So you have a new router. Before you can actually use it to the fullest, you need to have the right router bits to go with it. Think of router bits as the bullet to your gun.
However, with so many choices out there, you might find yourself having a difficult time choosing. Do not worry because this article will help steer you in the right direction.
We checked out the different router bits out there and chose those that come in complete kits that include the bits you will normally use with your router. Find out more about the products we recommend.
The Best Router Bit Sets Are:
Product | Details | ||
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1. Yonico 17702 70 Bits Professional Quality Router Bit Set | Top Pick |
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2. ABN Tungsten Carbide Router Bit Set |
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3. Stalwart Router Bit Set |
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4. Hiltex 10100 Tungsten Carbide Router Bits |
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5. HQMaster CNC Router Bits – 10 Pieces |
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6. MLCS 8377 15-Piece Router Bit Set |
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7. Neiko 10115A Premium Tungsten Carbide Router Bits 80-Piece Set |
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1. Yonico 17702 70 Bits Professional Quality Router Bit Set
These industrial-grade router bits are made from high-quality materials. It features carbide tips with C3 micro-grain. All the essential router bits you need are included in this kit.
This set also features longer shanks. If you are using a router table with a handheld router, you should have no issues with the shanks of these bits.
The bodies are made from solid hardened steel for extended durability. It also features an anti-kickback design for safety. The Teflon coating is resistant to heat and prevents build-up from occurring.
This kit is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. If there are manufacturer defects you can find, get the manufacturer to replace the product.
This is a set of 70 bits and they come in a beautiful wooden box. There are two keyholes drilled at the back of the box allowing for wall hanging. Another fascinating feature of this tool is that all the bits are lengthened to suit both router table and handheld projects, with enough room for adjustment.
Specs
- No. of Pieces: 70
- Material: Carbide
- Size: 1/2-Inch Shank
- Weight: 13.62 pounds
Pros
- Packaging is secure for hassle-free transport
- Wide range of bits to cater to different drilling needs
- Great option for starters
- Highly durable and can withstand constant use
Cons
- Some users said that the wooden kit is a bit flimsy
Verdict
Affordable Industrial Quality Set of Bits: While this router bit set is more affordable compared to others, it still has good quality and features that can give the more expensive ones a run for their money. It has a quality more fitting for industrial and professional uses.
2. ABN Tungsten Carbide Router Bit Set
This router bit set comes with 24 pieces of shank bits that have a ¼-inch diameter. The cutting edge is made from Tungsten carbide that delivers on sharpness and precision.
You can use this even when you have a router with a higher RPM speed. The wooden storage case it comes with keeps all your bits organized. All the bits are secured, so they do not get lost.
This kit has 24 pieces of router bits. That includes the most useful ones such as combination bevel, mortising bit, dovetail bits, grooving bit, round nose bits, trimming it, panel pilot bit, straight bits, flush-trim bit, round over bits, cove bits, roman ogee bit and many more.
You can always get the most precise cuts because these bits stay sharp, thanks to their Tungsten carbide cutting edge.
If you are looking for a commercial quality set of bits or you are just starting out with woodworking, this is one of the best bit sets for you. With these bits, you will not experience a flying bit of shrapnel or ruined wood. The bits are also highly durable and they will serve you for years, thanks to their build quality.
Specs
- No. of Pieces: 24
- Material: Carbide
- Size: 1/4-Inch Shank
- Weight: 2.44 pounds
Pros
- All the basic bits you would need
- Delivers precise and sharp cuts, thanks to tungsten carbide cutting edge
- Ideal for professionals and beginners
- Budget-friendly option
Cons
- Some users said it dulled out easily
Verdict
Durable Bits: These bits should last you a long time because of how durable the materials used are. The good part is that these bits are inexpensive and will not break the bank. It can even rival the durability of the more expensive router bit sets out there.
3. Stalwart Router Bit Set
These carbide-tipped routers will guarantee endless usage with their durable functions. Using high-quality materials, the manufacturer assures users that it will not succumb easily to damages. All the bits are encased in a wooden box that has labels for easier organization.
This kit comes with 24 pieces of bits. You get all the bits you need for your construction work such as bits for trimming, designing, grooving, edging, and veining. Get this kit if you want all the basic router bits for getting a variety of woodwork done.
This kit comes with dovetail bits, round nose bits, mortising bits, panel pilot bit, a straight bit, flush-trim bit, radius round-over bit, and cove bit, to name a few.
It is an inexpensive kit, good for novice woodworkers or hobbyists out there. Many users said they had no issues using these bits to cut through different kinds of hardwood.
The bits are carbide tipped and they are built to last for a very long time. This set comes with a sturdy wooden case that makes the bits very easy to store and transport.
Specs
- No. of Pieces: 24
- Material: Carbide
- Size: 1/4-Inch Shank
- Weight: 1 pound
Pros
- Wide range of bits
- Inexpensive
- Very easy to use
- Carrying case for easy storage and transportation
Cons
- Some users said they had issues with longevity with this kit
Verdict
Great for Hobbyists: If you do not need a superior bits kit for more rigorous woodworking jobs, get this instead. It is a good basic set that has all the right features and functions that should work in cutting wood. Do not expect it to do major industrial woodwork done though but for its price, it is a fairly good set.
