5 Router Bits for Beginner Woodworkers

[@boejudden9011]

I feel like 731 is one of the few woodworking channels that has a sense of reasonable affordability. So sick of creators who throw the word "cheap" around like were all getting sponsored ads haha

[@dillan6134]

Agreed. It also helps that’s he’s not some yuppy from California who started woodworking while working a $200,000/year job and has a million dollar shop lol

[@alexsavastru8125]

​@@dillan6134 sounds like someone watched some Foureyes videos 😂

[@veracity91]

what are you even talking about.. your comment has no context.. are you talking about tool prices? wood prices? the stuff he sells?... WHO is throwing the word cheap around and what does that even mean? As someone reading this thats doesn't know you, its almost like these are your own little inside jokes for your brain ONLY.

[@marconiandcheese7258]

I agree. Its kinda like Todd from Project Farm. He doesn't necessarily recommend the absolute best tool, especially if it is stupid expensive and there is one that is cheaper and does almost as well.

[@Christian_1980]

I'm so glad when I'm searching for something specific and one of your videos pops up. It makes my day .

[@asbrand]

I've always suggested getting one of those cheaper bit sets, with all the different shapes / profiles, and use that to determine WHICH bits you use the most. Then buy the good ones that you actually DO use. Also, for flush trim bits, I suggest the spiral ones instead of the two blade like you have. They are more expensive, but WELL worth every penny. Much better at flush trimming. Excellent video as always!

[@quadsquadracingable]

I was going to leave this exact comment

[@carterscustomrods]

Yeah, upcut downcut and compression styles of bits, have really spoiled me. But so many are soooo overpriced. It's nice to see better ones getting lower in price... but great ones are still ridiculous. Lol.

[@reaper060670]

I did exactly that my bro. I have this cheap nasty 35 bit set off of Amazon for 40 euros.. Who knew they could be that trash for just over 1 euros per bit.. I'm learning which bits I like and which I do not like and I've already begun to order bits which are for the professional at around 30 euros per bit. It makes sense to pay more for the better bits though. I get that even if money is tight sometimes I wait and save some to get the more expensive ones. These cheap bits burn every workpiece. I thought it might be the variable speed on my router but the paint went on fire too. This cheap nasty yellow paint on the bit went on fire on me. How can I get that crap cleaned off the bits? Anybody with a good suggestion on how to do that I would greatly appreciate ur advice on how to.. Thanks good ppl

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

If the paint is actually burning, you might as well take a torch to it first, and then clean up what you can with a wire brush and some alcohol. At least it won’t destroy your projects that way.

[@CraigularjJoeWoodworks]

So true… Katz-Moses is THE guy when it comes to recommendations and info

[@stevemaybee]

Thx, as a rookie woodworker this answered several questions I had for my router

[@pstrzel]

Just got my 2.25 HP Bosch with plunge base yesterday. Time to get some nice bits.

[@golddiamondsgdpc3035]

I really like your videos I’m a beginner woodworker and they have been very informative

[@oldtireman4665]

I bought a 70 piece, 1/2” shank set on line for $150 with the hope it will be good enough for basic use until I figure out which ones I’m going to use the most and need to be upgraded. We will see.

[@philipread7761]

Another size round over bit I keep is a 1/16”. It gives you a uniform broken edge look where your sander does not.

[@jasonscoggins01]

Awesome video Brother. US Military Veteran (Retired) Jason

[@FeWolf]

Thank you, new to router, Bless you and yours all your days

[@mitchg7243]

That flush trim bit sounds like a great way to clean up scraps

[@russmartin4189]

Recently I bought a Makita trim router kit with three bases. I bought the corded model because I will only use it in the shop. I got it because Tamar at 3X3 Custom uses the battery model and she used it for dado's. I made her table saw sled and cut dados for T Track with it. No problem. The motor on that little router is very powerful. I also have a Ryobi trim router. That thing is not very powerful, but it is good for round overs and chamfers.

[@melvinkovac330]

I joined your channel recently because I will start working with wood soon and I would like the user to learn as much as possible ... I watched quite a few of your videos and you show a lot of smart things that everyone can learn if they want ... thank you in advance for all the information and I hope to publish some instructions soon ... thanks to such carpenters who also share knowledge, those who want to work with wood can learn everything. wood exudes some warmth that you can't achieve with any metal.

