Thread: Best Router Bits

Ooh, thongs on your feet. A horrible picture entered my head there for a moment.

I'm also looking for router bits and would greatly appreciate any recommendations. I'm very new to routers - I only just bought one (a DeWalt plunge/fixed-based combo model). Because I have no bits at the moment, I'm keen to buy a box set of several types to get me started. I'm wary of low-end brands like Ultra or Craftright. I'd rather invest a bit more and get decent bits that will last and, more importantly, not damage my new router. I followed Ray's recommendation and ordered 4 bits from Wealden Tools. I'm also looking at an overseas seller called Grizzly Industrial, who seem to have a good range of router sets at decent prices and ship to Australia. Has anyone used Grizzly bits and has an opinion? Many thanks, Katie

It's hard to go past Carbitool. They're made in Melbourne and are excellent value for money.

I was shopping for a Carbitool router bit recently and found the local trade tool shop price was about the same as Ebay sellers. Supported local shop.

Definately Carbitool. My local timber yard now keeps a wide range

Originally Posted by Katie L

I'd rather invest a bit more and get decent bits that will last and...

The Grizzly prices look quite cheap, which tends to be an indication of quality.

I would go with the Carbitool/CMT/Freud level if you want better router bits.

Hi Katie, Welcome to a top forum.
I've found that buying things as a kit is a waste of money. Where I Volunteer, we have 2 sets of router bits, one box has 6 the other 10, of which only about 5 or 6 in total get used.
I found Carbitool the best, as Elan said, they are locally made. They also offer a sharpening service, an online catalogue, custom made units if required, best of all we actually get to keep a manufacturing business here, where we need it. They might be a bit more expensive than O/S but by the time you add postage it works out cheaper. I look in the catalogue, work out what I require, take the part number with me to a decent hardware store and they order the bit in, if it's not in stock, generally they hold a nice variety of stock. When I say decent, I don't mean the big green shed.
Kryn

Thanks everyone! Very helpful comments. I'm going to focus on Carb-i-tool, as I definitely want to support a local manufacturer, especially if the quality is good. I'll keep my eye out for specials on Freud too. CMT is a bit out of my price range at the moment. Perhaps once I know exactly what kind of router bits I'm going to end up using the most, I'll invest in a couple of carefully-chosen CMT bits.

With regard to ordering bits (eg, Carb-i-tool), are there good online stores where you can do this? The hardware stores nearest me are a hideously overpriced Mitre 10 and Bunnings. I feel like I've spent enough money with them already.

The main things I'm likely to use my router for are cutting lap joints, dovetails, and putting decorated edges on timber. So my next project is trying to understand jigs. Do I need (can I make?) specialised jigs for these tasks. And how important is a router table. I can see there are quite a few threads on these subjects on this forum, so I'm looking forward to having a good read tonight!

What general area of Sydney? I have found my local store that sells Carbitool bits have them at the same price as buying direct but no freight cost

Hi Katie, I'm pretty sure that you can order direct from Carbitool, if not they would be able to put you in touch with the nearest dealer to you.

I've a book called "Maximize your ROUTER SKILLS with ken Burton" ISBN 10: 1-55870-779-4 or ISBN 13:978-1-55870-779-5 put out by Popular Wood Working Books, I highly recommend that you get hold of this book, either through your local library or purchase a copy. Found this on Ebay for you;
https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_odkw=Maximize+your+ROUTER+SKILLS+with+ken+Burton"+ISBN+10%3A+1-55870-779-4+or+ISBN+13%3A978-1-55870-779-5&_ Brand new AU $30.63 It has several projects in it plus a DVD of how to demos.

I have a Triton Router table, 2 actually, and use them more than a hand held, only because when I make items, there are usually 10 plus sometime up to 50 of them and small , which is safer than trying to hand hold. Also have a Dremel and a home made router bench.

I use a lot of jigs, as they are a way of making items exactly the same, and safer as it keeps fingers away from rotating edges.
Hope this helps,
Kryn

Benelongs is my local guy, but thats just coincidence, I buy because his prices are good - he also posts cheaply.

Hi Lappa, I'm in the inner-west (Marrickville). What's your local store?

Other end of the earth i’m afraid Katie L. My guy is in Mt Colah

Hi Kryn, the Ken Burton book looks great - many thanks for this recommendation. My local library doesn't have it, but I managed to find another new copy (with the DVD) on ebay for $15. Bargain! Ordered; it's on its way.