Overview of woodworking router bits

The woodworking router is a simple tool, consisting of two main parts, a base plate and a motor that spins a bit. But despite the simplicity, the router is a very versatile tool. Unlike most other portable power tools, the router has no stationary counterpart that outperforms it. The first routers were developed during the First World War. It quickly became popular. It is the easiest and fastest way of shaping the edge of a workpiece.

Due to the high speed of the routers, you need good well balanced bits. The more bits you have, the more different jobs you can do with your router. For every new bit you expand the capabilities of your router.

Most router bits are carbide-tipped. Carbide is an extremely hard material and is relatively insensitive to heat. But carbide has two main weaknesses, it is brittle and fairly expensive. That’s why most bits have a carbide tip. Most of the bit is made of steel. The thickness of the carbide suggests the life span of the bit. A thin strip of carbide will disappear after a couple of sharpenings. Often the carbide used for router bits is graded into a four–level hardness scale, from the soft C1 to the hard C4. Soft carbide dulls quicker and will not last as long. But the grading is only part of the story, even the hardest carbide bit can be poorly made.

Router bits used to be made of steel, high-speed steel. But they are not as durable as carbide and carbide-tipped bits. HSS bits are cheap but seldom used today. HSS bits can be made razor-sharp but they dull quickly. Generally carbide-tipped bits will last at least ten times longer than HSS bits.

Most routers have either quarter-inch or half-inch shanks. Many routers accept both sizes. But you also have a third size, 3/8 inch. The half-inch shank size means less vibration and the bits are stronger. The price difference between ¼-inch and ½ inch bits is small. So in most cases, you want a router that accepts ½-inch bits and you stick to ½-inch bits.

You have an enormous amount of bits on the market, many of them cheap but some of them are very expensive. The ½-inch straight bit is very popular, generally the most used bit. But the 1/4-inch and 3/4 –inch straight bits are very useful as well. The3/8 inch rabbit bit is another bit you should buy early. The ¼ round-over bit is also worth considering.

Always use the bit with the shortest cutting edge that will do the job. The longer the bit, the greater the risk of it breaking.

Bosch 1617EVSPK Router Kit Review

Bosch 1617EVSPK Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit

Our Rating: 4.5/5 ★★★★½ 

Bosch is well known for making great hand tools, and the Bosch 1617EVSPK Router Kit is one of their best. It is a variable speed plunge and fixed base router kit that does soft start and micro-fine depth adjustment. This 2 ¼ horsepower router combination kit run as speeds from 8,000 to 25,000 rpm.

The construction of the unit is aluminum, with wooden handles on the fixed base. The plunge base has a soft-grip handle. So what’s included in the Bosch 1617EVSPK Router Kit? The kit include the plunge and fixed bases, collet chucks, wrenches, chip shields, and the carrying case. It weighs only 19 ½ pounds and comes with a one year warranty.

If you want to get jobs done quickly you might want to try the Bosch 1617EVSPK Router Kit. There are plenty of advanced features with it to help get those hard jobs done accurately, and in good time.

Bosch has constructed the Bosch 1617EVSPK Router Kit where both bases have precision centering design for accuracy and control. And, the built-in Constant Response Circuitry helps you maintain a constant speed while making the cut. This insures a more accurate result.

According to Bosch this unit is able to accept larger bits easily, and for safety, the motor never rotates while adjusting depths. It’s rugged and durable, but what do customers think about it?



What the Customers Say about the Bosch 1617EVSPK Router Kit
The Bosch 1617EVSPK Router Kit is a best-seller, it has been a very popular router for a long time. It is no surprise that most customers have given the 1617EVSPK Router Kit a very high rating.

The Bosch 1617EVSPK Router Kit has received rave reviews from the majority of it’s users, however, there were some complaints. We will address those now. One customer said the router seemed to develop a wobble when being used in plunge mode, although they were using two hands.

Another customer got a defective unit that would not even turn on, but customer service made the repairs. And last, a customer complained that he noticed some corrosion on the magnesium body. He did admit however to keeping his tools in a basement. The humidity could have contributed to that.

All in all out of all the customer reviews studied, the Bosch 1617EVSPK Router Kit was very well received.

