Buying router bits, please recommend brand

[griffindodd]

Hi all,

I'm currently working my way through a scratch build of my first cab. I have a nice bosch 1/2+1/4 shank router on it's way and now I am getting ready to buy the bits I need for the project. As I have no experience buying bits I wanted to ask people to recommend brands they have had good long term use out of. I don't mind paying decent money for decent gear that's going to last.

Currently I am considering Whiteside as they seem to have an excellent reputation, but I'd love to hear of any other recommendations if you think that there are better values to be had out there.

My concerns are...

Longevity
chatter/chipping
balance
dulling

I plan to buy 1/2" shanks in:
- flush trim, both top and bottom barings
- straight 3/4" (should I be getting 2 or 3 tooth? Solid carbide?)
- 45 degree chamfer
- 1" slot

For my build I am using 5/8" mdf for my thickest panels and will be coating them with Wilsonart plastic laminate.

Many thanks

Joel

[spoot]

Whiteside or Eagle America are both pretty good brands.  I haven't destroyed any of those yet.   

[yaksplat]

Freud is my brand of choice.  Good warranty and they stay sharp a long time.

I have yet to take advantage of the warranty.

[griffindodd]

Thanks guys. Also with flush bits, any opinions on spiral vs straight cutting edges?

[spoot]

I've not had the opportunity to use the spiral bits yet.....although they tend to be well liked in the woodworking mags I read.

[selfie]

Spiral flush cut bits are really nice to work with. I use them daily on acrylics and the finish is far superior than a straight flute bit. As for other materials 

[griffindodd]

Spiral flush cut bits are really nice to work with. I use them daily on acrylics and the finish is far superior than a straight flute bit. As for other materials 

Nice. Can you explain the reasons for choosing an up or down cut bit

[yaksplat]

Nice. Can you explain the reasons for choosing an up or down cut bit

That depends on which direction you want to push the chips.

[selfie]

Nice. Can you explain the reasons for choosing an up or down cut bit

That depends on which direction you want to push the chips.

Upcut sends chips towards the router body. Downcut sends them the otherway.

Also think about the which way the bit will "push" the material. When routing laminated material the bit should be pushing the laminate down onto the substrate to prevent chipping and de lamination. Using and up or down cut bit you need to think about which is the front and which is the back of the workpiece.

You can use a compression bit, up and down cut bits" on materials that have two "front" sides

[Unstupid]

My favorite bits all come from Vortex Tools.  Also if you want clean cuts on both sides of the material look for a compression bit (spiral up and down).  Off the shelf bits I like CMT-Orange Tools! 

[michelevit]

For selecting spiral bits, you want a downward bit to push the shavings away from the router. If your making a rabbit (partial groove)
the shavings have no wear to exit and you should  be using a straight bit, or upward spiral.

If your just a weekend warrior building one or two cabinets harbor freight router bits are just fine.
I've been impressed with their quality of router bits and slot cutters.
 

[NiteWalker]

Whiteside are my top choice, mainly because I get them cheapest.
Freud and CMT bits are excellent as well, especially if you catch a sale.

[griffindodd]

Thanks everyone for the advice, I ended up picking up some very nice Whiteside 1/2" shank flush, straight, chamfer and slot cutting bits and a Freud Forstner 1-1/8 for my buttons and I'm very very happy with their quality and performance.