Jasahan Posted April 29, 2014 Report Share Posted April 29, 2014 K, so thanks to everyone that helped with my recent router purchase (Porter-Cable 7539; not arrived yet). Now I need to know a good source for bits. We have mostly 1/4" shank bits, because we had a 1/4" collet router. But the PC is a 1/2" collet. We have a couple 1/2" bits that were donated, so I have a few things to start with. Specifically I'm looking for a "wing-cutter" (guess that's what it's called; i called it a rabbeting bit because that's what I used it for). Preferably 1/2" or more, if they make them, and if that's not insane to use on a 3HP router. But also, I'd just like a good source to browse through. Also, I'm aware that I can get a smaller collet, but the associate at Rockler I talked with recommended against that, because he said the 1/4" shanks aren't made for that much torque. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom King Posted April 29, 2014 Report Share Posted April 29, 2014 Woodcraft sells Whiteside bits. Find the Whiteside website, and they have a pdf of their whole lineup. They also make the better quality bits sold by Eagle America. If you can't find exactly what you need, Whiteside can custom make anything you dream up. If you find exactly the bit you need in the Whiteside catalog, a Google search with the part number sometimes finds a good buy. I stick with Whiteside, but Amana bits are good too. Whiteside also has a quick turnaround sharpening service. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 29, 2014 Report Share Posted April 29, 2014 i buy my whiteside bits from www.carbideprocessors.com. free shipping and great people to deal with. Also, you should be able to get a 1/4" collet for your router so you can still use your old bits. But trust me 1/4" shank bits are easy to break. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom King Posted April 29, 2014 Report Share Posted April 29, 2014 Also you may want a couple of real 1-1/8" wrenches to use instead of the stamped metal ones that come with the router. Or just get a Musclechuck. These routers used to come with both colletts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasahan Posted April 29, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 29, 2014 Also you may want a couple of real 1-1/8" wrenches to use instead of the stamped metal ones that come with the router. Or just get a Musclechuck. These routers used to come with both colletts. Why is that? I've not received the router yet, so I don't know what the issue is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuilderBill Posted April 30, 2014 Report Share Posted April 30, 2014 I like the Whiteside bits, mostly buy them from Amazon, usually sold by Hartville Tool or Edge of Arlington. Both vendors are reliable and ship quickly, prices are better than Woodcraft or Highland. HTH, Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EdgewaterWW Posted April 30, 2014 Report Share Posted April 30, 2014 From the PC 7539 manual "Collets are available that will allow the use of bits having 1/4" or 3/8" diameter shanks." So PC says you can use 1/4 shanks, you can use the speed control to slow it down. I like Rockler (if i don't think I'm going to use the bit a lot, they don't stay sharp as long as others) and Freud bits from Rockler and Whiteside bits are also great from Highland Woodworking or Amazon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom King Posted April 30, 2014 Report Share Posted April 30, 2014 Why is that? I've not received the router yet, so I don't know what the issue is. The stamped wrenches work fine-just a little hard on the hands. I just like the bigger wrenches so I can be sure that the collet is nice and tight with less effort. I buy cheap dedicated wrenches for almost everything. I have blade changing wrenches hanging on any stationary tool that uses a wrench to change the blade, and wrenches in the different router toolboxes. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southwood Posted April 30, 2014 Report Share Posted April 30, 2014 I buy cheap dedicated wrenches for almost everything. I have blade changing wrenches hanging on any stationary tool that uses a wrench to change the blade, and wrenches in the different router toolboxes. I do the same thing. Finally got my 1 1/8's yesterday, so I am all caught up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted April 30, 2014 Report Share Posted April 30, 2014 Whiteside and Freud are good bits. I have used (2) 1/4" wing cutters on a 1/2" shank bit with a bearing to cut a 1/2" slot. You might need a thin washer between the cutters to achieve a full 1/2" slot. If you buy the right set you can get several cutters , an arbor and possibly a few bearings which can be combined to make multiple widths and depths of slots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasahan Posted April 30, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 30, 2014 The stamped wrenches work fine-just a little hard on the hands. I just like the bigger wrenches so I can be sure that the collet is nice and tight with less effort. I buy cheap dedicated wrenches for almost everything. I have blade changing wrenches hanging on any stationary tool that uses a wrench to change the blade, and wrenches in the different router toolboxes. Thanks for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
