Budget Router Bit Sets

Budget Router Bit Sets
In this video I will be talking about budget router bit sets. One set is a no-name set that I bought few years ago from Banggood. The other set is from Trend a well know British brand. Check out my experiences with both sets and some quick testing I have done with them.
If you are in the market for budget friendly Router bits then check these out:
UK links
- Trend set 12-Piece - amzn.to/35TtQlV
- Trend set 35-Piece - amzn.to/3LTOiT5
- Trend set 50Pcs - amzn.to/3jB7EAl
- Banggood router set - www.banggood.com/custlink/vDv...
USA links
- Trend 1/2 Inch Router Bit Set 15pc - amzn.to/3uiQ3mK
- Trend 1/2 Inch Shank Router Bit Set 35pc - amzn.to/3O7X4Pg
- Trend 1/4 Inch Router Bit Set 50pc - amzn.to/3Ju71TG
- Banggood router set - www.banggood.com/custlink/vDv...
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#casualdiy #woodworking #routerbitsets
DISCLAIMER
My videos are for entertaining purposes only, your safety is your responsibility. Please do not follow my actions if you find them unsafe.

[@CasualDIY]

Check out my other video about 4 Router Bits that you must have in your workshop - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIiwhWdvqbuWg9k

[@samflight1128]

Great video. I started woodworking a couple of years ago just before I got my own place and you have a knack of releasing videos just when I need them! I just picked up a second hand router table and need some bits. Looks like I'm ordering some trend ones. 🤟 Thank you for your videos Thomascz they have helped me a lot over the last couple years.

[@CasualDIY]

Great to hear that. That's why I'm making my videos to help others 👍

[@whomadethatsaltysoup]

Just taken a second look at this comparison. Personally, I'd never use really cheap router cutters. Firstly, because routers are extremely dangerous tools, given the speeds at which the cutters spin. With the cost of materials these days - even MDF - I'd rather not run the risk of ruining a project just to save a couple quid on tools. I recently purchased a second Trend, 12 piece starter pack of quarter inch router cutters to replace the ones that I'd used. Obviously, they are not the posh grey or green variety, but at only £18 it worked out a tenner less than I paid for the last set, and only £1.50 per cutter. Anyway, once again, thanks for taking the time to share your experience with these cutters.

[@CasualDIY]

Totally agree there. As the Trend cutters you can get decent kit for reasonable price 👌

[@blakamin]

Great video as always! I love your no BS reviews! I also hope all is well in your part of the world, and things stabilise soon. Mick form Australia.

[@Mr2at]

I received the Trend set yesterday as a birthday present. Im pleased you gave it a good review.

[@CasualDIY]

So far I think they are great when you consider the price tag

[@TheBluealan2000]

Love the video Tomasz, as comprehensive and honest as always. I have the cheap no name set that is very similar and have a selection of Trend bits, Trend for me hands down. Even as a casual DIYer when it comes to tools I'd rather save up for a bit and "buy once, cry once" especially if there is any chance that the slightly more expensive tool is safer. Also as they last longer I think it is money well spent. Thanks for another interesting video, please keep them coming.

[@CasualDIY]

Thank you kindly 👍😁

[@steveprice1620]

A great informative video. I have a no name set of router bits bought off Amazon similar to the one in your video. However I got a Triton T100 router for Christmas and wanted a set of 1/2in shaft router bits. After a lot of research I opted for the 15 piece Trend set. The difference in quality is instantly noticeable, I would highly recommend spending slightly more because you definitely get what you pay for. Please keep your excellent videos coming 👍👍

[@CasualDIY]

Thank you kindly 👍

[@radiationroom]

Thank you! This review is useful.

[@CasualDIY]

Thank you for watching 👍

[@paulwestlake4278]

I bought the Trend set 18 months ago, with the view that I would use them until they wore out, then replace the cutters I actually used with better quality. I have to say that all of the cutters are still in the drawer, most of them unused, but the frequently used cutters still in good condition. They are a cost effective way of filling your cutter box until you know exactly what you need when you are starting out. Another good video there Tomascz.

