router bits?

[pjoseph]

I have some questions regarding router bits?

I am looking to use a roud over bit for my box, which is made using 3/4 in mdf

I notice for router bits it give you a few measurements
Radius, Large Diameter, Cutting length.

Can anyone tell me how these measuremnts will effect the results.

 

[lsiberian]

I have some questions regarding router bits?

I am looking to use a roud over bit for my box, which is made using 3/4 in mdf

I notice for router bits it give you a few measurements
Radius, Large Diameter, Cutting length.

Can anyone tell me how these measuremnts will effect the results.

I suggest you do a google search on router bits. There is a treasure trove of information out there. And you will learn a lot in your quest. I think now is the time to gather as much knowledge as possible. Also it's good to ask for help at your hardware store. There you will have a knowledgeable person usually that will help you select the right bit.

For this i would suggest a 1/4" or 1/8th roundover since you simply want to round off the edges. Which you will choose will depend on look preferences. You will need to learn a lot of other stuff before you start routing. Including safety also make sure to get Dust collection attachments for your router. They may be a tad expensive, but they are cheaper than lung operations later down the line.

 

[pjoseph]

Thanks

Yea i borrowed a router from a buddy at work and it has a bag attached already so I lucked out.

I will have to do some reading on the bits

 

[sawzalot]

Yes lsiberian is right you want minimal round over especially if you used nails or screws to hold your box together,a bigger 1/2 or 3/4 roundover bit will hit the nails and or screws and thats not a good experience trust me.

 

[lsiberian]

Thanks

Yea i borrowed a router from a buddy at work and it has a bag attached already so I lucked out.

I will have to do some reading on the bits

You want to hook a shop vac up to the router not just use a bag with MDF. MDF is crazy.

 

[highfigh]

I have some questions regarding router bits?

I am looking to use a roud over bit for my box, which is made using 3/4 in mdf

I notice for router bits it give you a few measurements
Radius, Large Diameter, Cutting length.

Can anyone tell me how these measuremnts will effect the results.

The rule of thumb is that the maximum radius should be less than, or equal to, the thickness of the material. You can use a larger radius if the material is reinforced but it will tend to make the corners weaker if you don't. It's really a matter or proportions and smaller radius usually looks good on smaller pieces, so a 1" radius on a 4"x6"x8" piece often just looks dated, wrong and weird. Some companies sell sets of bits and if you plan to do much more woodworking, having a good selection of bits comes in handy. If you don't want to spend a lot (or can't), go to an art supply store and buy a circle template. That way, you can draw the piece and try different radii to find what looks best.

3/8" is a good, general use radius. Subtle is usually better. Sometimes, a slight chamfer (bevel) looks "right", too.

 

[lsiberian]

I must say this for your warning. Don't buy cheap bits(ever) A cheap bit can kill you. So always always get good quality bits. Safety needs to come first alll the time every time. It can't be overstated or overdone. When routing setup is everything. Make sure you set things up right. Do practice cuts too. A router is a great tool but as with many of our great tools in the wrong hands it's a deadly tool.

 

[alexwakelin]

I must say this for your warning. Don't buy cheap bits(ever) A cheap bit can kill you.

Yup, I've had cheap bits shatter while using them. I was lucky and didn't injure myself, but I learned a valuable lesson. I good quality bit will provide better results, last longer, and most importantly is safer to use. They're worth the extra money. I've started using Freud router bits, they're not too expensive, and I think they have a high quality/cost ratio.

http://www.freudoutlet.com/RouterBits?gclid=CIbL7eyugJoCFRo-awodMk4oLQ

 

[lsiberian]

For woodworking go here and start learning I suggest you do the projects for fun. They are good intros. http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/getting-started/index.asp


Amana http://www.amanatool.com/routerbits.html

Whiteside http://www.whitesiderouterbits.com/catalog.html

Jesada http://allita.net/Projects/omnicat5/index.php?cat_id=0

CMT http://www.cmtrouterbits.com/catalog/cmtsets.htm

Are the suggested bits by all the wood workers I've asked. Freud's are ok too.

I suggest you go with the known quality brands. MLCS is ok too, but they seem to not do well on hardwood. So be mindful of that

Get the largest Collet bit your router takes. 1/2" is the one mine will take.