Archive for the ‘Router Bit Articles’ Category

I came across this video and I was going to skip it, but then something made me watch it.  I am glad i did, this is  a pretty cool idea a long time coming.  Basically its a flush trim bit that has a bearing on top or bottom.  it comes with three bearings so that you can adjust it yourself.  I like it because it saves you time in chucking up a new bit, and it saves you money because you do not have to buy numermous bits.  Here is a summary of this short video, I can only supply the link since they do not have the code available to embed it.

• 4 bearings
• Flush trim
• 1/16″, 1/8″ 3/16″
• Makes something similar to a rabbet, great for raised panel work.
• carbide blades
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbA4DDAeC5I&playnext_from=TL&videos=moN5TJf3jB4&feature=grec

This really is a pretty neat idea.  You can see the Rockler Flush Trim Bit here
Avoid a tedious setup when you want to trim precise amounts of wood off doors and large panels. These kits use razor-sharp shear-cutting bits along with different bearing combinations to remove exactly 1/16″, 1/8″, or 3/16″ of material in just two router passes—all without a straightedge! Each kit includes one carbide router bit and five bearings to set up the various depths of cut. The Small Bit Kit is perfect for trimming stock up to 1″ thick, while the Large Bit Kit can handle doors and panels up to 2″ thick. Click the “Videos” tab above to see how this kit will save you time!

Multi Sided Glue Joint Router Bits

This is an interesting video that shows you how to use the multi sided glue joint bits from MLCS.  The kit comes with three bits and they take the time to go over the instructions on how to use them.  Covered in this video is:

• 3 bit set
• Used for 6,8,12 and 16 sided objects
• Instructions guide you for number of sides and thickness of stock to make it easy for you to get started.
• you only cut one side of the stock
• Setting the point of the bit above the router table
• two pass cut using a stop block  This gives you a smooth finish and a good glue joint
• dry fit for super easy assembly
• glue and clamp
• you can buy the bits in sets or individually
• You can download plans for free on MLCS (co0L)

By Woody Samuals

Router Bits – Defined as “a cutting bit used in a router”, these multi-tasker tools are a very important part of our lives. You may scoff at such a thought, but consider the number of things in our lives that we come into contact with everyday that a router bit has touched… CNC router bits are used for the sign on the front of your workplace and the numbers or name on your mailbox, stile and rail router bits are used to make the windows of your house, and dovetail router bits are used to make your dresser drawers. Router bits have been used in some kind of mechanism used to create a high speed spinning action for many years, but it was only recently that routers and the router bits that are designed to be used with them came together in a marriage that has made this tool combination so useful to the woodworking tools craftsman of today.

Typically made of HSS, or high speed steel, router bits are designed to withstand very high temperatures and still maintain a sharp cutting edge that enables the router bits to glide through the material it’s cutting with relative ease. Most routers and the router bits they use have recommended RPM ratings to help insure tool longevity and safety to the user. Carbide tipped router bits have the cutting surface covered with carbide, and some router bits contain no steel at all being made completely of carbide. These carbide router bits are slightly more expensive than the traditional HSS router bits, but offer a longer, sharper tool life and are designed to be used when cutting composite woods such as MDF, plywood, and other manmade materials.

It won’t take long to realize that there is no shortage of router bit manufacturers to choose from, so how do you know which one is right for you? Some of the best known names in the industry such as Freud, MLCS, CMT, Amana, and Jesada were put to the test and the results may shock you. In all, 17 different company’s router bits were put to the test known as the Router Bit Matchup. When the sawdust had cleared, Whiteside Router Bits emerged the winner proving to stay sharper, longer and producing the fewest imperfections in the material used for the test. For full details on this test, search “Router Bit Matchup, Whiteside” on your search engine.

Whiteside router bits is a small, 30 year old company located in Claremont, North Carolina. Featuring over 300 different styles of router bits in just about any size requirement, Whiteside router bits is a great choice for the beginner hobbyist or the experienced craftsman. Whiteside router bits are made in the USA and offer the perfect tool for any woodworking project you may be working on.

