Replies

1. 
   WillGeorge | Nov 07, 2008 02:52pm | #1

   What cutting length is most useful for a template bit used in a router.

   Good question.. I must have several hundred bits of all kinds. Some 'L' cheapest and many quality bits.

   This week I made a template for cutting profiles on some 86 inch long tapered legs for two canopy beds I am making. I had the template made and fitted one of the eight legs to be profiled onto the template. I went looking for a bit. Geeeeee.. I did not have one with a ball bearing at the bottom of the bit! Oh well, back to making a new template to profile the legs.

   Unless you only want quality as in expensive bits.. Get a 'set' of bits. I have some 'sets' that were about $50 to $100 US...

   As in the 'L' cheapest.. They work for me in most cases.

   Get only 1/2 inch shank. I have a few 1`/4 inch shanks hardly ever used. A bit diameter at 1/2 inch will allow a tighter inside radius than a 3/4 inch.

   Solid Carbide Spiral are the cats meow but with ball bearings they get really expensive.

   EDIT:
   A link I found for you. Take it for what it is worth..
   Good general information.
   http://www.toolstoday.com/t-routerbitglossary.aspx

   No! I am not selling anything. Just something I found.

   
   

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   Edited 11/7/2008 10:32 am by WillGeorge

1. 
   flairwoodworks | Nov 09, 2008 07:57am | #5

   Will,

   Did you mean "el cheapo"?Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com

    - Success is not the key to happines.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

1. 
   WillGeorge | Nov 09, 2008 01:22pm | #6

   Did you mean "el cheapo"?

   LOL... I never could spell!

2. 
   knuts | Nov 07, 2008 04:23pm | #2

   MLCS has a shear angle 1/2 X 1 3/16 bit for $13.00 that I use a lot for general work. Also a spiral 1/2" I use on ply, MDF and cranky grain fr $60.00. 1/2" shank won't flex like 1/4" shanks.

3. 
   Routerman | Nov 07, 2008 05:54pm | #3

   Some background and typical options.

4. 
   SawdustSteve | Nov 08, 2008 01:09am | #4

   It all depends on what you're doing. I help make knock-down kid size rocking chairs. Because the wood is 12mm or 1/2" thick, I put a lot of mileage on a 1/4 and 3/8" diam bits. You have to design your pattern to match the desired results, and that in turn will determin the diam. of the bit you will use.
   SawdustSteve Long Island, NY