5 Router Bits for Beginner Woodworkers 

I feel like 731 is one of the few woodworking channels that has a sense of reasonable affordability. So sick of creators who throw the word "cheap" around like were all getting sponsored ads haha

I've always suggested getting one of those cheaper bit sets, with all the different shapes / profiles, and use that to determine WHICH bits you use the most. Then buy the good ones that you actually DO use. Also, for flush trim bits, I suggest the spiral ones instead of the two blade like you have. They are more expensive, but WELL worth every penny. Much better at flush trimming. Excellent video as always!

I joined your channel recently because I will start working with wood soon and I would like the user to learn as much as possible ... I watched quite a few of your videos and you show a lot of smart things that everyone can learn if they want ... thank you in advance for all the information and I hope to publish some instructions soon ... thanks to such carpenters who also share knowledge, those who want to work with wood can learn everything. wood exudes some warmth that you can't achieve with any metal.

I'm so glad when I'm searching for something specific and one of your videos pops up. It makes my day .

Great video for beginners on routers. Thanks for sharing. I bought my first (plunge) router about 15 years ago, together with a not so cheap router bit set. The first ten years I hardly used them. The last five years I use it more often. But I made a simple router table where it's living more or less permanently now. So I bought a cheap second plunge router, again with a set of router bits. I'm satisfied with everything. Over the last few years I bought some extra router bits. Nearly all of them are from Makita. On average they cost about 15 USD. Hopefully next year I'll buy a trim/palm router. I think I'll take a corded one, but I'm not 100% sure yet.

Great information!!! Just received my little straight bit to do table top fasteners for the first time. Thank you for the content.

So true… Katz-Moses is THE guy when it comes to recommendations and info

Matt, as usual, awesome job on the video. I have been meaning to thank you for turning me on to using a dovetail bit and the dovetail clamps from previous videos. I have made a couple of jigs and table saw sleds and included dovetail grooves instead of t track. It's a lot cheaper and faster to build.

Thx, as a rookie woodworker this answered several questions I had for my router

I’m learning so much from you, it’s unbelievable. After watching you make farmhouse style end tables and asking what the tool you used to put the edge on, I’ve finally got myself a palm/trim router. Now I’m leaning what bits to buy. Cheers mate n happy Christmas 🎄👍🏻

Great video!!! Thanks!! I have both the cheap kit bits and then I upgraded. I don't use the router much since I started turning on a lathe but I appreciate the information and the way you present the subject matter. Take care and stay safe!!

Bravo! Timely video. I'm looking to replace my worn router bits. Thanks for the advice.

Excellent introduction and demo of routers and necessary or common bits. I always buy cheap to try out test to see what it does and get familiar then buy the better quality bits when I'm ready to use in decent projects

Thank you, new to router, Bless you and yours all your days

Thank you for this video! After watching your other vid and this one, I'll get the DeWalt

Awesome video Matt! Thank you for sharing all of this information. On to the next one! 😃

Recently I bought a Makita trim router kit with three bases. I bought the corded model because I will only use it in the shop. I got it because Tamar at 3X3 Custom uses the battery model and she used it for dado's. I made her table saw sled and cut dados for T Track with it. No problem. The motor on that little router is very powerful. I also have a Ryobi trim router. That thing is not very powerful, but it is good for round overs and chamfers.

Another size round over bit I keep is a 1/16”. It gives you a uniform broken edge look where your sander does not.

As a new subscriber I want to thank you for the great beginners information. I was able to buy a reasonably priced used Dewalt DW618 Router as you suggested. Its a nice bit of gear. As new or experienced router operators don't forget to use PPE every time.

I bought a 70 piece, 1/2” shank set on line for $150 with the hope it will be good enough for basic use until I figure out which ones I’m going to use the most and need to be upgraded. We will see.

I like the DeWalt battery trim routers as they’re beasts that run well above their weight class. My trim routers have become my go-to routers for probably 90% of my router tasks; I’ve even gotten a mini base plate to allow me to mount the battery router in my router table extension. DeWalt like Makita and Bosch makes a plunge base for their trim routers; just be aware that the lock lever on the plunge bases for the trim routers works opposite to standard router plunge locks. I also run the larger DeWalt 2 1/4 HP router with the 3 base kit as I prefer the fixed base with the trigger handle; the standard fixed base is attached to a base plate in my router table extension which is attached to my table saw. As a side note if you work with plywood a lot you should invest in a set of plywood bits or even just in the sizes of plywood you use as they’re undersized to the size of plywood which allows much better dados than say either a full sized bit or making 2 passes. As a cost save if you get straight cut bits with top bearings you’ll get two bits for the price of one as well as make it easier to cut deeper as the bit will automatically follow previous cuts; this set up also allows template cutting on a router table or free-hand with the same bit.

Just got my 2.25 HP Bosch with plunge base yesterday. Time to get some nice bits.

Great video. Thank you for sharing all of that information with us.