[@tomascastaneda2175]

Gracias hombre i been learning a lot from you because you are a good teacher congratulations

[@danielhess5194]

Hey Matt funny you posted this video cause today I just got a good deal on a table saw and a router table with a router and 16 bits at the flea market and I an a truck driver and didn't want a big expense saw and router not being used to make me money I was using my friends tools

[@shotparrot]

"The 80s called and they want their edge profile back" Lol! Now you've given me a complex! Srsly great overview, from someone who just got a (Bosch) router. Thanks for the great video!

[@rsmolkin]

Thanks for these awesome videos. I’m trying to build a fairly basic shelf, except I need it to fit inside of a closet with a small door, so I need to be able to assemble (and hopefully disassemble it when needed) easily inside the closet. Also, I have limited tools, I do have a miter saw, a circular power saw, some chisels that I’m terrible at using. I’m considering getting a router, as they are fairly affordable and don’t take up much storage space, not sure what bits I’d need (and bits seem pricey). I’m trying to avoid buying a table saw, as I don’t have the space for it, and do as few cuts as possible, so I’ll be getting pre-cut 2x4s for the legs (I think) and pre-cut shelves (48x15.75). Since I want it to be easy to assemble and disassemble, I’m trying to avoid screws and angle brackets as much as I can. I’ve been researching wood joints. Thinking something like a half lap or dovetail to prevent the frame that would hold the shelf from sliding in or out of the legs. Also considering trying to do dadoes in the main legs for the shelves to go into, but I’d still need something to make the whole thing stay together, and to stop the shelves from sliding out. Or maybe just a mortise & tenon with some soft of a peg, to stop it from sliding out for the long way part of the frame, and maybe halved lap joint for the short way to hold it all together. Hopefully this makes sense, any suggestions for joints and tools needed?

[@Aspire2Cycle]

There's a 3rd router t get, a CNC router! My little Ryobi palm router might be getting a big brother very soon. Hope to place an order for a LongMill 30x30 CNC with a Makita router. Love my CMT router bits!

[@woodshopbybear1213]

left to right thanks i was fighting my router i was going right to left now i know why thanks

[@libertarian1637]

I like the DeWalt battery trim routers as they’re beasts that run well above their weight class. My trim routers have become my go-to routers for probably 90% of my router tasks; I’ve even gotten a mini base plate to allow me to mount the battery router in my router table extension. DeWalt like Makita and Bosch makes a plunge base for their trim routers; just be aware that the lock lever on the plunge bases for the trim routers works opposite to standard router plunge locks. I also run the larger DeWalt 2 1/4 HP router with the 3 base kit as I prefer the fixed base with the trigger handle; the standard fixed base is attached to a base plate in my router table extension which is attached to my table saw. As a side note if you work with plywood a lot you should invest in a set of plywood bits or even just in the sizes of plywood you use as they’re undersized to the size of plywood which allows much better dados than say either a full sized bit or making 2 passes. As a cost save if you get straight cut bits with top bearings you’ll get two bits for the price of one as well as make it easier to cut deeper as the bit will automatically follow previous cuts; this set up also allows template cutting on a router table or free-hand with the same bit.

[@hansdegroot8549]

Great video for beginners on routers. Thanks for sharing. I bought my first (plunge) router about 15 years ago, together with a not so cheap router bit set. The first ten years I hardly used them. The last five years I use it more often. But I made a simple router table where it's living more or less permanently now. So I bought a cheap second plunge router, again with a set of router bits. I'm satisfied with everything. Over the last few years I bought some extra router bits. Nearly all of them are from Makita. On average they cost about 15 USD. Hopefully next year I'll buy a trim/palm router. I think I'll take a corded one, but I'm not 100% sure yet.

[@BBC12oz]

You do a great job Matt! You’ve inspired me big time my friend.

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you

[@josephperkins2793]

I just bought the mdf template for the mallet build got it for my daughter to make for 4H project she's doing woodworking

[@731Woodworks]

Awesome. Thank you! It shipped out this morning USPS Priority Mail so you should have it in a couple days.

[@bustednutcreations9946]

I got the dewalt and it is a beast!

[@BACHSLIQOUR]

a router is my 3rd most used tool.

