Just bought a router and table but now im lost........

[SpeedEng]

ok I got off my lazy butt today and picked up a router and table off of good ol-C.L.
(craftsman 1.5hp router 1/4inch)
now im lost
what bits do I get??
I stopped by sears and was completly lost when I took a look at all of the bits

(I really thought the ppl working there would be of some help but they were lost like me)

not sue if you need these details
im tryin to whip up a bartop using mdf 1/2-5/8 wood (maybe plywood if it's easier)
the build is more of a testrun than the actual build(as you can tell I have no skill with woodworking  ) so I just wanna learn how to use the router properly

any help would be greatly apreciated!!

[severdhed]

well, i just recently bought a router too..and they are AWESOME!!!

i just started playing around on some scraps before i start my new panel...the bits i plan on using are:

1/16" slot cutter - for tmolding
flush trim bit - cutting plexiglass, making duplicate wooden/mdf panels
standard straight cutting bit for recessing the mounting plates on joysticks and trackballs


that should get you started

[Virge]

I just bought one yesterday also.  Prices of bits are scary at most stores.  I got the bits mentioned above from http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/.  Got 5 bits for the price of two at Lowes.

[Chadwick]

Oh boy...

Please be aware that when it comes to router bits, you get what you pay for.  Cheap bits are cheap for a reason.  Do you want to take a chance with sharp carbide spinning at 18,000 rpm or faster?

The list above is a good starter set:
-Slot cutter assembly: 1/16" Kerf slot cutter, arbor assembly, and bearing - bought in 3 separate pcs or sold complete
-Flush Trim Bit - get a 2-flute, carbide tipped flush trim bit with 1/4" shank, 1/2" Diameter, and 1" Cut edge length, bottom ball bearing.
-Straight Plunge - get a 2-flute, carbide-tipped bit with 1/4" shank, 1/2" Diameter, and 1" cut edge length

Those 3 bits will do most of the operations you'd need to do when building an arcade cab.

[Encryptor]

I've seen this set in their catalog but just haven't gotten around to buying one yet. For the average user who only uses their router once in a while I think it would do fine at a great price.

http://tinyurl.com/d395cq


Harbor Freight also sells a couple of different sets.


Encryptor

[TOK]

Oh boy...

Please be aware that when it comes to router bits, you get what you pay for.  Cheap bits are cheap for a reason.  Do you want to take a chance with sharp carbide spinning at 18,000 rpm or faster?

The list above is a good starter set:
-Slot cutter assembly: 1/16" Kerf slot cutter, arbor assembly, and bearing - bought in 3 separate pcs or sold complete
-Flush Trim Bit - get a 2-flute, carbide tipped flush trim bit with 1/4" shank, 1/2" Diameter, and 1" Cut edge length, bottom ball bearing.
-Straight Plunge - get a 2-flute, carbide-tipped bit with 1/4" shank, 1/2" Diameter, and 1" cut edge length

Those 3 bits will do most of the operations you'd need to do when building an arcade cab.

MLCS is a good place, they don't sell Harbor Freight type crap.

[SpeedEng]

I ended up getting vermont american bit's

as for the harbor freight stuff. I think they sell some ok tools.
I usually purchase tools that I dont use too often from them
they held up pretty good