Best Router Bits Sets in April 2024: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Whether you are just starting out on your path to being a woodworker or you are an expert handy man, one of the most important tools that you will need is a router.

Not only is this one of the handiest tool, but it is also important if you want to produce versatile deigns of all shapes and sizes.

From trimming laminates, to decorating edges or even forming different woodworking joints, there is no doubt that a router can be quote useful in the workshop.

However, none of the above mentioned tasks can be complete if you router lack the best router bits.

On its own, the router is a sophisticated tool however the real challenge begins when you have to pick specific router bits for specific projects. The market after all is full of endless options. So how do you decipher which one you need?

In this post, we will look at 5 of the best router bits sets 2024 then latter we will go through a buyer’s guide that will help you pick a set that works for your needs.

 

What is The Best Router Bits Set in April 2024?

• MCLS 8377 — Best Beginner Router Set
• Freud 91-100  — Professional’s Choice
• Whiteside 401 Basic — Best Carbide Router Bit Set
• Neiko 10115A Premium — The Largest Set (80 pieces)
• Yonico 17702 — Most Heaviest and Quality 70 piece set

MCLS 8377 Review — Best Beginner Router Set

The MCLS 8377 is a solid choice for any beginner woodworker.

Not only is it affordable, this bit set stands out from the competitions for the extra pieces it has.

Just because it’s cheap does not mean its low quality. This router bit set comes with high quality, durable pieces all thanks to the carbide tip construct.

In fact, you don’t even have to worry about vibrations and tear outs while using these starter bits as they are made with ½ inch shanks to prevent just that.

As long as you are working on a project that needs strength size and durability, the flexibility of the MCLS 15 piece router Carbide tipped bits will come in handy.

In the box, you get four straight bits, a V-groove bit, roman ogee bit, a 45-degree chamfer bit, a cove bit, panel pilot bit, round nose bit, dovetail bit and a round over bit. You also get an Allen Wrench in the kit that makes it easy for you to convert round-over bits into beading bits.

However, beginners working on simple projects with softer materials will love this assortment. It also comes with an attractive wooden box for convenience in terms of storage while making it a great introductory kit to router bits.

Freud 91-100 Review — Professional’s Choice

With a reputation for manufacturing some of the most advanced saw blades globally, Freud’s high-quality products are worth every penny even at a high price range. Here’s why.

Entry level sets like the MLC 8000 series are fine in terms of performance, but once you have developed more skill the better quality and durability that comes with well-machined router bits will amaze you.

Granted, the MLC 8000 series offers lots of convenience and performance for beginners on a low budget, but it does not offer professionals quality they can trust.

This Freud 91-100 set on the other hand, even with just 13 bits, includes the most used bits serving almost all your DIY needs.

Designed to cut through all composition materials, this router bit set comes in a unique shadow box that can be mounted on the bench or hanged to the wall for safety.

However, there have been some complaints from users about the case quality and the lack of extra bearing on all bits. This problem is not only easy to solve but also a small price to pay for the cutting life provided by this set.

Whiteside 401 Basic Review

If you are looking for router bits that deserve top marks and leave smooth cuts with no marks, grab yourself a Whiteside 401 Basic.

With just 7 pieces, this set provides the all the commonly used bits for your workshop.

Made to be highly durable and sturdy all thanks to premium carbide construct, each of the Whiteside bit leaves behind smooth edges that do not require any sanding after routing.

In fact, it will pretty much feel like the routers are gliding along, effortlessly cutting even when the job is tough.

For the most discriminating users, this Router Bit Set gives zero reasons to complain as it comes with a durable casing for storage.

Neiko 10115A Premium Review — The Largest Set (80 pieces)

For most prolific hobbyists looking for a good number of router bits in a set, the Neiko 10115A Premium is a perfect match.

Granted, it won’t provide the same quality you would expect from high-end sets like Freud, but you get up to 80 pieces at a good price.

Furthermore, the amount of bits this set comes with gives you the flexibility to try out different unique profiles that are hard to come by with most sets at its price range.