estesbubba Posted April 30, 2014 Report Share Posted April 30, 2014 I like the Whiteside bits, mostly buy them from Amazon, usually sold by Hartville Tool or Edge of Arlington. Both vendors are reliable and ship quickly, prices are better than Woodcraft or Highland. HTH, Bill Order directly from Hartvillle and use code wn15 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-astragal Posted April 30, 2014 Report Share Posted April 30, 2014 Also you may want a couple of real 1-1/8" wrenches to use instead of the stamped metal ones that come with the router. Or just get a Musclechuck. These routers used to come with both colletts. Easy big fella! Real 1 1/8" wrenches are like 16" long or so. You can easily F up some fine threads on router collets. In fact we had to label our wrenches "do not use on routers". Tight enough is tight enough. Too tight is dangerous. Use common sense and it will be fine. I agree on whiteside. Fine product! Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasahan Posted April 30, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 30, 2014 Thanks. I tried the whiteside page on my phone - not condusive. I'll try again on my laptop. Also checked out the eagle america page. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Llama Posted April 30, 2014 Report Share Posted April 30, 2014 Whiteside has a horrible website. It's best to download their catalog and never return. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted April 30, 2014 Report Share Posted April 30, 2014 Has anyone tried the bits from Woodline.com? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom King Posted April 30, 2014 Report Share Posted April 30, 2014 Easy big fella! Real 1 1/8" wrenches are like 16" long or so. You can easily F up some fine threads on router collets. In fact we had to label our wrenches "do not use on routers". Tight enough is tight enough. Too tight is dangerous. Use common sense and it will be fine. I agree on whiteside. Fine product! Steve Nobody but me uses them, and have for years. I don't remember ever stripping the threads on anything. Both my helpers are powerlifters. They know not to without me ever having to say anything. The frontend loader on my tractor is held on by grade 8 bolts with 1-1/8" heads. I use the same brand wrenches for that, which stays in the toolbox on the tractor, as for the PC routers. Those bolts loosen about once a year. I use my foot for final tightening on those. It's not the wrench, but the hand (or foot) using it. I have a working mans hands, but the real wrenches are still much more comfortable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knotscott Posted May 1, 2014 Report Share Posted May 1, 2014 Whiteside, Infinity, Eagle America, and Freud Quatra are my best bits. Choosing Router Bits 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodbutcher74 Posted May 1, 2014 Report Share Posted May 1, 2014 I've had pretty good luck with MLCS. Also have a couple of CMT bits and they have held up really well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nod Posted May 2, 2014 Report Share Posted May 2, 2014 my new router just landed this past weekend, so this thread is perfectly timed. Any suggestions on Plywood bits? I'm assuming same brands as listed above are the places to start? I'm hoping to do some dados in ply for a couple upcoming projects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EdgewaterWW Posted May 2, 2014 Report Share Posted May 2, 2014 my new router just landed this past weekend, so this thread is perfectly timed. Any suggestions on Plywood bits? I'm assuming same brands as listed above are the places to start? I'm hoping to do some dados in ply for a couple upcoming projects. If you are talking about "Undersized Plywood bits", I got the Rockler set, good price and they work fine, http://www.rockler.com/undersized-plywood-router-bit-set Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasahan Posted May 2, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 2, 2014 my new router just landed this past weekend, so this thread is perfectly timed. Any suggestions on Plywood bits? I'm assuming same brands as listed above are the places to start? I'm hoping to do some dados in ply for a couple upcoming projects. What did you get? And why, if you don't mind? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nod Posted May 2, 2014 Report Share Posted May 2, 2014 If you are talking about "Undersized Plywood bits", I got the Rockler set, good price and they work fine, http://www.rockler.com/undersized-plywood-router-bit-set That's exactly what I'm talking about. I read some folks didn't think the Rockler bits lasted quite as long as they should. They've got a kit of those bits I see. Was looking there before seeing some of these other names. I'll probably just go that route since they won't be getting heavy use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nod Posted May 2, 2014 Report Share Posted May 2, 2014 What did you get? And why, if you don't mind? Jasahan, I got the bosch kit (MRC23EVSK - actually the refurbished version from CPO tools) so I could have plunge and fixed. It's my first router, so I bought it after lots of research and reviews. Looks like enough power (2.3hp) for most of what I'll use it for. I don't need anything dedicated for a table, just need solid general performance. I'm just getting started, so my opinion on it means nadda at this point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasahan Posted May 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 16, 2014 Trying to find a certain bit, and I don't know if it's even possible for it to exist. A pattern bit (bearing at the top), 1/2" shank, and less than a 1/2" cutting diameter. Length, 1 1/4", but doesn't have to be exactly that. I'm trying to cut through 3/4" laminate counter top. Have been doing it with 2 passes with a smaller bit on a smaller router. But now that we have the 3HP, we are trying to do it in one pass, but the only bit for what we needed was pretty big (pretty sure it was 3/4 diameter, but it might be 1/2"; i haven't personally used it). It was a Rockler brand because I needed it that day. So now I'm trying to look through the sites you all suggested. Anyway, the bit seems to be dulled out (again, I'm not personally using it, so I can't guarantee that's the case) even after cleaning it. We are no pros at sharpening, so I'm also ordering some sharpeners mentioned in this article: http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/careandsharpeningofrouterbits.aspx Anyway, so is it not possible (or structurally stable) to make a pattern bit whose cutting diameter is smaller than its shank? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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