[@strictpress5070]

I LOVE COLLECTING ROUTER BITS HAHA

[@ronswoodshack3855]

Great information!!! Just received my little straight bit to do table top fasteners for the first time. Thank you for the content.

[@ronfontenot4534]

Bravo! Timely video. I'm looking to replace my worn router bits. Thanks for the advice.

[@beanpotatoreviews184]

Thank you for this video! After watching your other vid and this one, I'll get the DeWalt

[@pashay4723]

Really nice presentation. Thank you

[@doalex2085]

Flip top 🔝! Flip top 🔝!!! Make a flip top 🔝 !!!

[@731Woodworks]

lol 👊🏻

[@doalex2085]

Good man!!! Thanks

[@prestonbowden]

When I first started, I bought a few bits with 1/2” shank and I couldn’t use them because I have a router that took 1/4” bit and I couldn’t figure out what I did wrong. It was an expensive lesson at the time but funny to look back on.

[@andre1987eph]

It’s a good excuse to buy a larger router

[@jamesward1855]

Do you have a video on router lift? Looking to upgrade some shop tools

[@waterlilly62lori]

I hope you will answer my questions. What do I used to cut a groove in the top of a board to use as a type of handle?

[@karlyncarlson1389]

Thanks for doing these videos.i can follow your instructions.i like the way you are really clear on them.

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you

[@russmartin4189]

I made a lot of interior barn door shutters and hinged double shutters for the inside of my house. I used 3/4"maple plywood for a backing and 3/4" maple plywood for panels and trim around the edges I put the panels together with Kreg screws and pocket holes. then glued the entire assemblage to the backing. In the end, they came our very nice. In any case, I had to cut a couple hundred pieces and each one needed to be chamfered on the edges. I ended up buying a cheap Kobalt router table and router from Lowes to do the chamfers. It cost $179 and was a good investment. (Buy it if you need a router.) I couldn't chamfer 7X7" swaures or 20"X7" rectangles with a trim router as it always showed start points or. burn marks. The router table was the only way. Once I had it dialed in, I could chamfer a piece on four sides in about 30 seconds. I also used that router and table to cut rabbets 3/4 " deep and 1" wide on 7' maple boards. As maple is hard,, I had to do them in three passes, but it worked just fine. Not as nice as Matt's table and router, but it did the job. To cut those rabbets, I bought a Freud 1/2" bit. I had a set of Yonico 1/4" bits which are a bargain, but are really only meant for small routers. For anything heavy you need 1/2" bits.

[@billyblackie9417]

Excellent introduction and demo of routers and necessary or common bits. I always buy cheap to try out test to see what it does and get familiar then buy the better quality bits when I'm ready to use in decent projects

[@henrybialik8333]

Good rule. Outside cut = Left to Right, Inside Cut = Right to Left.

[@lauramarshall6376]

Thank you. So clear and concise. I love your videos and your demeanor. And I love your FB group, too - the nicest one out there.

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you

[@danielbrunner4317]

Love the shirt bro😊

[@toddy9141]

I’m learning so much from you, it’s unbelievable. After watching you make farmhouse style end tables and asking what the tool you used to put the edge on, I’ve finally got myself a palm/trim router. Now I’m leaning what bits to buy. Cheers mate n happy Christmas 🎄👍🏻

[@Geoduck.]

As a new subscriber I want to thank you for the great beginners information. I was able to buy a reasonably priced used Dewalt DW618 Router as you suggested. Its a nice bit of gear. As new or experienced router operators don't forget to use PPE every time.

[@chrisnash2154]

You mentioned CMT And Whiteside. Bits Bits take Whiteside bits and do a process they call, “Astracoat”, which helps the bit make a smoother cut and prolongs the life of the bit.

[@731Woodworks]

Yes I have some Asta coated bits and they are great

[@dansaracurrence469]

Try this router bit not that expensive but carbon tip Yonico Amazon I use them all the time

[@grumpywiseguy5992]

Great video!!! Thanks!! I have both the cheap kit bits and then I upgraded. I don't use the router much since I started turning on a lathe but I appreciate the information and the way you present the subject matter. Take care and stay safe!!

[@NobodyWhatsoever]

What's your opinion on using template collars rather than a template bit?

[@miamitreasurehunter]

Thanks for sharing your expertise!!!