Constructed with machined YG8 tungsten and carbide-tipped blades, these bits are capable of resisting heat and last a while with minimal sharpening.

You can work with flush trim, 25 degrees trimming and 30-degree trimming thanks to an ogee flute, classical clove, and beading router bits to mention a few.

Some of the complaints, however, have been about bits that wore down only after a few cuts while other users found the angles incorrect.

Yonico 17702 Review — Most Heavist and Quality 70 piece set

Lastly on our list is the Yonico 17702. Weighing about 13 pounds, this set is the heaviest.

It comes with 70 router bits and shank sizes at 1/2”.

Simply put, this set provides the top bit collection for woodworkers looking to remodel their dens or build desks and cabinets with a variety of router bits for a variety of tasks.

Considering just how expensive router bits can be (especially when bought separately) the Yonico 17702 offers an affordable option in its 70 pieces.

Need some high-quality bearing? Well no problem, this set features CNC balanced guide bearings for smooth effortless operations.

AS if that is not enough, this set comes in a secure solidly built box package that is convenient for storage of your industrial quality router bits. Unlike the packaging of most router bits, this one comes with a protective piece of foam and a plastic bit holder to keep your fingers safe from the sharp router bits.

What to Consider When Buying Router Bits

With so many options in the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed especially when you do not know what router bits you need to get started as a woodworker.

After all, if you know the most commonly used bits you might end up saving money by only getting a set with the essentials. With that in mind, here is a buyer’s guide to finding the most essential type of router bits.

13 essential router bit profiles for any project

Glue Joint Bit

With the glue joint router bit, you can create joints in the wood to connect a piece to the other forming a larger panel.

This bit can also come in handy when you are trying to create a large glue area for more adhesion. Simply put, this bit gives you a huge advantage over joining systems like the biscuits and dowels.

Edge Beading Bit

This router bit, although similar to the round-over bit, gives a rounded shape to the edge of the piece forming a bead. Basically, the Edge Beading Bit produces a quarter or sometimes half-circle profile cut on the wood piece.

Ogee Bit

This one here is among the most commonly used edge shaping bit and for a good reason. It produces a compound S-Shaped profile that comes with a bearing tip.

With this bit, you can produce various variations but the most common ones are those that come with points in the middle of the profile or on the edges.

Stile and Rail Bit

Furthermore, you can use it to cut up panel slots and come up with amazing decorative profiles in your work piece.

Straight Bits

Another popular bit you will find in most, if not all workshops, is the straight bit. As the name suggests, this one is ideal for when you need to cut straight.

You can also use it when forming a shallow groove that lets you join a wood to your work piece. It is available in a variety of diameters and lengths.

Plus, this bit satisfies the specific needs of woodworkers hence its popularity.

Raised Panel Bit

While it’s easy to forget the different types of router bits that exist out there, the Raised Panel Bit stands out for its importance in cutting out specific shapes.

Most woodworkers use in combination with the stile bit to create door panel. This router bit creates a profiled edge that fits perfectly on smaller door panels.

Rabbet Bit

A Rabbet bit can be defined as a straight cutting bit. The only difference is that it is capable of riding along the edges of your piece producing a shoulder like design with its blade.

Some routing bits will have a  guided pilot bearing that spins with different diameters allowing you to create a variety of preferred sizes.

Flush Trim Bit

A Flush Trim Bit allows you to trim the edges of a workpiece such that you can create a matching edge with another piece.

A flash trim is essential for anyone working with wood veneer or plastic laminate on a regular basis. It has a straight cutting bit blade, capable of trimming down any overhanging material on your workpiece.

To achieve this, the Flush Trim Bit is guided by a pilot ball bearing that is usually the same diameter as the cutting blade. You will mostly find the bearing at the base of the bit or at the tip.

Chamfer Bit

Looking for bits that will help you make beveled cuts? Well, the Chamfer Bit is your pick. This Bit is designed to look larger at the bottom while being smaller at the top. It is used mostly on square edges to create a 45-degree cut.

