Router Bits: Does It Matter How Much You Spend?

A quick run-through of my thoughts on the cheap Amazon/eBay special router bits you may find online. There is a lot of bad information out there so this is my 2c worth and how I have got on with them over the last few years.
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These are some of the most used items that I use daily in the workshop. They would make the perfect gift for the woodworker in your life! Please note that as an Amazon Affiliate, if you buy something through our “links” we may get a small share of the sale. No one has asked or paid me for these recommendations.
Cheap Router Bits -
Lock Miter 45 Degree Joint Router Bits - amzn.to/3LQx7UK
Amazon Brand - Denali 4-Piece 1/4-inch Straight Bit Set - amzn.to/401Zl4Z
5 Pieces T-Slot Router Bit Set - amzn.to/45rz2pI
Yonico Surfacing Planing Router Bits 2" - amzn.to/3LRosBm
Branded Router Bits -
Trend CraftPro Mitre Lock Bit - amzn.to/45gO9lO
Whiteside Router Bits Bowl and Tray Bit - amzn.to/45lwfOS
Trend CraftPro Two Flute Chamfer - amzn.to/3PLqzbc
Trend CraftPro Keyhole Router Cutter Bit - amzn.to/3LTBzlI
Amana Tool RC-2351 CNC Spoilboard Bit - amzn.to/3RKCKHT
Lumberjack 305mm Mitre Saw - amzn.to/3MqB6qp
Lumberjack PT305 - amzn.to/43baXU1
Makita 18v Impact and Drill Set - amzn.to/41VIrEc
Bostich Coil Nailer - amzn.to/3OuLVdP
OX Pro Tough Torpedo Level 10" / 250mm - amzn.to/3BIRvBR
Stanley STA998985 Pocket Tapes - amzn.to/3hyLGjQ
Soudal P45 Pro PU Glue - amzn.to/43fznex

[@jonathangreenwood793]

Great presentation. I've had both expensive and cheap and run an awful lot of architrave type mouldings on a half inch table mounted router. I now think, for the serious DIYer, that something like the Yonico bits are brilliant. They hold up really well and are very well manufactured. Great to see an honest opinion not driven by brand loyalty. * I'd love to try some Whiteside bits one day*

[@TheNaturalWorkshop]

Apologies, work has been manic! Thanks, trying something a little different at the moment with the videos so feedback is very helpful! I'll check out the Yonico bits, never heard of then but always love a reccomendation.

[@quirkygreece]

Good argument there, Josh. I use cheapo bits most of the time, but when I have a lot of work to do with a particular bit I’ll bite the bullet and spend the money on a quality bit because it will probably earn its keep on that one job.

[@TheNaturalWorkshop]

Thanks and yeah Im pretty much the same to be honest, if I need it for a specific job Ill see if we can spend the money!

[@samrix5793]

Would be interesting to see your view on spiral Vs straight cutters

[@TheNaturalWorkshop]

Apologies, work has been manic! Do you mean the bearing bits or just standard cut? We run the upcut and downcut bits in the cnc router.....

[@goblin900dunsanylord]

Plase, last question. What do you think about Irwin router bits? Thanks my friend.

[@TheNaturalWorkshop]

No problem. I've not used them but would expect them to be good as the Irwin brand seems to be good.

[@goblin900dunsanylord]

I've got a problem. Recently (in Mexico, my country) I bought a package of router bits, Trend (brand). The set was 15 with half inch shank, one of the bits came broke, so I have to send it back (Amazon USA), but when I bougt them, the price was acceptable, now the router bits has show two times a different price in less of a month! (expensive). Well, as I need to use my router (an Skill RT1322) the only router bits that I see on Amazon are MNA and/or Skill, available. What can I do, buy one of this brands or try again for the Trend ones? I don't have many knowledge in carpentry, I'm starting. From Mexico, a big hello!

[@TheNaturalWorkshop]

If you are just starting out then a cheapish bit will work just fine. I only tend to buy expensive bits when it's going to get hours of use. I like trend bits, but also use lots of cheap, no name bits.

[@dougdavidson175]

Thanks Josh. Take care & stay safe M8.

[@TheNaturalWorkshop]

Apologies mate, I missed this. Thank you!

[@caspianderrick2943]

Well that's good to know, as I happen to have both a good 1/2",and 1/4" routers. Phew!!

[@TheNaturalWorkshop]

Haha always helps!