You do a great job Matt! You’ve inspired me big time my friend.

Loved this video, I'm still using the cheap set I got from Amazon but really need to get some much better bits. Also that workbench sure looked useful with the hold downs!!

Gracias hombre i been learning a lot from you because you are a good teacher congratulations

That flush trim bit sounds like a great way to clean up scraps

Awesome job Matt! I have each of these bits and I enjoy using them. 😊

Thank you. So clear and concise. I love your videos and your demeanor. And I love your FB group, too - the nicest one out there.

Thanks for sharing your expertise!!!

Great presentation, thanks!

Thanks for doing these videos.i can follow your instructions.i like the way you are really clear on them.

"The 80s called and they want their edge profile back" Lol! Now you've given me a complex! Srsly great overview, from someone who just got a (Bosch) router. Thanks for the great video!

Really nice presentation. Thank you

Hey Matt funny you posted this video cause today I just got a good deal on a table saw and a router table with a router and 16 bits at the flea market and I an a truck driver and didn't want a big expense saw and router not being used to make me money I was using my friends tools

Thank you for a really great video. There’s a lot of good information here. I have a Kreg table and lift and I built some cabinet faces but I want to use this investment for so much more. Understand what bit does what is a great help. Thank you.

Awesome video Brother. US Military Veteran (Retired) Jason

I made a lot of interior barn door shutters and hinged double shutters for the inside of my house. I used 3/4"maple plywood for a backing and 3/4" maple plywood for panels and trim around the edges I put the panels together with Kreg screws and pocket holes. then glued the entire assemblage to the backing. In the end, they came our very nice. In any case, I had to cut a couple hundred pieces and each one needed to be chamfered on the edges. I ended up buying a cheap Kobalt router table and router from Lowes to do the chamfers. It cost $179 and was a good investment. (Buy it if you need a router.) I couldn't chamfer 7X7" swaures or 20"X7" rectangles with a trim router as it always showed start points or. burn marks. The router table was the only way. Once I had it dialed in, I could chamfer a piece on four sides in about 30 seconds. I also used that router and table to cut rabbets 3/4 " deep and 1" wide on 7' maple boards. As maple is hard,, I had to do them in three passes, but it worked just fine. Not as nice as Matt's table and router, but it did the job. To cut those rabbets, I bought a Freud 1/2" bit. I had a set of Yonico 1/4" bits which are a bargain, but are really only meant for small routers. For anything heavy you need 1/2" bits.

There's a 3rd router t get, a CNC router! My little Ryobi palm router might be getting a big brother very soon. Hope to place an order for a LongMill 30x30 CNC with a Makita router. Love my CMT router bits!

Wonderful Bit of information

I got the dewalt and it is a beast!

Great channel man

I LOVE COLLECTING ROUTER BITS HAHA

Good video. Thanx.

Excellent video Matt!!

Thanks for these awesome videos. I’m trying to build a fairly basic shelf, except I need it to fit inside of a closet with a small door, so I need to be able to assemble (and hopefully disassemble it when needed) easily inside the closet. Also, I have limited tools, I do have a miter saw, a circular power saw, some chisels that I’m terrible at using. I’m considering getting a router, as they are fairly affordable and don’t take up much storage space, not sure what bits I’d need (and bits seem pricey). I’m trying to avoid buying a table saw, as I don’t have the space for it, and do as few cuts as possible, so I’ll be getting pre-cut 2x4s for the legs (I think) and pre-cut shelves (48x15.75). Since I want it to be easy to assemble and disassemble, I’m trying to avoid screws and angle brackets as much as I can. I’ve been researching wood joints. Thinking something like a half lap or dovetail to prevent the frame that would hold the shelf from sliding in or out of the legs. Also considering trying to do dadoes in the main legs for the shelves to go into, but I’d still need something to make the whole thing stay together, and to stop the shelves from sliding out. Or maybe just a mortise & tenon with some soft of a peg, to stop it from sliding out for the long way part of the frame, and maybe halved lap joint for the short way to hold it all together. Hopefully this makes sense, any suggestions for joints and tools needed?

a router is my 3rd most used tool.

When I first started, I bought a few bits with 1/2” shank and I couldn’t use them because I have a router that took 1/4” bit and I couldn’t figure out what I did wrong. It was an expensive lesson at the time but funny to look back on.

I have that same Dewalt. That edge guide would be really nice to have

As a beginner I appreciate videos like this! Great job on breaking down what each does as well as the visual presentation! 🙌👏

I just bought the mdf template for the mallet build got it for my daughter to make for 4H project she's doing woodworking

Thanks for a little "bit" of advise

good stuff just getting into wood workd love your content new sub much love

left to right thanks i was fighting my router i was going right to left now i know why thanks

Do you have a video on best bit sets to get for your router for beginners and the next level set for intermediate Thank you Sir Jason

I just did my first French doors, and used dado cuts for the windows. I used a cordless router, and it was not fun

Just getting into using routers and this is your third video I’ve watched- I’m so excited for the projects I feel more confident to tackle soon!! Do you get your tshirts all from the same place? I specifically like the one in this video. Would love to get one for myself but couldn’t find the exact match just googling :)

Do you have a video on router lift? Looking to upgrade some shop tools

I hope you will answer my questions. What do I used to cut a groove in the top of a board to use as a type of handle?

