Help with choosing the proper bits for routing

[Hammerfist]

I've gone trough the forum and found some info, but it has still left me unsure which bit(s) to buy. My best choice for buying stuff is amazon.co.uk when it's sold and shipped by them, so I was looking at these for example http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-15-Piece-Router-Set/dp/B000P4IS9G/ref=pd_sim_sbs_diy_1 and http://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-72892-12-Piece-4-Inch-Router/dp/B00023TAYC/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1340776537&sr=8-6. The thing that bothers me, is that the flush trim bits seem a bit short? Are they good for example for 3/4 inch MDF?

My router has 1/4 inch shank (Bosch 1400 POF ACE).

Thanks for the help guys!

[jmike]

It does look a bit short. Why not buy them individually? You'll only use about 3 or 4 of the bits from that set anyway.
I bought a similar set on Ebay and only use 3 bits from the set.


 

[Hammerfist]

Yeah, I was thinking about that, but I'm not sure what to buy . So tips on which ones are good, are more than welcome!

[Vigo]

When I bought my router, I found that I used it for a lot more than simply arcade cabinet work, so I am glad I got one of those cheaper sets for starting out. It enabled me to do a lot with my router. The set I have is similiar to the second link you posted. Although the ones I have are carbide blades, and I am not sure about the ones in the link. You want to get at least carbide blades as it will stay sharp much longer. I am honestly glad I bought my cheaper set though. I was then able to buy better quality versions of the 2-3 bits I commonly use, and the cheaper ones held my over until I knew which bits I really needed a lot.

The flush bit is definitely a biggie to have though, and the Bosch one especially looks short. You can flush a 3/4 sheet with a shorter bit, but you will need to take it in multiple runs at different heights to flush out the whole edge. It will make a small groove on the edge of the wood where you took different runs, but it is so small and it is not gonna matter when you cover with t molding.

[yaksplat]

The flush bit is definitely a biggie to have though, and the Bosch one especially looks short. You can flush a 3/4 sheet with a shorter bit, but you will need to take it in multiple runs at different heights to flush out the whole edge. It will make a small groove on the edge of the wood where you took different runs, but it is so small and it is not gonna matter when you cover with t molding.

Do yourself a favor and get the right bit for the job.

http://www.amazon.com/Freud-42-100-Diameter-2-Flute-Trimming/dp/B0000225Y7

[Drnick]

The flush trim in that pack is probably 1/2" I have a similar set   I went for the following.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/400229321376?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

Was with me in 2 days and made my life so much easier.   

[Hammerfist]

Thanks guys for all your comments (and do keep them coming ).

Drnick: I just sent a query to the seller for the shipping costs. Shouldn't be too much. Thanks!

Yaksplat: Thanks for the tip. Only problem is the location it's shipped from. I have to ask them how much they would charge, but experience dictates it's more than what is reasonable because of the distance and available methods (that are guaranteed to arrive)

jmike / vigo: Yeah, both have good points, but I'm gonna lean on Vigos point here and get one of those sets (in addition to the proper flush and some others). I've had (almost too) many ideas already, which aren't really related to cabinet building, so the rest won't go to waste so easily

Still need to find good invidiual bits, so please, do keep suggesting. Thanks! 

[stripe4]

The flush bit is definitely a biggie to have though, and the Bosch one especially looks short. You can flush a 3/4 sheet with a shorter bit, but you will need to take it in multiple runs at different heights to flush out the whole edge. It will make a small groove on the edge of the wood where you took different runs, but it is so small and it is not gonna matter when you cover with t molding.

Do yourself a favor and get the right bit for the job.

http://www.amazon.com/Freud-42-100-Diameter-2-Flute-Trimming/dp/B0000225Y7

I'm also in the process of buying the individual router bits. My local hardware store offers Bosch router bits and I am wondering whether this bit would be suitable for flush trimming the cabinet sides (to make them identical):
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-Roman-Working-Length-Total/dp/B000XIXUJW

The measurements of this bit are identical to the Freud 42-100 bit mentioned earlier in this thread (except the shank diameter which is 8 mm). Some catalogues list this bit under "Laminate trim bits" category and that leaves me wondering whether it can be used with 3/4 inch birch plywood.

[yaksplat]

I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work.

[stripe4]

Thanks, yaksplat!