[@hamilde]

Matt, as usual, awesome job on the video. I have been meaning to thank you for turning me on to using a dovetail bit and the dovetail clamps from previous videos. I have made a couple of jigs and table saw sleds and included dovetail grooves instead of t track. It's a lot cheaper and faster to build.

[@angusmacinnes5603]

A good clear guide. You mention in commentary about guide to build a router table but have been unable to find it - is there a link? Thanks

[@731Woodworks]

Here it is kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJbCin1vpqpsgaM

[@jasonscoggins01]

Do you have a video on best bit sets to get for your router for beginners and the next level set for intermediate Thank you Sir Jason

[@robertapreston4200]

It's all great advise.... as usual on these channels, you spend more $ on jig accessories than I spend on food and gas. That's Ok... it's the nature of life. But, you make your own jigs to save money and they are awesome.... is there any way to make your own clamps, hold downs, etc??? Thanks

[@gotoforwoodworkers672]

Great presentation, thanks!

[@williamdalexander4858]

Can you please recommend a decent plunge router bit.... I want to make some bowls and candy dishes.....

[@GrantButler]

I have that same Dewalt. That edge guide would be really nice to have

[@GrantButler]

@Stephen Palazzi that's what I've been doing too. But I had a really long one a while ago, and I didn't have any scraps long enough

[@patrickbink4617]

Great video. Thank you for sharing all of that information with us.

[@pauldattilo7050]

What bit would you use for drilling dog holes 3/4" with a plunge router?

[@HeliRy]

When it comes to collet extenders, are those safe to use on a plunge router? Only ever see them installed on a router table.

[@norm5785]

Wonderful Bit of information

[@Atekcs]

Excellent video Matt!!

[@731Woodworks]

Thanks!

[@nathanquinlan2719]

#1 recommended is a Straight Cut with bearing so you can work with 731 templates right?

[@shaynesabala]

Thank you for a really great video. There’s a lot of good information here. I have a Kreg table and lift and I built some cabinet faces but I want to use this investment for so much more. Understand what bit does what is a great help. Thank you.

[@dennislamers986]

Thanks for a little "bit" of advise

[@jeremyhuggins8796]

Awesome video Matt! Thank you for sharing all of this information. On to the next one! 😃

[@book1136]

I was just at Lowe’s today look at palm router and was thinking it be get if they could combine to two where a palm router be powerful enough to be drop into a fixed it plunge base with variable speed. I know I would pay more to have something like that’s

[@stephanieSimmons214]

Awesome job Matt! I have each of these bits and I enjoy using them. 😊

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you

[@leonel1717]

Thanks for ths video. I was wondering if a trim Router will Cut tongue and groove joints for Shaker style doors? Or do you get something bigger?

[@anthonysmeester2287]

Just getting into using routers and this is your third video I’ve watched- I’m so excited for the projects I feel more confident to tackle soon!! Do you get your tshirts all from the same place? I specifically like the one in this video. Would love to get one for myself but couldn’t find the exact match just googling :)

[@joelfew823]

Great channel man

[@apuuvah]

Good video. Thanx.

[@FixItFrench]

I just did my first French doors, and used dado cuts for the windows. I used a cordless router, and it was not fun

[@edmc755]

I BOUGHT A UP SPIRAL BIT TO MAKE BOX FINGER JOINT < BUT I HAVE LOYS OT TEAR OUT < ANY REASON WHY< I USE A ROUTER TABLE. LOVE YOUR CHANNEL 👍👍🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@731Woodworks]

I would try a compression bit. The up cut bit might be causing the tear out. Compression bits are both a down cut and up cut in one bit

[@justinlloyd3921]

Hey Matt, do you have a video on how to set these router bits? How high / low or do they get set flush with the base? Thanks in advance! I'm a huge fan of your work!

[@justinlloyd3921]

Referring more to round over bits or chamfer bits.

[@tonybacon6277]

Good information. Also, can you sharpen router bits if they get dull like drill bits?

[@731Woodworks]

yes you can kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWWkpaWEjbdof9k

[@sharky_spike]

how about the tongue & groove bits?