[@CasualDIY]

Exactly. Thank you so much for watching 👍

[@tonyworkswood]

Hi Tomasz very interesting the small price difference. Trend have always made quality cutters that work excellent. They make the machining operation easier and save time in the process. Good review enjoyed watching. Tony

[@CasualDIY]

I was surprised myself. The Chinese set went well up the price.

[@andrewwheeler6989]

Hi, another great video. Having just bought a plunge router this was very helpful. I'll stick with Trend, for the extra few pounds I think it seems worth it. Keep up the good work 👍

[@CasualDIY]

Thank you kindly. Yes the Trend bits are really good 👍

[@monteglover4133]

Thanks for another excellent video. I’ve been using a mix of Chinese, high quality Chinese, some US made bits. There is a definite difference. I would buy most of them again the cheap set I consider a sampler set some of the 50 pieces I’ll probably never use but some of the odd bits have been useful. The very expensive ones are hard to justify I’m a hard core hobby woodworker (50+ years)

[@CasualDIY]

Exactly for me as well. Although I think I'll buy the 4 I mentioned in my other video. But like 1 every 3 months to spread the cost lol

[@MikeWilliams-yp9kl]

Hi mate , Mr Tom I have used these Chinese bits as they were given by my father-in-law , I am now saving up for TREND BITS ,Thanks to your great video

[@CasualDIY]

Sounds great! Thank you for watching

[@paulcooper9187]

Good and thought provoking item. I started with yellow bits that came with an Aldi router, and they are ok ish. For critical stuff, I have been using bits from Rennie Tools in Stockport, and I must say they are superb..

[@CasualDIY]

I think its the natural way of progression. I'm hoping to invest and buy two better bits that I mostly use, this year 👍

[@katabrontes]

Hi Tomasz I loved the cheeky smile at the beginning. Mike

[@CasualDIY]

hehe 😅👍

[@anthonymiddlesex6859]

you are completely right if you use the same bit all the time go up a step to trend pro but for everyone who is doing DIY a good set of trend bits are good I have used half inch and quarter inch trend sets for 10 years absolutely does the job.

[@CasualDIY]

I find the Trend bits to be very good especially when you consider the price tag 👍

[@paulbateman5769]

Ive had the chinese set for a couple of years and have probably used about 4 of them . I use the tiny straight one a lot to carve out signs. I have bought others but they seem to just melt after a short while. However my little chinese bit just keeps on going. Saying that I am still looking for a better one so hopefully the Trend has it in the box. Great vid as usual mate 👍

[@CasualDIY]

Thanks, the Trend bits are really good well worth picking them up.

[@nigelwest3430]

Infectious enthusiasm 🙂

[@CasualDIY]

😅👍

[@shiftymuckers6627]

Good video Tomascz, I’ll be honest and tell you that the bits I’m using came from Aldi! A small set of 12 bits in a wood case was £15. Like your Chinese set, they do the job, but the bearings are terrible quality, and the most used bits were burning after not much use. I have a couple of separately bought Trend bits which definitely seems to last longer, so as I’m about ready to buy a new set, you’ve convinced me that the Trend set is worth buying.

[@CasualDIY]

I think they are. So far my best quality bits 👍

[@SAylottdesign]

I definetly think there is a difference between the single trend bits and the 'starter' sets.

[@normanboyes4983]

Good review..👍

[@CasualDIY]

Glad you liked it!

[@daveturnbull7221]

I've used a router maybe half a dozen times mainly for cutting rebates when attempting to make some cupboards. I'm the first to admit I know virtually nothing about how to use one properly. I started with cheap no-name ones and actually had one snap in half while using it and have also had lots of burning. I invested in a small set from Trend and for me as an abosulte idiot on the subject they are worth the little bit extra. No burning (so far) and they do seem to cut a lot easier.

[@CasualDIY]

Exactly for little more money it seems the quality is much higher.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

I thought the key messages in the video are well put. While the results were similar, experience says cheaper bit result in early failure. And just hunting for chip-out does nothing to measure how the work felt when the cutter was run through it. My personal mantra is only every buy the cutters you need; and then only when you need them. I encourage folk to avoid buying mixed sets; manufacturers appear to offer value but seldom you you make any use of that value-add. If you've bought a router to dress the edges of your projects then look to a small set of cutters for that purpose. rebates and grooves again focus on just those cutters. I always buy branded cutters, Trend and Axcailber (Axminster) are my preference generally. Avoid store branded (Wickes, and so on) since I suspect they're sourcing to a price-point and I wouldn't trust their supply chain is consistently using the same manufactuers. Anyway great video. K.