At Amazon.com, you can read Bosch 1617EVSPK Router Kit customer reviews

The Bosch 1617EVSPK Router Kit Review Summary

We highly recommend this product and suggest if you wish to purchase it, that you take a look at Amazon.com. We found the best price for the Bosch 1617EVSPK Router Kit there, making it a very competitive deal Click here to go to Amazon.com

Bosch 1617EVSPK Router Kit

Our Rating: 4.5/5 ★★★★½ 







Information from the Manufacturer
Bosch 12 Amp 2-1/4 Combination Horsepower Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit 1617EVSPK with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets Variable speed dial, soft-start, maintains constant speed under load, quick clamp system on both bases, includes fixed base with system for adjusting bit height from above a router table, precision centering makes it easy to keep bit on intended cutline when using jigs, templates, dovetail fixtures and similar guidance devices, fixed base has threaded holes for mounting to router table positioned in Bosch 4-hole pattern and common 3-hole pattern, microfine, bit, depth adjustment system on both bases, wide base openings and 2″ sub-base openings and provides better visibility, right or left.

DEWALT DWP611PK Router Combo Kit

DEWALT DWP611PK 1.25 HP Max Torque Variable Speed Compact Router Combo Kit with LED's

Our Rating: 4.75/5 ★★★★¾ 

Routers are very simple but versatile tools. One of the most popular models is the DEWALT DWP611PK Router Combo Kit. It is not the cheapest router on the market but it has a number of good features. Compact size and light weight make the DEWALT DWP611 router easy to use. It is quiet and generates virtually no vibrations.

The DEWALT DWP611PK Router Combo Kit includes both a fixed base trim router, DEWALT DWP611, and a plunge base, DEWALT DNP612. The kit is perfect for most small jobs. For heavy-duty tasks, you are likely to need a larger router. This has only a 1.25 HP motor.

The DEWALT DWP611 Router has a soft-starting motor which uses electronic feedback to maintain motor speed through the cut. It has variable speed control, letting you adjust the speed according to the stocks and bit sizes. A very useful feature are the LED lights on both tools, thanks to them it is easy to see what you are doing. Last but not least, the motor can be transitioned quickly and easily between the fixed and plunge bases, no tools are needed.

Note that the DEWALT DWP611PK Router Combo Kit includes a soft bag, not a hard case. Another thing to be aware of is that the router uses 1/4 bits. No bits are included in the router kit.

The DEWALT DWP611PK Router Combo Kit includes:
– DEWALT DWP611 Variable Speed Compact Router
– DEWALT DNP612 Compact Router Plunge Base
– Fixed Base
– Collet Wrench
– Soft-Sided Bag
– Owner’s Manual


The DEWALT DWP611PK Router Specifications:

Amps 7.0Amps
HP 1.25HP
No Load Speed 16000 – 27000rpm
Collet Diameter 1/4
Plunge Stroke 1.5
Base Dimension 4
Spindle Lock 12 position
Tool Weight 4.1 lbs



Pros
– Compact size and lightweight
– Powerful but quiet
– No vibrations
– LED lights

Cons
– Only 1/4 in. collar router bits can be used


DEWALT DWP611PK Router Combo Kit Owner Review
The customers have given the DEWALT DWP611PK Router Combo Kit a very high rating. It has been one of the best selling routers all the time since 2010, when it was introduced by DEWALT. Thanks to the light weight and good ergonomics, it is easy to use.

Almost all customers have given the DWP611PK Router Combo Kit top rating. It does not really have any significant shortcomings.

At Amazon.com, you can read DEWALT DWP611PK Router Combo Kit customer reviews

DEWALT DWP611PK Router Combo Kit Review Summary

The DEWALT DWP611PK Router Combo Kit gives you an excellent compact and lightweight router, as well as a plunge-base. If you need a router for smaller jobs then the DEWALT DWP611PK Router Combo Kit is certainly worth having a closer look at. Note that for heavy duty, you should go for a more powerful router than the DEWALT DWP611 with its 1.25 HP motor.

You can buy the DEWALT DWP611PK Router Combo Kit at Amazon.com, taking advantage of Amazon’s low prices and excellent customer service. Click here to go to Amazon.com


Our Rating: 4.75/5 ★★★★¾