You have finally purchased the new router, and now you can’t wait to put it to good use. There is no denying the fact that your router is high-tech, but it is not of any use without good router bits.
But, which router bits do you need? If this is your first time working with routers, the number of companies involved in manufacturing the bits will simply overwhelm you. To help you out a bit in that regard, we have reviewed the router bits from Rockler, one of the renowned manufacturers in the market. So, let’s get started.
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A brief introduction to Rockler
Rockler Woodworking and Hardware is a retail chain company that has its headquarters in the Medina region of Minnesota in the United States of America. The company has spent decades earning their name and fame in the market, as it had started its journey way back in 1954.
This family-owned business offers the widest range of innovative and high-quality finishing supplies, woodworking tools, hardware, and power tools. Rockler prides itself in being one of the largest online brands for the woodworkers, along with having a chain of woodworking stores across the country. The brand claims to have the motto to help the woodworkers create their pieces with confidence.
Top 3 Router Bits from Rockler
Though Rockler actually has an array of products in this category, let’s just focus on the three products from the brand that enjoy the most popularity.
1. Rockler Signmaking Carbide Router Bits – 1/4″ Shank
Here is one of the most popular router bits from the brand that is made especially for the purpose of sign making applications. It comes with a flat bottom that helps in preventing peaks in the routed letters. It is recommended to be used with the plunge router.
It is made of K10 and K20 grades carbide to ensure a clean cutting application every time. The final sharpening has been done with 600-800 gritted diamond wheels. The price of the sign maker is affordable compared to other similar products in the market.
The 3/16 inch sign making carbide router bit is needed for the 1 and ½ inch Rockler Interlock Sign maker’s Templates, 3/8 inch sign making carbide router bit is needed for the 2-1/4 inches Rockler Interlock Sign maker’s Templates, and the 5/8 inch sign making carbide router bit is needed for the 3-3/8 inches Rockler Interlock Sign maker’s Templates.
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2. Rockler 45° Lock Miter Router Bits – 1/2” Shank
The interlocking section of the lock miter router bit offers a robust mechanical locking action which makes it easy to clamp it down. The joint does not have the commonly seen tendency of sliding out of the alignment when clamping pressure is applied. The corner joint remains strong as the wedged tendons tighten up really well. The extended long grain surface for gluing is also helpful in strengthening the joint over a butt joint or a basic rabbet. No wonder why Rockler flush trim bits are so efficient.
It is easy to machine parts using the lock miter bit, because when you set the bit height right, one part gets cut horizontally on your router table and the corresponding part gets cut vertically. This is the bit that you buy for joining cabinet parts, drawer boxes, and making four sided columns. Note that for ensuring that setting up the cutter height is full proof and easy, you can use the Bit set-up Jig from the same company for centering the bit on the stock.
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3. Rockler Pattern Router Bit – 1/2″ Dia x 1/4″ H x 1/4″ Shank
This particular router bit works really great for making doors and joins while also being smooth on the router. Joint not always does not have the commonly seen tendency of sliding out of the alignment when clamping pressure is applied. The corner joint remains strong as the wedged tendons tighten up really well using this router bit pretty much the flush trim ones.
It is easy to machine parts using the lock miter bit, because when you set the bit height right, one part gets cut horizontally on your router table and the corresponding part gets cut vertically. This is the bit that you buy for joining cabinet parts, drawer boxes, and making four sided columns. Note that for ensuring that setting up the cutter height is full proof and easy, you can use the Bit set-up Jig from the same company for centering the bit on the stock.
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Rockler vs. Freud vs. Whiteside: Which one is better?
Regardless of whether you are a seasoned woodworker or someone new to the business, you must have heard the names of the brands Whiteside and Freud too, alongside Rockler. Some of your fellow workers swear by Freud, while others are partial to Whiteside or Rockler, and you here are completely confused!
The thing is, both Freud and Whiteside offer great router bits, but they are pretty expensive, and the difference in price between Rockler and these two are considerably high. If you are a novice who is just learning the art of woodworking, there is no point for you to spend your money in tools that are so expensive.
Get the bits sets from Rockler, and once you figure out the ones that you use the most, you can get higher end replacement of those particular bits from Freud and Whiteside. Though both these brands offer durable products, most of the Rockler products aren’t too bad in the durability department either.
Summing up
The quality, durability, and affordability factors of Rockler router bits have earned them the popularity that they now enjoy in the market. These are fairly good products given the price at which they come for. The new woodworkers can buy Rockler sets at ease to get their daily work done, and even the professionals can get a few bits from the brand without any worries.