[@CasualDIY]

Good points there mate. Thank you for watching my video 👍

[@elioth.g.w2976]

ATM 20/04/2022 Trend SET/SS8X1/4TC 12-Piece Starter Router Cutter Set, Black/White is on amazon for £20.99. A few years ago I got a 35 Piece Router Bit Set from Vonhaus ( similar to China one I think ) not had much problems ( weekend DIY ) I did oil the bearings and have Honed some of the bits with a credit card diamond stone.

[@CasualDIY]

I had to go through all the bearings on the Chinese set as I said in the video. Still bit worried to use them 🤔

[@elioth.g.w2976]

@@CasualDIY IIRC I had a 1/2" cheap kitchen set first and the 1/4" flush bit bearing exploded. So now I always 3 in 1 bearings before 1st use. Thinking about it I will get a full face mask for routing. BTW great video.

[@rockrollarc9792]

I had a cheap challenge router complete with 24 router bits but after a while the trigger broke on the router(stuck on) just recently I bought a dewalt cordless router with no bits so I went with a trend set of 50 bits for £100 off amazon

[@elpresidente8730]

I bought an Erbauer set of 1/4" bit set from screwfix a few years ago don't use most of them but the most used one (pattern bit) broke after a year. I now buy individual bits from Trend or Bangood as I need them never been disappointed with either. The Banggood compression bits are excellent and significantly cheaper than UK/EU/US alternatives. I do wonder if many people new to routing expect too much from a router especially a ¼" model (a mistake I made when I first started with a ¼"Makita. Now I much prefer to use my ½" shank Triton (freehand) or Trend (table mounted) routers if possible and reserve my Makita ¼" for light work and fine detailing. I would like to add a cordless trim router to my collection but torn between the Ryobi (as I have a few One+ batteries) or more expensive Makita as I have all the accessories.

[@CasualDIY]

Yes 1/4 definitely for lighter work. Personally I'm impressed with Trend bits they are very good for a reasonable price. I would go for Makita router

[@jason-hh6lu]

I’ve had the Trend 1/2 set for years, as I needed a couple of bits and buying the set was cheaper at the time then buying individual bits. Citrus spray cleaner is great for cleaning the router bits (and saw blades.) I find the Trend bits get a lot of resin build up when using them on pine. I’d also say pay attention to the router speed and size of the bits you are using because that will wear and burn the bits quicker.

[@CasualDIY]

Good points there thank you

[@laurentdumas3198]

Hi Thomascz, there seems to be now different kinds of Chinese bits : low price and higher quality ones and I would not be surprised if the Trend set you've got is not as Chinese as your Banggood ones but from a higher grade. The top quality bits from Trend being, for sure, their green line, the price of these green Trend bits is definitely higher than the black Trend bits. It looks like the black ones are value bits added recently to the Trend offer whereas the green ones are for professionals and manufactured in the EU ( I heard that the green ones were manufactured for Trend by Freud in Udine Italy, the same way Freud manufactures the Bosch Expert red line, Freud being 100% owned by Bosch ) My go to list of manufacturers of high quality professional bits is ( no ranking between them ) : ENT ( European Norm Tools - German ), CMT Orange ( Italy ), FREUD ( Italy but owned by Bosch ), FISCH ( Austria ) and SYSTEMI KLEIN ( Italy ), the biggest manufacturers being the 3 first ones. These bits may also be rebadged under different brand names, as, for instance, one of them manufactures for FESTOOL for sure ( I would bet on ENT for that.... ) But, for sure, from a hobbyist perspective, the Trend set you've got or the Bosch Professional line ( black ones ) are certainly an option to consider even if it doesn't has the quality of the top brands.

[@CasualDIY]

Great information there, thank you for sharing 👍

[@matthewalbum]

It would be interested to test them out on hardwoods. I personally like the Freud bits.

