Router Bits types: 1/4" vs. 1/2" shank?

[r32]

Some facts:
1. I'm a total newbie to woodworking, but am getting hooked, fast!
2. My first use of a router will be my new arcade cabinet.
3. I own the DeWalt DW616PK Router Kit (comes w/ 1/4" and 1/2" collet).
4. I also own the DeWalt D26670 Router. (1/4" collet diameter)


For my arcade cabinet:
1. I'm ordering 3/4" T-Molding from www.T-Molding.com.
2. The 3/4" T-Molding I'm ordering has a 3/32 Spine that is 19/64 in Depth.
3. According to the www.t-molding.com website, I need a 3-wing router bit with 1/16" slot width.
4. I'm looking to purchase my router bits from here: http://www.mlcswoodworking.com


Questions on Router Bits:
1. Since I have 1/4" and 1/2" collet on my primary Router, should I go with one size over the other?

2. For creating the t-molding slot, is this the correct router bit I should be ordering: #5341 (1/4" collet) or #7641 (1/2" collet)?
http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/bt_slot.html

3. For trimming black laminate I will be using on sides of cabinet, what router bit do I need?
http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/katana_bits4.htm

4. Will any other router bits be helpful in building my arcade cabinet?


Reference Images:
3/4" T-Molding from www.t-molding.com



Slot Cutter Router Bit from www.mlcswoodworking.com



Laminate Trimming Bit from www.mlcswoodworking.com

[javeryh]

That looks like the correct slot cutter.  Do not buy a laminate cutting bit - buy a pattern or flush cutting bit - they do the same thing and are MUCH more versatile due to the longer blade.  You can find them right below the laminate trimming bit you linked to - make sure the cutter height is at least 1" - I'd go with #18808 if it is your first one.

Note the bearing is on the top so you'd have to flip the piece you laminated upside down to make the cut.  Or you could get a similar bit with the bearing on the bottom - I'd still make sure it has a 1" cutting height though.  Look HERE.

[r32]

^Great! Thank you for the feedback and saving me some dollars on something not as useful.

So I will look at buying the #18808 you pointed out: (1" cut height w/ 1/2" shank)
Found here: http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/katana_bits4.htm

Or perhaps this cheaper one: #8807 (1" cut height w/ 1/2" shank)
Found here: http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/bt_flush.html


Any advice on my question regarding 1/4" vs. 1/2" shank?
Is the term 'shank' referring to same thing as 'collet' ?

Ahhh after studying those router bit pics, I just got the reason for bearing being on top vs. bottom and how that affects the way I will cut the board. They also have a router bit with a top and bottom bearing. Any advantage there, and if you bought this router bit for this job, would you prefer a top or bottom or both bearing router bit?


Reference Image:
Pattern/Flush Trim Router Bit from www.mlcswoodworking.com



Pattern/Flush Trim Router Bit TOP BEARING from www.mlcswoodworking.com

[fixedpigs]

1/2" shank is generally always better than 1/4"...the bit will run smoother and have less vibration...

really...the only reason i can think of to ever get a 1/4" shanked bit...would be if your router could only accommodate 1/4"...

 

(edit)
since you have that laminate trim router...i'd suggest getting the laminate trim bit for it...you have a specific tool...you may as well have it perform its task the best that it could...in which case it'd use the 1/4" shank...

but you should get all other router bits in 1/2" shank for your actual router...

[r32]

Thanks fixedpigs for the feedback.

True, I have that laminate-specific router. In fact, I just picked it for $60 as a refurb from www.Rockler.com which is fantastic price, because usually they are $110+.

Ok, so I'll just go ahead and get a laminate specific cutter then, in 1/4" shank just for that tool, then pick up all other router bits in 1/2" shanks for my bigger router. Really excited to get this project going, but I want to plan everything out very well and make sure I have all the tools and materials and plans to do this right the first time.