Can some of you woodworking vets give me the top 5 things I need to know about router bits and where to get them? Starting playing with my new router and already busted one off in my material. Probably operator error I’m sure.
1. The majority of bits available at box stores are either made at the same supplier and rebranded differently or are pretty much the same thing in terms of quality level. The biggest difference is going to be in terms of quality of material and how long they will stay sharp. There is a correlation of cost vs quality but the jump from top to bottom isn't as big as you think. If you want to invest in quality, spend the extra money on spiral style bits vs flute. That is where you will see the biggest jump in quality.
2. Flute style bits are fine, they will do the job you are asking. There will be more burning and more tear out and you will have more work covering those up. Ways you can avoid this is by taking smaller passes or using painters tape on edges you are cutting. If you want to avoid some of the extra work get upcut, downcut, or compression bits. J Katz-Moses has a good youtube video on the difference. Brands to look at for that are Whiteside and Amana. There are others but those are the two I am more familiar with.
3. Don't use a 1/4" shank bit in a router table if you can avoid it, especially not a bit with a smaller diameter cutter. There is more side force as you are pushing the work piece into the bit vs bringing the bit to the work piece. Unless you have a trim router or a cnc, 1/2" shank is probably where you will be best off.
4. Just like any cutter, the best thing you can do is take care of it. Don't toss it around so it gets chipped and clean it semi regularly (CMT makes great blade and bit cleaner). I am terrible at both of those things.
Not as long a term vet as some on here but I do work in the industry