[@CasualDIY]

The yellow ones burn out soon on hardwood however the Trend seem to be much better so far.

[@twoshedsjackson6478]

I had the same problem with the bearing on a cheap-set round-over bit, the very first time I'd used any of them. It fell off mid cut and ruined my coffee table. The replacement table cost way more than a decent set of bits from a top brand.

[@CasualDIY]

Exactly that. In most cases it's not worth going for the ultra cheap bits

[@_Damian_.]

Good video Tomasz and well worth delving into as it suits a lot of our budgets👍🏾 ... Do you know where the trend bits are manufactured? Just curious that you're comparing Chinese bits to Chinese bits.

[@CasualDIY]

That's a great question to which I don't know the answer. I'll ask my contact in Trend 🤣👍

[@SAylottdesign]

I thought the purpose of the video was comparing the cheapest bits with, slightly less cheapest. Nothing to do with them being made in china...

[@_Damian_.]

@@SAylottdesign you're right mate, I think its just how it came across, and i dont have any real problem with stuff made in China. I'd still be interested to know where they're made though.

[@markduggan3451]

I've got a few different types and one of the cheap ones had the same problem with the bearings did break. I haven't got any expensive ones.

[@CasualDIY]

I dobrze have any expensive ones yet but I think I'll pick up 4 of the ones I use most. One every 3 months to spread the cost🤣

[@ep91monster]

I've got a cheap Chinese set too which i only use on rough projects, solely because I've had the bearings disintegrate on me during a cut too which has screwed it up. So a good few years ago now i only use the cheapy bits on construction projects. Any joinery projects i use trend bits because they are still cheap but I've yet had a bearing fall apart on me. Plus they stay sharp for longer like you said. The chinese bits really don't like high speeds. They use crap bearings. A few in my set even felt dead from the off. I did however buy a set of replacement bearings for the cheap bits for about £5 and since i replaced the bearings on the cheap ones, they have been fine. However they dull down fast and so i only use on rough projects, garden furniture, construction work etc where i dont want to dull the blades on the trend pieces chomping through knots and potentially bits of grit ive missed lol

[@CasualDIY]

We got similar experiences then. Thank you for watching 👍

[@ep91monster]

@@CasualDIY we sure have. Keep up the great content 😁

[@theduftmeister]

Funny how dangerous hazard warning signs are often yellow too. Does the cheap set have a skull and crossbones on the inside of the lid? 🤣 I purchased 2 x Trend bit set. 1 each for for 1/4 and 1/2 in routers. They're good but as Thomas mentions, you need to upgrade for real quality finishes. I replaced the bits I used most commonly with carbide coated upcut/downcut or compression bits. A little pricier per bit, but longevity and finish is supreme.

[@CasualDIY]

Exactly that👍 its good to start of with a budget set to see which bits get used most and then over time buy single better equivalents

[@sjfarrell2.03]

I have bought router bits as and when I needed them. I never saw the point of buying a big set of bits that you are not going to use. I have a 6mm, 9mm, 12mm and 18mm straight bits, a round over and a chamfer, all from Trend. When I need a coving bit, I'll buy one. I paid on average £14 per cutter and they are worth every penny - peanuts compared to pro level gear.

[@CasualDIY]

Also a good approach as long as it works for you. Everyone will have different needs and I think its a bit of individual thing

[@richardclowes6123]

If there isn't much difference in price I would definitely buy the Trend because it's MADE IN BRITAIN. We all need to do this to keep our economy the best it can be. Question to all: DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE YOU CAN BUY GOOD QUALITY 3.2mm ROUTER BITS FOR MY DREMEL ????

[@CasualDIY]

Exactly 👍

[@simongill5136]

Very informative! I have the trend 12 piece set, in the same Bosch plunge router you have. They work well together. I am building a large shoe draw under the stairs and rounded edges in ply and MDF, cut chamfer in the oak trim at all kinds of odd angles. Even made a deep chamfer with round over to conceal the oak trim is also the handle. No issues at all with the bits but the router plunge has always been very stiff. Made a couple of passes when there is a lot of material to remove in the oak but as you say, they are not designed for heavy use. Would love to see a video on forstner bits as I just received the Wolfcraft set of 5 and hope I made a good choice! Thanks for the entertainment and education!