Once you decide to try Whiteside router bits, you will need to find a dealer who carries the Whiteside product line. There are a few local stores who may carry a limited selection of Whiteside router bits, but for the best selection and pricing, the Internet is the best place to shop for your router bits.

You can also find more router bits and router bit sets here.

Woodshed Tools, Inc is proud to offer Whiteside Router Bits. We offer secure purchasing, great customer service, and the small company attention for your big company needs. For more information about Woodshed Tools, Inc or to browse the entire Whiteside Router Bits product line, please visit http://www.woodshedtools.com or http://www.router-bits-shaper-cutters.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Woody_Samuals

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All the time you see different products that come out to help the woodworker sharpen his or her tools in the shop. There is just about every contraption out there with a variety of prices and features. The one thing you never see is a good system for sharpening router bits. I am all for having super sharp chisels in my shop, but I just don’t use my chisel set all that much. Buying a $350 sharpener just does not do much for my enthusiasm. However I am constantly using my router bits since the router table is a big part of my workshop. Every time I sharpen a bit, it cost generally between 5 and 10 dollars. I like to use quality bits so sharpening them and keeping them sharp is in my best interest.

In the meantime, keeping the bits clean is probably one of the best things you can do to prolong the life of your router bit. I try to make a system so that the bits stay as clean as possible. This may work for you. I take a small piece of mdf and drill some ¼ and ½” holes in them. On one piece I write “clean” and the other I write “dirty” Having duplicate bits is the key to this system. When a bit gets gunked up, I take it and place it on the dirty holder. When I get enough of them to warrant a few minutes of cleaning, I get out my cleaners and brass brush and have at it. Always remove the bearings first so as to not damage them. I quick scrub removes some of the pitch that builds up on the cutting edges. If you do laminate work, you will notice that flush trim bits get very dirty very fast. Simply cleaning the bit in this instance makes a world of difference. At this time it’s a great idea to give the bits a few swipes on a diamond sharpener to touch up the edges. This helps keep the bit tuned up between sharpening. After I finish I move the bits to the “clean” bit holder and they are ready to go back to work.

Sharpening

I use the same system for cleaning as I do for sharpening. The two bit holder technique works well for keeping things organized. You can send bits and blades out to be sharpened with companies you find on the internet. This is becoming handier since the items are turned fairly quickly (a week or less) and the companies ships them right back to your doorstep. I like this option because I do not have to allocate any time in taking them and picking them up. I call that a “low value activity” Having duplicates allows me to keep working while the other bit is getting sharpened. I do like to go the extra mile and make a simple chart that keeps track of my sharpening. This way I know that I am using sharp tools which give me better cuts in my materials.

Today

So what exists out there today for the home user? Not much. I have always said that the person who invents the tool that helps automates this task will do very well for themselves. Investing time in some good quality stones would be a good alternative. However if you are a production shop, stopping and taking the time and learning curve to get good at this might not always be cost effective. Hobbyists might are more prone to taking the time to hand sharpen their bits, but there is a some kinks in that theory too. Many of the newer bits are very complex. Their shapes don’t lend themselves to easy sharpening and thus can kill the whole do it yourself theory. These bits are best sharpened by the professional. The next time you read through your favorite woodworking magazine, take note of all the sharpeners for sale and you will definitely notice what I am talking about. Take the time to organize a good cleaning and sharpening system and your wallet will thank you. It can make a big difference when you are working on that special project if you have nice clean and sharp router bits.

You can see great Router Bit Sets here

Why do woodworkers take the time to build their own furniture?  I catch myself asking that question from time to time.  One trip to the store or a brief story on the local news usually answer that question for me.  In today’s economy people want and need value.  Value in a bad or tough economy usually takes the from of quality.

Building something yourself allows you to build in that quality and make an item that will last several lifetimes.  It is starting to catch on.  Because we are in a global economy, people are beginning to understand that most businesses have changed the way they do business.  Buying products made overseas and outsourcing jobs is what they must do to stay in business.  However if you don’t like the offerings at your local furniture store, the craftsman has a different option.  Build it yourself and make something that can be handed down from generation to generation.

