started.
I see Freud at ToolCrib, but if you know of others I would appreciate you suggestions.
Thanks !
(I’m starting here before I post at Knots.)
Replies
I'd watch for a tool show in your area. They usually have great deals on bits from name brand as well as smaller co's... I got a great set of assorted router bits from Jeseda (is it?) for about half off at a show.
Goto MLCS. They are pretty much good bang for the buck in the industry. They are not the ultimate but also not a no-name import that will be out of business next week. They have plenty of kits to satisfy most users and their prices are hard to beat (although you can certianly beat them if you try).
http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/
Good luck,
Rob kress
Pricecutter.com sells decent enough bits and in sets.
Thanks for all your suggestions and fast replies.Looks like 1/8" is the smallest available for 1/2" collet routers, so I'll get one of those.Maybe skip the 1/4" and get a 3/8".
Try these two sizes and go up to a larger size after I get a better idea.Anything I should be aware of if I want to ease the corners on applied hardwood edges on 3/4" plygoods ?
When I look at bit sizes, there are two other measurements given besides the roundover size
help
The sizes that you see are probably the radius, the circumference, and the over all height of the bit.
The measurement that you should be looking for is the radius.
Doug
re - The measurement that you should be looking for is the radius.---Thank-you !I believe I have several sizes picked out and ready to order.
Something to think about...
A 1/16th" bit doesn't do a whole lot for you, especially in something as "rough" as just easing the edge on a 4x4.
Consider a random orbit sander, or buy a more useful bit...like a 1/4" roundover...and just adjust the depth...or use a larger bearing...or adjust the fence to cover most of the bit if using a router table...and just use the edge of the bit to nick the corner of the post and thus ease the edge.
Amana and Whiteside are "forever" bits, something to think about if you go upscale down the road.
Thanks for the help, Mongo and RW.1/4" is added to the list - very useful info.In addition to MCLS, I will take a look at Whiteside and Amana.
Not sure who sells Whiteside - any particular sources ?I do own two RO sanders and will try them also.Appreciate the helpful replies.
Woodcrafters has Whiteside or at least they used to.CMT also.
Edited 11/23/2004 11:51 pm ET by Bill Hartmann
check out woodline. Thyere all I use any more. cheap bits come with 100% guaranty. They really are good bits I never had to use the guarenty.
but at a woodshow I told the owner I had a crown molding bit that I bought a couple of years earlier. I didnt like it. Nothing wrong with the bit but I didnt like it. he told me to bring it to the next show or send it to him and he would give me my money back or give me a bit of equal cost. Well ya cant beat that. im sold on them bits.
Darkworksite4: I'm RonT and I have approved this message
all above good. I'll second MLCS. Cheap, but not too shabby. A bargain for the occasional use category. Jesada used to make some good stuff, got bought, went t#ts up. The son of the original founder then went and started his own company, Infinity tools. Again, decent quality, comparable prices. Their chop saw blades are second on my list of awesome performers.
"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain
Amana and CMT make very good bits (if that matters to you). http://www.ballewsaw.com has the best prices that I have found. CMT has a round over set that has 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 for less than buying them separetly. BTW framing stock typicly comes with an 1/8 round over milled into it. Nothing wrong with making it bigger tho as in your case.
re - BTW framing stock typicly comes with an 1/8 round over milled into it. Nothing wrong with making it bigger tho as in your case.
----This is helpful info and as you can see I'm seriously lacking in first-hand experience in rounding over stock.
Now I have a frame of reference.It appears a 1/4" would make it just right for a 4x4.Thanks.
I'm with Mongo on the Amana & Whiteside...I use both to make a living, I use em cause there's no visible chatter, that translates to no sanding, that means I'm happy...plus they last for a mighty long time.If your looking at 15 vs 30 bucks, don't forget to factor in how long you think you'll be woodworking...I've gotta push Whiteside, cause they're made here in NC...but these guys have the best price on them: dang, just type Librawood into your browser...I'm not real handy with this kinda router<G> Don't worry, we can fix that later!
Howdy -Not having luck finding a source for the Whiteside bits.
I'm familiar with the name from the test Fine Woodworking did on bits - it came out on top.
I think the top three were all U.S. made.Is Librawood a distributor ?I'll check.Thanks.
I found the web site !Librawood seems to be the motherlode of Whiteside router bits.Thanks a bunch for the web site tip.
http://www.librawood.com/I knew you only needed a clue...the link is for the rest<G> Don't worry, we can fix that later!
Ahneedhelp
Someone else mentioned these guys, I think their prices are the best I can find.
http://www.ballewsaw.com
Doug
Just went to both sites;
compared a few bits, Ballew Lib.
bit # 2200 25.88 26.36
2201 28.13 27.26
2202 25.88 26.39
2210 42.00 39.78
So they are close, not factoring shiping in.
Edited 11/25/2004 12:32 pm ET by Doug@es
Greetings -Thanks so much for your helpful replies.As a beginner in routing, here's what I decided to do.Will start out with MLCS bits.
They also have a line of "Katana" branded bits, which is suppose to be higher quality.After graduating from these, I will sample some of the Whitesides from...Librawood and some other sources that were mentioned in this thread.I noticed some of these folks also carry 8mm european bits, which is good news because the Festo bits for my router cost a bit too much.Thanks again.