WhitesideRouter Bits 410 Ten Essential Router Bit

So you just got a new router and are wondering what bits to get, well let me make that decision easy for you:1) Prefer 1/2 inch shank over 1/4 inch where available, because the 1/2 inch bits are a lot more stable at high RPM and make it easier to cut your work cleanly.2) It's really a toss-up between Whiteside and Freud if you want high quality bits that will stay sharp and give you clean, smooth results.I purchased this set of bits on the recommendations of other woodworkers I spoke with and I have been pleased with their performance. It's tough to objectively say one bit is better than another, but I can tell you what kind of cuts I made and how the cuts turned out.Note: Using a Bosch 1617 Router- Dado Cut:This one is probably the most telling because a router bit that is not up to the task can cause your work piece to chip, thus ruining it. I made a 1/2 inch square dado cut in a piece of 3/4 inch hardwood plywood. The result was perfect, with the 1/4 inch lip being perfectly smooth and precisely 1/2 inch square. I made this cut in one pass at a steady speed and there were no burns or other damage to the piece. The dado bit has a removable bearing that allows you to adjust the horizontal depth of the cut; it was set up for 1/2 inch out of the package.- Concentric 3/8" Spiral Cuts:Spiral bits are very versatile as they cut in all directions. I wanted to make recessed speaker cutouts, so I used the 3/8" spiral bit to do so in 3/4" red oak. My first cut was a 1/4" depth lip, followed by a second cut inset by 3/8" completely through the 3/4" thickness of the oak panel.I made both cuts in one pass with flawless results. I did not use a plunge base, which means I had to start the cut by slowly rolling the router into the piece from an angle...with a lesser bit, this technique could easily have resulted in the router kicking out but the whiteside bit sliced though the oak like it wasn't even there. The end result is a perfectly recessed circle with smooth edges. The bit is exactly 3/8" along its cutting length so there was no deviation in the cut despite performing it at different depth settings. For the full-depth cut, I set the depth to be about 1 inch, meaning the bit would protrude from the bottom of the work piece by about 1/4".- Rounding Bit:Rounding off the edges of the oak panel was a piece of cake using the included rounding bit. It's a 1/4 inch radius which is just what I wanted for this project. Not much else to say about this.- Edging Bit:This bit lets you get perfect edges where two pieces may not line up evenly. I used it to make the front panel of my speakers flush with the box and it worked just as I wanted it to. The oak panels look like they are part of the body. Running your finger across, you cannot feel the transition between pieces. The edging bit is long and like the other bits, precise along its entire cutting length. You can also use it to quickly remove dried glue around the edges without sanding - a real time saver and the results are better than sanding.That's what I've done so far and I am more than pleased with the results. I haven't used Freud bits but they were frequently recommended as well; the impression that I got was that both bits cut with similar quality but the whiteside bits stay sharper longer. That is not an objective statement so don't take it to mean I am recommending these over Freud, as I consider Freud's circular saw blades to be among the best in the business.Keep these bits clean and sharpen them when necessary, they will last a lifetime. They are razor sharp so be careful when handling them as they will cut your fingers with ease. You can spray them with a dry teflon lubricant to make them easier to clean. I spray my blades with the dupont teflon for this purpose.

The very best quality. If you are a professional, these are the bits to get.

Disappointing that for this price, they only come in a plastic cover. It would make them nicer

I did my homework and I have to say this was by far the best value and I am very happy with the purchase. Setting up the system now and I am glad to know I have a long-last set of precision router bits. Look up the reviews and comparisons, there is not a better bit available and the silly plastic packaging is just fine. No frills, just great product. Very useful set, everything you need here.

These router bits are the best I've ever used, and this is a great starter set of the essentials.

They are wonderful to work on your wood project. I'm new to routing and couldn't recommend better tips to do your next job.

The packaging may not look like much, but these bits are amazing.

Definitely recommend this set to ANYONE in the market for a Router Set. These are top quality bits so no "buying them again" if you take care of these. Do yourself a favor. Follow the rule: "I am too poor to buy it twice"