Time Verse Quality

Obviously there is more time involved in making your own items.  If your shop is already set up, you have a huge head start.  Having all the tools you need and being organized is half the battle.  If you are willing to trade your time in for quality, you can add a lot of value to your home.  This is key; putting a value on your time is different for everyone.

What I want verses what they offer.

Another good argument to making your own items is the “wysiwyg” factor. (what you see is what you get)  When you design and make your own furniture, you can customize any way that you want.  Most furniture makers choose colors and styles that have general appeal.  Making your own designs allows you to build in any style or color that matches your homes decor.

Cost verses Convenience

For some people the bottom line is cost.  For other the bottom line is quality and cost is secondary.  Most craftsmen are willing to spend the extra cash to buy the better wood and products for their projects.  If you are making the product in the first place, you might as well do the best you can and use the best products.  You should think about handing down the item to the next generation.  Someday your grand children are going to brag to their children about the item you built knowing that they are going to own it someday.  They may even fight over it, you really cannot put a value on that.

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By Kaitlin Carruth

A router bit is a tool for woodworking giving a quality finish to woodwork. It cuts wood providing a way to give a clean and even a decorative edge to woodwork. The following is some basic information about router bits to get you started in your woodworking efforts.

The Parts of a Router Bit

Here are the there main parts of a router bit:
1) The shank- the part of the router bit that is inserted into the collet (the sleeve of the router).
2) The cutting edge- this part cuts and removes the wood. They are available in several sizes and shapes.
3) The pilot- the guide for the router in order to make a correct cut. It can be an extension of the shank or a ball bearing attachment.

The Different Kinds of Router Bits

While there are over 50 router bit profiles, here are the four basic types of router bits:
1) Grooving Bits- These bits make a groove in the piece of wood. This type of bit is commonly used for street address signs for homes. Different types of grooving bits include the V-Groove, the Round-Nose and the Straight Bits.
2) Joinery Bits- Router bits that help make several different types of joints. This type of router bit includes the Finger Joint, the Drawer Lock, the Rile and Stile, and Dovetail Bits.
3) Edge Bits- Bits used to create different-shaped edges in woodwork. Examples of these types of bits include the Beading, Flush, and Round-over bits.
4) Specialized Bits- These bits do not fit into one of the above categories and have more specialized purposes including the Key Hole, Raised Panel, and T-Slot bits.

Carbide versus HSS bits

Most of the bits you will find available in hardware stores are carbide (short for tungsten carbide) tipped. These router bits are made of a very hard material that stays sharp longer than steel and is resistant to heat. However, this type of router bit can chip and is very expensive (this is why most of the bits are tipped and not made completely of carbide).

High Speed Steel (HSS) bits have been around longer but are not as readily available as the carbide bits. An HSS router bit is not as expensive but will dull fairly quickly. The HSS router bit is more suited for occasional work while a carbide router bit is meant for greater use, lasting 20 times longer than the HSS router bit.

How to Take Care of Router Bits

To keep your router bit set in good shape, you will want to do small amounts
of cutting at a time. This not only keeps you away from overheating, but will also extend the life of the router bit. Always use the shortest and widest bit possible for your project. This will again prevent overheating and will also avoid chattering.

Always keep your router bits clean and free from pitch and in good condition to avoid dulling. Remove any pitch and tar from the router bit (if not removed, it will cause the bit to unevenly bounce on the surface). Commercial bit cleaner can be used to remove pitch and tar; however, a scrap piece of wood will usually do the trick. This will help keep your router bits in good working order.

The parts of a router bit, the types of bits, the difference between HSS bits and carbide bits, and the proper care of router bits are all important concepts to understand when selecting your own router bit set. This basic knowledge will
help you know what you need in a router bit set and how to use it properly.

Kaitlin Carruth is a client account specialist with 10x Marketing – More Visitors. More Buyers. More Revenue. For more information about router bits, please visit Tool America.

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