4. Hiltex 10100 Tungsten Carbide Router Bits
Precision is key when it comes to woodwork and this can be achieved with the help of this router bit kit. All the 15 pieces included in this set have a YG8 tungsten carbide blade that ensures the most precise results.
This material also resists heat, so you can use it even with high amperage routers. There is a powder coating on its solid alloy steel construction, ensuring that all the bits will last for a long time.
The bits are precisely machined, and they deliver accurate and clean cuts on all types of wood. These bits come with 1/4-inch universal shanks and you can use them with all types of routers.
For aligned and smooth operations, these bits come with an enclosed bearing roller. To help you keep the bits organized, this bit set comes with a nice wooden case.
The wooden case also allows for easy transportation of the bits. The bits are great for trimming, edging, grooving, and veining in any kind of woodworking project.
Specs
- No. of Pieces: 15
- Material: Carbide, alloy steel
- Size: ¼-Inch Shank
- Weight: 1.25 pounds
Pros
- Inexpensive router bit set that is compatible with various routers
- Wooden storage to keep all the bits organized
- Accurate and precise cutting results always
- Fits securely in most routers
Cons
- Some users said they are not the sharpest bits around.
Verdict
Precise Results: This set does the job done. With more precise results, you can be assured that those woodworking projects will end up looking the way you envisioned them to look like.
It comes with 15 pieces of bits that are made with carbide and alloy steel to provide you with all the accuracy and precision you need.
5. HQMaster CNC Router Bits – 10 Pieces
Next up is the HQMaster CNC Router Bits and it comes with a unique design that has resulted in an increase in its demand. If you are looking for the best router bits with a thinner shank to handle more precise and intricate cutting, then you should consider the HQMaster CNC Router Bits.
The shank size of these bits is 1/8-inch, and they are the smallest on our list. This bit set is also inexpensive, as it comes with a great price tag.
You can use them for a wide range of projects including carving, engraving, cutting, slotting, sculpturing, and milling on materials such as PVC, MDF, resin, ABS, nylon, acrylic, hardwood, plastics, wood, plywood, and density board. The overall length of the bits is 38.5mm while the cutting edge length is 17mm.
These bits can also hold a sharp edge for a very long time. They are also highly durable and they are not easy to break. This is a 10-piece router bit set, and all the 10 pieces are the most common. This means you will have virtually all the basic router bits you need to handle a wide range of projects.
This set comes with a simple but cheap plastic case that makes it easy for you to store and transport the bits. While the plastic case is not the best out there, it still comes in pretty handy. The bits have a high precision level, thanks to their well-made carbide tips, which also keeps them resistant and durable.
Specs
- No. of Pieces: 10
- Material: Solid Carbide
- Size: 1/8-Inch Shank
- Weight: 1.6 pounds
Pros
- Very easy to install
- Use it for more intricate and precise cuts
- Very cheap
- Compatible with different types of wood
Cons
- The carrying case is not the best of quality
Verdict
Best for Intricate and Precise Cut: This 10-piece router bit set is perfect for precise and more intricate cuttings, thanks to its 1/8-inch shank size.
This set is also very cheap and you can use the bits on a range of wood. It is very easy to use and the bits are highly durable, thanks to the solid carbide material used to make them.
6. MLCS 8377 15-Piece Router Bit Set
The next router bit set on our list is the MLCS 8377 15-Piece Router Bit Set. If you are new to the woodworking space and you are looking for the best router bits, you might want to try this bit set out.
The tips of these bits are made with carbide and you can use them to cut through most types of wood. They are also very cheap, but they are not as durable as the more expensive bit sets.
This is a 15-piece bit set and it comes with basically all the bits you need to get started with woodworking. The bits in this set are ideal for engraving and cutting any type of wood.
One other reason why we highly recommend it for beginners is that it also comes with an Allen wrench, which means you have almost everything you need to get started.
It also comes with a conveniently sized and attractive wooden case to help you store and transport your bits easily. It is an economically, all-purpose starter set and the size of the shank in diameter is 1/2-inch.
This set contains 4 straight bits, 1 round over bit, 1 dove bit, 1 roman ogee bit, 1 45-degree chamfer bit, 1 flush-trim bit, 1 rabbeting bit, 1 dovetail bit, and several other useful bits.
Specs
- No. of Pieces: 15
- Material: Carbide
- Size: 1/2-Inch Shank
- Weight: 2.45 pounds
Pros
- Very attractive and conveniently sized storage case
- Has almost everything you need to get started with your carpentry
- Carbide tipped
- Affordable
Cons
- It is not the most durable
Verdict
Best for Beginners: If you are a beginner and you are looking for the best router bits, this is the perfect tool for you. This 15-piece router bit set comes with almost everything you need to get you started with your carpentry.
7. Neiko 10115A Premium Tungsten Carbide Router Bits 80-Piece Set
If you are looking forward to increasing the capability range of your router, then you might want to consider the Neiko 10115A Premium Tungsten Carbide Router Bits. This is an 80-piece router bit set, and you know what that means.
