Help picking router bits and/or new router...

[cyapps]

I currently do very little woodwork but once I get the hang of the router and the feeling of finishing my first arcade cabinet control panel "retrofit" (only router work is on the 3/4" mdf control panel), I am sure to want to make a full arcade cabinet or two as well as other projects that might come along. I only have a fixed amount of money that I can spend at the moment and won't have any real income for a while so money is definitely an issue. I don't want to waste what money I have on a potentially crappy router and then I would need to buy another one in the near future.

My current router I bought a long while ago from my neighbor is a Black & Decker 1 HP (model 7604) and I have yet to use it or buy any bits besides the one that was already in it. It only accepts ¼” shanks and I was just going to buy some bits for it but I am not sure if it will be a waste to spend money on ¼” bits when I am not sure how good this router is or how long it will last. If I do invest in ¼” bits now to save money are they likely to last me even when I get my new router. I have seen people say to get ½” shank bits over ¼” if possible but I don’t want to shell out the cash for the ¼” then need to buy ½” later when I upgrade to a better router. Another thing with this router is it has a fixed base and I read in the instructions that came with my electric ice high trackball install kit to use a plunge router to route the areas for the optical wheels and ball hole but I assume I can work around this by drilling some holes to correct depth then trimming the excess out with my router.

If I stay with my current router for my current small project then should I invest around $65 in good ¼” Whiteside bits from Holbren or should I just go with cheaper bits for the time being and upgrade my bit set when I get a new router. Below I listed all the bits I can think of I might need, please tell me what I missed or can do without or any incorrect sizes. I figured I need the Slotting Cutter and Arbor for the t molding, the Flush Trim bit for the 1/8” plexi, the template/pattern for cutting the curved corners and stuff from patterns, and the Straight bit for the hole and other general through cuts.

Flush Trim Double Flute 1/2"CD x 1"CL x 2-1/2"OL 1/4" Shank
Slotting Cutter 1/16" 3-Wing
Slotting Cutter Arbor 1/4" Shank 2-3/8"OL
Template/Pattern 1/2"CD x 1"CL X 2-1/2"OL 1/4" Shank
Double Flute Straight Bit 1/2" CD x 1" CL x 2-1/2" OL x 1/4" Shank

If I am able to get a new router from what I can gather from my research, the DEWALT DW618 is a good router that should last me a while. I am looking at the kit that comes with a plunge and fixed base DEWALT DW618PK for $207.51 shipped from amazon.com brand new or factory refurbished for $175.98 shipped from amazon.com seller Tool King. What I really need to know is in your opinion is this a good price for this router and is this a good router? Also does anyone have any experience buying refurbished power tools from Tool King or other sellers from amazon. I figured the $30+ dollars saved would go towards the price for the few bits (okay maybe one) I will need to get me started.

If you happen to know of a mid range router closer to the $100 that you could recommend then please feel free to share your comments. Also a cheaper source for bits is also appreciated (doesn’t have to be Whiteside).

[jediz]

For bits you could try www.mlcswoodworking.com they have nice bit set, the 25th anniversary one.

[cyapps]

Do you think it is smart to invest in the 1/4" shank bits that are required for my current router when I will be getting a better router in the future (no clue when). Are 1/4" bits bad in terms of clean cuts and longevity? Should I expect to be able to use them for a while, even after I purchase another router or do they just not last as long as the 1/2" shanks?

If I do get 1/4" bits, should I just fork out the money for Whiteside that will last me for a good while even after router upgrade or just get some cheap bits that will do just fine for maybe 2 control panels. And spend the good money on 1/2" bits later.

I know this is mostly up to me just deciding but I tend to over think things, so any input is appreciated.

[jediz]

I know how it is - I over-research things as well. It probably won't ever matter if you but the 1/2 or the 1/4, you can always use the 1/4's later in a new router. heck you may not ever buy  a new router. I would not buy the more expensive bits, you're not doing any kind of production work. We're just hobbyist, so as long as you stay away from aboslute crap, you'll be fine. I just bought that set I linked to above, if that helps. (Although I did buy the 1/2 shank, just because)

[cyapps]

I know how it is - I over-research things as well. It probably won't ever matter if you but the 1/2 or the 1/4, you can always use the 1/4's later in a new router. heck you may not ever buy  a new router. I would not buy the more expensive bits, you're not doing any kind of production work. We're just hobbyist, so as long as you stay away from aboslute crap, you'll be fine. I just bought that set I linked to above, if that helps. (Although I did buy the 1/2 shank, just because)

Thanks so much, I really appreciate the input. I will go a head and get 1/4" mid range bits for now and save the better stuff (ie: new router and better bits) for when I get used to using routers.

Flush Trim Double Flute 1/2"CD x 1"CL x 2-1/2"OL 1/4" Shank
Slotting Cutter 1/16" 3-Wing
Slotting Cutter Arbor 1/4" Shank 2-3/8"OL
Template/Pattern 1/2"CD x 1"CL X 2-1/2"OL 1/4" Shank
Double Flute Straight Bit 1/2" CD x 1" CL x 2-1/2" OL x 1/4" Shank

I figured I need the Slotting Cutter and Arbor for the t molding, the Flush Trim bit for the 1/8” plexi, the template/pattern for cutting the curved corners and stuff from patterns, and the Straight bit for the hole and other general through cuts.

Also from the 5 bits that I listed what are the differences in the template/pattern bit and the flush trim bit and are they both needed? Does my uses listed above fit the bit that is needed, and did I miss anything?

[jediz]

You or may not know, but the pattern / flush trim bits are really the same, just depends on where the bearing is, above or below the bit. That list looks complete, it's pretty much what I used on my cab. You also may want to get some template guides - if your current router accepts Porter-Cable style you can pick up a cheap, but good set at Harbor Freight.

[cyapps]

You or may not know, but the pattern / flush trim bits are really the same, just depends on where the bearing is, above or below the bit.

That is what I was thinking. I just wasn't sure if the flush trim was more for trimming laminates than routing wood down.

You also may want to get some template guides - if your current router accepts Porter-Cable style you can pick up a cheap, but good set at Harbor Freight.

I will look into this, but I assume I wouldn't need them yet, with my control panel and the bits I listed? Isn't this what the bearings are for on the pattern/flush trim bits? But this would help with following templates with the straight bit?

As for if my router accepts Porter-Cable style I have no clue but I will search to see what that means . My router is quite old and I doubt much information exists about it and I have no manual or anything for it, just a router and the bit that came with it.