Hey Matt, do you have a video on how to set these router bits? How high / low or do they get set flush with the base? Thanks in advance! I'm a huge fan of your work!

You mentioned CMT And Whiteside. Bits Bits take Whiteside bits and do a process they call, “Astracoat”, which helps the bit make a smoother cut and prolongs the life of the bit.

The spiral and the spiral compression bits will do a much better job than the straight bits and the straight pattern Bits . You just have to make sure you have the right one of them for the job. However, the straight pattern bits work well when there's only 1/8", or so, to trim.

I was just at Lowe’s today look at palm router and was thinking it be get if they could combine to two where a palm router be powerful enough to be drop into a fixed it plunge base with variable speed. I know I would pay more to have something like that’s

Flip top 🔝! Flip top 🔝!!! Make a flip top 🔝 !!!

Bosch!😉

#1 recommended is a Straight Cut with bearing so you can work with 731 templates right?

I am just getting started back into woodworking and picked up the skil digital combination router. It has a plunge and fixed base with slow start and has great reviews. Only 150 at lowes

Try this router bit not that expensive but carbon tip Yonico Amazon I use them all the time

Good rule. Outside cut = Left to Right, Inside Cut = Right to Left.

Thanks for ths video. I was wondering if a trim Router will Cut tongue and groove joints for Shaker style doors? Or do you get something bigger?

When it comes to collet extenders, are those safe to use on a plunge router? Only ever see them installed on a router table.

Off subject here but which woodpeckers edge rule did you recommend? Was it the 24”? If so, would the 6” be used much or needed if I purchased it also? Thanks!

A good clear guide. You mention in commentary about guide to build a router table but have been unable to find it - is there a link? Thanks

What bit would you use for a cutting board handle?

What bit would you use for drilling dog holes 3/4" with a plunge router?

Just to add confusion, I found a Mafell milling motor that can be converted to a super-powerful 8mm shanked detail router, gets into all the places a 1/2" router won't fit. Finding bits is a bit of a pain, but at least the ones I do find all seem very high quality 🤷‍♂️

What's your opinion on using template collars rather than a template bit?

Good information. Also, can you sharpen router bits if they get dull like drill bits?

how about the tongue & groove bits?

It's all great advise.... as usual on these channels, you spend more $ on jig accessories than I spend on food and gas. That's Ok... it's the nature of life. But, you make your own jigs to save money and they are awesome.... is there any way to make your own clamps, hold downs, etc??? Thanks

5:40 if you swap the bearing with a smaller one, you get another feature edge.

I'm here after the 3 Easy DIY Drawers video cut a dado in my confidence 😭 Time to learn whether my trim router can save me or if that's not remotely how it works.

Can you please recommend a decent plunge router bit.... I want to make some bowls and candy dishes.....

Which brands do you recommend?

On some materials i found climbing cuts is the only way.. or you going to shred the wood.

I BOUGHT A UP SPIRAL BIT TO MAKE BOX FINGER JOINT < BUT I HAVE LOYS OT TEAR OUT < ANY REASON WHY< I USE A ROUTER TABLE. LOVE YOUR CHANNEL 👍👍🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

Are the cmt contractor bits any good? They seem to be way cheaper than the orange cmt bits

Just curious do you have any plans for making American flake I noticed that in the dove tail fled that you made in the background if you can please message me back

You mentioned edge guide for the smaller Ridgid, but you did not demo it. Plus is it universal, meaning can you use it on a Ryobi?

The dewalt router you show in the video is corded but the one in the link is cordless?

Faith is the word people use when they don't have a good reason

Do you happen to have a link where i could buy a set of bits more than 4 piece for a beginner? I do different projects time to time and would like to have a case with a set of bits for any occasion. Thanks

Order cheap set first and whatever you use most get better quality bits then. Simple like that.

Or, if you want to try all these bits, just get the Bosch RBS006 set. For about a benjamin, you get all 5 of the bits he mentions (actually 2 straight bits, for 6 total). Great bits and the perfect starter set. It was my first set, and one of the best early decisions I made. Just my $.02

😎

4:46 So it rounds the edge just like a tubafor?

Actually I have great experience with cheap bits

Hi Matt. What brand name of bits do recommend ?

@731woodworks i got a dewalt router as a gift but the base plate on the plunge base is missing. Do you know where i can get another one? Im not having any luck with "dewaltrouter plunge base face plate" when i search 😪

Invest in decent quality bits and they will last you a lifetime. I'm using bits that are 20+yrs old. Oven cleaner can remove the gunk and a little diamond plate to lap the back occasionally 😉