[@CasualDIY]

Forstner bits you say🤔 I see what I can do 👍😁

[@What_Other_Hobbies]

I found a 35pc set under trend brand on amazon, US, for $71.09. This is 1/2" shank. 35 pc set, under MNA brand, for $56.99. This is 1/2" shank. I bought a 35pc set under EDMBG brand, looks just like yours, for $47.99 in 2020, and it is $57.99 now. This is 1/4" shank. I broken one straight bit because I was pushing too hard and with too much depth of cut. The flush trim bit is loosing some yellow paint. That's about all the issues I have encoutered so far. If I am to buy my first set today, and it has to be 1/2" shank, I will probably buy the trend one. But I already have a 1/4" cordless router, and a 1/2" bosch router with 2 bases and a table, I am not going to buy a 1/2" set ever. If there is a profile I use a lot and the one from 1/4" set breaks, I will probably just buy a good quality 1/2" version of it.

[@CasualDIY]

Thank you so much for that info and thank you for watching 👍

[@What_Other_Hobbies]

@@CasualDIY My pleasure to share my experience with you and other woodworkers. I would still recommend people new to woodworking to buy either the cheapest set you can get away with, or the best set you can afford to start with. There are quite some options between those 2 lines. Over time, you would figure out what bit you use the most and get a better option once it becomes dull or breaks.

[@CasualDIY]

@@What_Other_Hobbies Exactly that, I think its the best way. Overtime you will gain the knowledge and spend the money on exactly what you need

[@jamesw8753]

One other comment is for Chinese products you need to add the delivery time 3+ weeks and always worrying you going to get hit for import duties great job Tomas

[@CasualDIY]

That's a good point actually

[@gaborpallosi7600]

Buddy❤, just watch your fingers!!!☝️😅

[@CasualDIY]

Always do mate👍

[@bluedragonfly5]

The trend set ismade in china, why are they better?

[@CasualDIY]

Quality control, better materials used🤔

[@DuceDesigns]

I have the VonHaus branded version of the Chinese ones (currently £44.99, I paid £30 about 18 months ago) and they're trash, I'd advise everyone against them.

[@CasualDIY]

Than you for sharing that info, much appreciated 👍

[@SAylottdesign]

perhaps ill avoid theyre set of 'f' clamps that ive been very tempted for!

[@DuceDesigns]

@@SAylottdesign they look suspiciously similar to the cheap chinesium eBay types. The cut of the bars has failed on a few of those I bought when I was starting out and now they're useless. I do have a VonHaus 1/2 inch plunge router too, and that is a good bit of kit.

[@iokarii]

Regarding chinese shops, something is really good to buy and another not. How to decide? And on chinese shops exist several qualities and companies.. We can not say, chinese is just one company... We can not be so naive, and if price is several times lower, will be same, it is no rocket logic.. Better to buy just few bits, where you know type of steel, and maily, exist customer support. I am confused with chinese: he bought set 4 years ago, now the price similar with Trend one. Proper comparison should be NOW buy chinese and Trend. Chinese could change quality(?). But since possibility to complain, I should choose best possible, but just few of them.. Btw, where was Trend produced? 😉

[@CasualDIY]

Well to my knowledge Trend makes their router bits in the UK so... I would trust the quality there. I actually found on Aliexpress the same set I had. I don't think they improved anything as it looks identical and the description is the same. Sure you will find better bits from a Chinese supplier as you can find better bits on UKs market. Question is what will be the price difference 🤔 as better quality bits in China will also be more expensive. All the cheap bits from China will in general be the same quality.

[@stevebettany8778]

I can’t understand why they are allowed to sell the cheap Chinese things they are just dangerous. I have a small cheap set one of which has the bearing floating around you had one explode just stay away.

[@CasualDIY]

Yes that's why I've checked all the bearings on the Chinese set after the incident. Definitely not great 😕

[@peterchessell28]

Trend titman and cmt are the only ones I use in the trade they are the ones used in the joinery where I did my apprenticeship.

[@CasualDIY]

Solid reasonably priced bits

[@merikatools568]

You can sharpen the Chinese bits by squinting your eyes

[@CasualDIY]

Lol