Router bit set poll

[LCHIEN]

The (old) poll is getting kind of stale. We need a new poll.

This one concerns router bit sets. We all know some people like router bit general sets for the selection and not waiting and low cost per bit but a lot of other people prefer to buy router bits on an as needed basis only saving intial outlay and perhaps getting better quality bits.

Not counting special purpose sets (e.g. set of straight bits or incra dovetail set or a cabinet-makers set or roundover set) but just general purpose sets with multiple profiles types and one or more size in each profile. e.g. straight, roundover, ogee, cove, dovetail, bullnose, flush trim all in one kit.

If you own more than one such set you can mark multiple choices.

[dbhost]

Loring,

I think the poll idea is a good idea, but uh...

Didn't you forget the poll?

FWIW, I am one of those guys that likes having a large general purpose set. I actually have two.

My original, and not a horrid set is a Skil 30pc Carbide tipped 1/4" shank set.

My most recent is an MLCS 66pc 1/2" shank set.

Never a moments trouble with either of them. Have used a LARGE percentage of both sets. Had I bought the bits individually, I would have spent more for the bits I have used, and waited much longer to get them, than it cost me to buy the whole set. Combine that with the nice cases I get instead of the individual plastic bags / case thingies they come in, and a good set is well worth the $$ in my book.

[LCHIEN]

i posted the poll, maybe you were too fast on the trigger. After I make the post I actually then have to enter the poll, took me about another 10 minutes; maybe the poll was not ready when you replied to the post. I actually own a 30 piece 1/2" shank MLCS set and a 66 Pc MLCS 1/2" shank set I got later. Of course virtually every bit in the 30-pc set is in the 66 pc set. I find I almost always get my bit from the 30-pc set, the bigger set box is too big and the choice from the 30 is adequate. In restrospect the 66 piece set is probably too big.

[jackellis]

I have several sets. One MLCS 1/4 inch set and two Holbren 1/2 inch sets (they were on sale). So far, I've used mostly the straight bits. Don't use profiles much but that could change.

[crokett]

I don't own any sets. I just have a collection of bits I've bought as I needed one. I tend to use only a few of the bits the most. On the other hand, having a set of bits (especially ones that cut profiles) would let me make much more interesting profiles, especially on picture frames.

[thestinker]

I have I beleive to be a 12 piece set (the shop is a lot of steps from my easy chair right now ) Its 1/4 shank Ryobi, but I would like to go to a 1/2 shank since I got the new router that will take the larger bits. I'll see how this poll turns out and get some good info on that purchase.

Riley

[Knottscott]

My first set was an MLCS 15 pc set, then I bought a few specialty bits as needed. The MLCS set was a good value @ $40, that lasted about 4 years with moderate use. My 2nd set is a Whiteside set that's still like new after > 2 years. I also bought a 24 pc set from Holbren when they were on sale for $20 shipped...couldn't pass up that deal on some decent functional bits. In general, I'd rather buy a smallish set of high quality bits (Whiteside, Infinity, Freud), then buy value bits for special uses that don't see a lot of use (Holbren, MLCS, Woodcraft). The huge value sets typically have too many near duplicates to warrant the higher cost IMHO....ie: 6 straights, 5 roundovers, 5 coves, 5 chamfers, 4 ogees, etc....

I also have some specialty sets like Price Cutter raised panel set, Freud door making set, Holbren plywood dado set, Holbren dovetails, and Holbren bullnose set. My highest quality bits overall are Whiteside, Infinity, Freud, CMT, Katana, and the black Price Cutter bits....Eagle America is a top rated bit I'd like to try sometime...supposedly made at the Whiteside plant.

[Ed62]

I have a 24 piece set from Holbren, plus a few bits bought singly. There are some bits I have that I've never used.

Ed

[180x]

My first set was a Ryobi 1/4" shank set, but have the MLCS 30 bit 1/2" shank set now (seems to be pretty common). Also have Freud, CMT, Sommerfeld's Own, and Whiteside specialty sets as well.

[poolhound]

As always its tough to construct these polls to capture all situations. I do own one mixed set I got a few years ago from Holbren but also a bunch of single bits.

The sets are OK but you do get a bunch that you will probably never ever use. For those starting out a good "essentials" set of quality bits that you then add to when you need new ones is probably the best way to go.