[@mor4y]

Just to add confusion, I found a Mafell milling motor that can be converted to a super-powerful 8mm shanked detail router, gets into all the places a 1/2" router won't fit. Finding bits is a bit of a pain, but at least the ones I do find all seem very high quality 🤷‍♂️

[@mor4y]

It's a mafell fm-1000 if anyone wants a look, I think you can spec it in 1/4" from new, all the power you could ever want, and fancy electronics making the motor respond to increased load very quickly. I love it :)

[@milkod2001]

Order cheap set first and whatever you use most get better quality bits then. Simple like that.

[@davidperfette1425]

The spiral and the spiral compression bits will do a much better job than the straight bits and the straight pattern Bits . You just have to make sure you have the right one of them for the job. However, the straight pattern bits work well when there's only 1/8", or so, to trim.

[@waynec2611]

Which brands do you recommend?

[@ctweedter]

What bit would you use for a cutting board handle?

[@banjerlegs3051]

Off subject here but which woodpeckers edge rule did you recommend? Was it the 24”? If so, would the 6” be used much or needed if I purchased it also? Thanks!

[@Gbhmagic]

On some materials i found climbing cuts is the only way.. or you going to shred the wood.

[@-CBA-]

good stuff just getting into wood workd love your content new sub much love

[@731Woodworks]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@freedomgunsandliberty]

I am just getting started back into woodworking and picked up the skil digital combination router. It has a plunge and fixed base with slow start and has great reviews. Only 150 at lowes

[@merlinheir]

The dewalt router you show in the video is corded but the one in the link is cordless?

[@jodymontez693]

Bosch!😉

[@hangingoutwithronwalters4505]

I just subscribed to your channel. I like your shirt. I think I can trust you.

[@SraTacoMal]

I'm here after the 3 Easy DIY Drawers video cut a dado in my confidence 😭 Time to learn whether my trim router can save me or if that's not remotely how it works.

[@SraTacoMal]

1:22: Me: [Stares at trim router] Trim router: [Stares at me] I'll report back on who wins.

[@1252PFC]

You mentioned edge guide for the smaller Ridgid, but you did not demo it. Plus is it universal, meaning can you use it on a Ryobi?

[@731Woodworks]

It came with mine not sure if it’s universal

[@4321Woodworking]

Loved this video, I'm still using the cheap set I got from Amazon but really need to get some much better bits. Also that workbench sure looked useful with the hold downs!!

[@sanderd17]

5:40 if you swap the bearing with a smaller one, you get another feature edge.

[@jettech1041]

As a beginner I appreciate videos like this! Great job on breaking down what each does as well as the visual presentation! 🙌👏

[@michaelgolato727]

Hi Matt. What brand name of bits do recommend ?

[@GrantButler]

Pretty sure it's the CMT one. He even gives you a discount code for it

[@731Woodworks]

I like CMT bits and Whiteside bits

[@TheSirPotato]

Are the cmt contractor bits any good? They seem to be way cheaper than the orange cmt bits

[@larryengstrom3892]

Just curious do you have any plans for making American flake I noticed that in the dove tail fled that you made in the background if you can please message me back

[@gabefoltz5815]

Or, if you want to try all these bits, just get the Bosch RBS006 set. For about a benjamin, you get all 5 of the bits he mentions (actually 2 straight bits, for 6 total). Great bits and the perfect starter set. It was my first set, and one of the best early decisions I made. Just my $.02

[@ItsBarnabyJones]

Do you happen to have a link where i could buy a set of bits more than 4 piece for a beginner? I do different projects time to time and would like to have a case with a set of bits for any occasion. Thanks

[@MoranGuyVideos]

Actually I have great experience with cheap bits

[@philmurphy7487]

@731woodworks i got a dewalt router as a gift but the base plate on the plunge base is missing. Do you know where i can get another one? Im not having any luck with "dewaltrouter plunge base face plate" when i search 😪

[@731Woodworks]

I"m not sure where to get one. I know you can get an entire plunge base on Amazon but not sure about just the plate.

[@philmurphy7487]

@731Woodworks well thanks for replying anyways! Im going to see tomorrow if the base plate on the fixed base also fits the plunge base now that i think about it...

[@philmurphy7487]

Turns out that no, the fixed base face plate does not align with the plunge base threads :(

[@ClintonCaraway-CNC]

Invest in decent quality bits and they will last you a lifetime. I'm using bits that are 20+yrs old. Oven cleaner can remove the gunk and a little diamond plate to lap the back occasionally 😉