Recommend a Router Bit(s)

[rockweasel]

I invested in a router to help with some wood work projects I have planned for this year. It was on sale at Screwfix for £88, so it would be rude not to pass up the chance. My wife pointed out that if it plugs in, makes a noise and I can hold it in my hands then it will make me happy. It came with 3 bits, none of which I need at the moment.

I'll be cutting dados in plywood. The depth and the width of the dado I've yet to work out what I want, but 6/9/12/18mm is the roughly the range (of widths.) I'm looking for recommendations for straight bits. 1/2" shank, double fluted. I'm no carpenter but I would like to make a half decent job before the bits dull on me. I have no money at the moment, so no budget to work to

 

[Seadog]

If you're planning on doing a lot of routing then you could do worse than invest in some Trend carbide cutters. Not the cheapest but do last.

http://www.trend-uk.com/en/UK/product/product_index.php?section=Router_Cutter_Ranges

 

[clift_d]

As above - Trend bits are the default standard.

 

[rockweasel]

Thanks!

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Yup trend. Had good results with Freud too.

 

[rockweasel]

Done! 6.3mm cutter from Trend on its way. Cheers everyone

 

[bigegg]

I use cheap carbide end mill cutters - about £2 -£3 each off the bay.
I bought an 8mm collet and 8mm mills.
The shank matches the cutter diameter, so you would have to get 6mm to fit 1/4' router - or a 12.7mm if you have a 1/2" router.

I picked 8mm because it was best balance between size of cut and bit price.

I cut a lot of buffalo board and birch plywood.
I use two or three a day - that's cutting 6mm deep, 15mm wide dadoes for book cases - maybe 500ft of grooves in a day.