Depending on the size of the cut, this bit offers a range of versatile use cases. Furthermore, just like most bits, some chamfer router bits will feature a bearing tip to guide the bit as it cuts through the edges of your workpiece.

Cover Bit

The Cove bit is mostly useful when producing a concave radius at the edge of your workpiece. It has a shape that produces a profile opposite to the round over bit; this bit is common among woodworkers looking to produce decorative edges.

It gives a smooth cut that enhances the appearance of your edges while adding style to the legs of your furniture and the doors of your cabinets.

Dovetail Bit

The Dovetail Bit creates a dovetail joinery and tail making it one of the most famous bits you will use in a variety of projects. You can also use it to create tapered dadoes as it comes with a guide bearing for silky smooth operations especially when a template is used.

Round Over Bit

If you want to give your project a softer smoother look, one of the most important bits to use would be a Round Over Bit. It can help you create a more pronounced effect especially if you use a bigger radius round-over bit. As usual, a rounded corner is more welcoming to people as opposed to sharp edges.

As a result, round-over bits can be quite handy when creating furniture for kids, shaping edges of tabletops and bookshelves.

Carbide Tipped Bit

If you want to add more versatility to your router, just add a straight carbide tipped bit. Not only are these types of bits the most common and mostly used, but they are also capable of cutting square bottomed straight groves.

You can find them in a variety of lengths and diameters with the most common ones being a ¼, ½, and a ¾ diameter bit. If you want to achieve precise cuts, you will need to have a router bit guide as Carbide Tipped Bits do not come with pilot bearings.

What to consider when purchasing router bits

As you would expect, the task at hand will determine the router bit set to settle for. However, if you are looking to build a collection for your workshop or simply starting to build towards being a pro woodworker you will need a couple of tips.

Here are some important considerations to think about when picking your router bit set.

Budget

If you have already identified the bit sets that have all the necessary bit profiles and extra features you need for your job, it is important to settle for one that fits into your budget. It is also important to consider quality as cheap is always expensive in the long run.

Brand

Like any other industry, the woodworking tool manufacturing space has a couple of brands that stand out for their quality.

Top companies boast of years of reputation in the game and their products are trusted by most woodworkers and hobbyist. These brands include Freud, CMT, Whiteside, and MLCS.

Shank Sizes and Bit Profiles

We have already checked out some of the most popular bit profiles. However, it is also important to consider the standard shank size in order to get stable performance with a lot less vibration in your operations.

Most routers commonly accept a ¼” and a ½” size bit as the preferred shank size for forming slight or minimal edges.

Material

It goes without saying that the material of the router bits matters a lot. Different brands use different materials, therefore it is important to know what material delivers durability and quality performance.

For a more affordable option that is less demanding, a High –Speed steel will do just fine especially if you are working with soft material.

Number of pieces

Choosing a router bit set as opposed to collecting single pieces is a good way to avoid breaking the bank just to have a variety of router bits for your projects. With that in mind, you will have to carefully consider picking a set that gives you all the pieces you need.

Some sets come with fewer pieces but offer more in terms of quality and durability while other offers have more pieces. Obviously the more pieces in your set, the more flexibility you have but as long as you have the most common pieces, you will be fine even with fewer pieces.

Carrying case

A decent carrying case is not only important for easy transportation of your bits but also important for safe storage. Settle for a set with a durable carrying case that will hold your pieces for the long term.

Conclusion

A router bit is one of the most essential handy tools in any workshop. After all, having the right router bits makes decorating and shaping your workpieces a breeze.  If you end up picking the wrong bits, you will be setting yourself up for frustrations in the workshop.

Hopefully, our list of the top outer bits and our buyer’s guide will help you in your research. There are a couple of renowned brands with budget options that guarantee value for your money. Remember you don’t need to be an expert woodworker to appreciate the best router bit in the market.

Still have questions? Check Router Bits FAQ to find an answer or write your question in comments.