Thread: torquata router bit set

Trav,

This will probably get shouted down but I bought a boxed set when I got my first router and have often been thankful that I did. Being a complete novice at the time I found that as I learnt a bit more from books and this forum instead of just thinking "jeez, that'd be fun to try" I could go to the box and more often than not find I already had a bit to try what I wanted. Maybe I could only do it once or twice because my very low end set don't exactly hold an edge, but I got the ideas sorted out and could then decide if I wanted to go down that path again. Mind you, I paid less than $50 for a set of 15 bits, at twice that you might consider it a more expensive learning curve. Just my tuppence worth...

John

I did the same thing and others have said much the same thing on other threads. At least it gives you a set of bits to try and see what ones you actually use. When they wear out you can then replace them with expensive bits with the knowledge that you are actually going to use them.

Torquata is a Timbecon product

These sets are good value, nothing like having a selection of bits at a good price. These sets contain profiles that you will most likely use most of. You can make multiple passes with different bits to get profiles otherwise not obtainable with a single bit.

I too am a relative newbie on the router but I bought the 1/2" Torquata set and it has been good. Much better than the 1/4" Bunnies special which is s$#t - but still I got a couple of passes out of them

Have since gone on to buy bits from McJing and Carbatec - mainly special purpose ones for making picture frames. It's like everything - you gets what ya pay for

AWR did a review of router bits - summary is as described previously - you get what you pay for but the crapola ones are ok so long as you dont cook them or run them through 5000m of ironbark....

I got the boxed set of bunnies (15 x 1/2 shaft) when I got me triton router and they be great - mind you i just dick around i aint no professional....

Originally Posted by Trav

I know I dice with death by suggesting that I buy a boxed set of router bits. But I was reading the carbatec cattledog this morning with my cornflakes and saw that their boxed sets are supposedly made up of the 'high quality bits' they sell individually. But at $95 for a set of 15 TCT bits with 1/2 inch shanks, it seemed like good value if the bits are any good.

As a new router owner, I only own the straight cutter that comes in the box with the triton router.

Any views? Or any suggestions about a good set to commence with? I know I could buy the individual bits, but I thought a boxed set would be a good way to start my collection until I work out what I am doing and what I really needed.

Trav

Trav,95 dinero for a set of 1/2" Router Bits is a darn good investment for a new bloke with a router because it will provide you with a range of bit profiles that will help you in the decision making process for any edge mouldings you want.
It will also give you a sturdy shaft diameter in which to practice your cuts/passes until you get used to the full functions available from your router.
Too many router novices (like me originally)start out with 1/4" shaft bits which can give with the lateral pressure applied.
The small shaft router bits are ok for small LIGHT work or trimming but should not be considered if venturing into work over 1/2" in thickness unless light
trimming of veneer,edge trims ,etc.

What one has to remember also is that these sets are priced accordingly in that they're mass produced and quality is circumspect but they do fulfill a niche and that is where their popularity lies for the bloke in the back shed with the occassional use of them.

If, deciding to go further once mastering some of your routers abilities and your own needs then consideration could be given over to getting yourself some of the better quality bits available that dont require sharpening/honing as frequent as the cheaper ones may do.

I would say go with the Carba-tec/Timbecon set ...familiarise yourself with their uses/limitations ...come back here if you need to and throw some more chaff out so that may be able to help you if we can!

Good Luck with your experiences and hope to hear how you go.
Cheers

thanks for the advice lads. The torquata set seems to be the go! I'll report back on how they turn out.

Trav