Posted: 2/21/2008 7:05:59 AM EDT
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I need a set of router bits for general (I don't know what it's for, but I know I'm going to wish I had them when the time comes) use. I found these at Sportsman's Guide. Are there any other/better deals? |
This page has the milling tool for Pergo. The price is $119 - so I guestimated a bit high. |
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Your bit use will vary depending on what you do the most of. During my professional interior trim/cabinetry days, I used my straight bits a lot, to make square notches and rabbets, and my inside and outside 90 degree curves a lot to make cove moldings and bullnoses. I'd recommend any set which included say a couple-three straights bits in diffeent radii, a small (quarter inch), medium (half inch)and large (three quarter inch) inside and outside 90 degree curves, and maybe one fancy edge bit like an ogee or roman ogee, something YOU like, that roughly follows a 45 degree angle of material removal. The very wide bits are for cabinet doors or modling cutters, while the near vertical specialty bits aren't large enough to really be seen. I have lots of arbor sets with multiple bit heads you can assemble, but nine times out of ten I grab the already assembled dedicated bit and avoid the time waste of setting up bit components. Unless you are going to spend a thousand bucks on a set of bits, anything beyond these basics in a set are usually wasted bit money. Better to buy the smaller basic set and then use your extra money for job specific bits, all in high quality, than to buy a big set where most of the weirdo bits will never get used. The big name tool company bits are usually a good value for your money. If you want to spend a little extra, I love my Vermont Americans. Pros usually use half inch bits, and sometimes look down on the smaller arbor bits. Personally, I use whatever works, and find that quality results are more a product of sharp bits and solid router techniques than arbor size. If I spent a lot more time routing than I do now, I'd make sure all my bits were half inch. |
looks like nothing more than an overpriced slot cutter. Pergo is not in the business to sell tools, they want to sell flooring. I have 1/4 inch slot cutter bit sitting in the box now, along with a huge assortment of bearings to set depth. Just cause pergo wants to rip you off does not mean you need to bite. |
| Check out Infinity Cutting Tools They have excellent bits and service. |
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That kit will probably contain 5 bits that you will never use, unless you specifically make it a point to. There are another few that you will rarely use. It looks like it has a few roundover bits, which are very useful, and an ogee or two. A rabbit bit is good too, especially if it includes some different sized bearings. It's good for a lot of things, like creating the notch (rabbit) for cabinet backs. There are many other uses. You can do the same thing with a table saw though. The straight bits are very useful for making dados for cabinet shelves, but a 1/2" bit wont work for a lot of 1/2" plywood because the plywood is usually 1/6" or 1/32" shy of 1/2". Same for the 3/4", but it will work for 3/4" solid stock. They make bits sized for plywood. The flush trim bit is very useful too if you ever laminate anything (countertops, gun bench  ) or make patterns.All of that said: For 79 bucks you will probably get your moneys worth. If you find that you use some more than others, they would wear out anyways. Just replace them with high quality units. Dont run through nails!! |
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I hate no-name China-Mart router bits. They have inferior carbide, are not balanced well and burn at the slightest provacation. They MIGHT be getting better but I doubt it. Yeah, a LOT of brand name bits are now made in China. But if these are inferior, you have a place to voice complaints. |