With this set, you would not have to look elsewhere when you want to drill through your workpieces. The quality of the bits is not the best, but they still deliver great cutting performance.
This bit set also comes at a pocket-friendly price, and it offers more bits for its low price. These bits are also highly durable, thanks to the machine-quality YG8 tungsten used for the construction and the quality carbide tips.
They also remain sharp for a very long time, which means you will have to sharpen your bits too frequently. Many people love this bit set because they can use it to handle a wide range of projects.
Specs
- No. of Pieces: 80
- Material: Carbide
- Size: 1/2-Inch Shank
- Weight: 12.75 pounds
Pros
- Come with a ½-inch universal shank to easily fit all types of routers
- A wide range of bits to pick from
- Inexpensive
- Aluminum storage box
Cons
- The quality of the bits could use some improvement
Verdict
Highly Versatile: This is one of the most versatile router bit sets on the market, as it comes with 80 different router bits that you can use to handle a variety of projects. The bits are carbide tipped and they can hold a sharp edge for a very long time.
Common Router Bits Used By Professionals
Whether you are a professional carpenter or contractor or a hobbyist, you will find the following router bits indispensable to your line-up of tools.
Here are the different types of router bits used by professionals:
Straight Bits
Your bits kit will never be complete with the straight variety. Because it cuts directly and straight into the material you are working, you can create “dado”. This is a groove that settles across the grain of the wood.
If you are doing inlays or mortise work, you can also hollow it out with the help of straight bits. Straight bits are available in different lengths and diameters.
Flush-Trim Bits
You should look for these bits if you are trimming the edges of a certain material into another material’s edge.
Rabbeting Bits
This should be another staple in your arsenal. With the help of a spinning pilot, you should be able to cut a shoulder, also known as a rabbet, on a material’s edge. With this, you can create grooves to join wood pieces. Usually, this is already included in router bits set.
Chamber Bits
If you need to cut a specific angle or you make many decorative edges, you should have chamber bits. You can also use this for the creation of beveled edges that are useful when it comes to making multi-sided projects.
Edge Forming Bits
Here is another bit that you can use to create decorative edges. You can get round-over bits to create rounded edges, Ogee bits to create S-shaped cuts, Cove bits to create quarter-circle shapes and Edge beading bits to form half-circle shapes.
There are also specialized bits you can get. These specialized bits are there if there are special shapes you need to create.
Molding bits, for instance, allows you to create multiple edges. If you need special shapes for creating cabinet doors and raised panels, look for specialized bits.
Questions To Ask When Buying Router Bits
If you have more money to spare, you can always get all the bits you can afford. You never know when you might need them. You can always get a complete set of bits that includes all the important bits that you can use for different kinds of woodworks.
Nevertheless, if you only need to choose from a number of bits, here are the questions you should ask yourself, so you can find the right one that is suitable for your needs:
Is There A Specific Project You Need The Router Bits For?
If you are assembling a kit of router bits, that should narrow down your options to the ones mentioned earlier.
Those are the router bits that should be included in your kit, to ensure that you have everything you need for different projects.
However, if you have a specific project you have in mind, consider the style and shape you need, to find one the bits you should buy for that project.
How Often Will You Use That Router Bit?
Some router bits have similar functions but there are those that might have multiple uses. If you do many woodworking projects, you need those multi-purpose router bits that have a variety of uses.
How Much Is A Comfortable Budget For You?
While router bit kits are usually more affordable, it is still a good idea to set a reasonable budget for it. Generally, the more you will spend on it, the more router bits you can get.
How Are You Going To Use Your Router?
Are you going to manually use it, or will you mount it on your router? Some bits might not be compatible with table-mounted routers. The variable-speed routers might accommodate more types of bits.
If there are specific projects you have in mind such as cabinets that utilize frame and panel construction, you might still need to get a table for your router before you can use bits such as the stile and rail kind.
What Shank Size Do I Need?
The size of the shank is another vital thing you need to consider on your quest for the best router bits. In most cases, you would have to choose between the two basic shank sizes, which are 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch.
While some routers can use both shank sizes, some of them can only use a particular shank size. As such, you need to make sure you buy router bits that come with the shank size your router supports.
Above all these, make sure you are getting high-quality bits. You can tell you are buying a good one if they have carbide cutters. Check the thickness as well. Make sure they are thick enough that they can still undergo some grinding.
In general, you get what you pay for with these router bits. The cheaper they are, the less likely they are to last for a long time. If you are a more serious hobbyist or you run a woodwork shop, go for those more expensive ones, so you can be assured of quality.
Conclusion
Make sure you click the links of the router bits you think will provide you with the benefits you are looking for. If you do not have a wood router yet, check out our article that details the best routers out in the market and how to buy them.
Also, check out our homepage to learn more tools that can help you get started in your woodworking job. Our top pick is the Yonico 17702 70 Bits Professional Quality Router Bit Set because it features a professional build. It comes with 70 different bits that you can use to handle a variety of projects.