Router bit of choice?

[PV Audio 5,000+ posts]

Thought I'd make a new thread on a topic that surprised me yesterday. Up until last night, I had always used a 1/4" x 1" straight cutting bit. It worked well, and I'd had the same one for at least 4 months. Worked flawlessly. It had gotten overheated a few times though, so the coloring was turned black and purple, so I decided to get a new bit. I was in home depot and they had the same straight bits, and I almost bought one until I remembered that I think fishface said that he used a spiral upcut bit. Bought one instead, and was so amazed that I'll never buy a straight bit again. That bit seriously cut like butter. The straight bit was smooth, but this was simply like passing a knife through a cake. It made such an impression on me, I decided to make this thread: what cutting bit do you use, and why?

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[PatFitz9 10+ year member]

I use a spiral upcutting bit as well. they rock.

also, they cut you very easily.

 

[djman37 5,000+ posts]

spiral up-cut for me.

 

[PV Audio 5,000+ posts]

And pat, I cut the shit out of my thumb picking it up thinking that I could hold it like a drillbit. BAD idea.

 

[ultimate157 5,000+ posts]

I've only used 3/8" double flute straight bit (never on MDF though), and I'm not a fan. Very slow but pretty smooth cutters. If/when I get a plunge router and jasper jig I'll be sure to pick up a spiral up-cut bit and see how it does.

 

[espguitarist91 10+ year member]

where do you find upspiral bits? I can never find them.

 

[ultimate157 5,000+ posts]

where do you find upspiral bits? I can never find them.

http://routerbitworld.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=spiral&x=0&y=0

Google ftw

 

[PV Audio 5,000+ posts]

They're always in the router bit section. I normally use blue Bosch router bits, but spiral upcut bits are uncolored and the one I have is a Porter Cable.

 

[espguitarist91 10+ year member]

http://routerbitworld.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=spiral&x=0&y=0
Google ftw

thanks. I was talking about at HD though. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

They're always in the router bit section. I normally use blue Bosch router bits, but spiral upcut bits are uncolored and the one I have is a Porter Cable.

I can never seem to find them, i suppose ill look harder next time.

 

[PV Audio 5,000+ posts]

Yeah, they're uncolored, so they kind of blend into the wall.

 

[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

They look like a stubby drill bit.

I'm with you I've never used anything else since I got my first one over 3 years ago.

 

[Tirefryr 10+ year member]

Straight bit for flushing, up-cut spiral for holes and router table.

 

[PV Audio 5,000+ posts]

Mr. fryr does speak the truth, however. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

I tried the upcut for flush mounting (just practice), and it wasn't QUITE as precise as my straight bit. I guess it's because of it's shape that makes it better for simple plunging. I'm just speculting, so if anyone can add then that'd be great.

Also, were in IN are you at?

 

[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

I've never had a problem cutting nice pockets with a spiral bit...

 

[lilmaniac2 5,000+ posts]

i bought a up cut bit at lowes for 22 bucks to go with my new router... havent got a chance to use either yet tho