For a woodworker having the right set of router bits is something of utmost necessity. You can be an amateur just starting out in the job, an intermediate who knows most of it, or a professional who has been in the field for long. Regardless of your level of expertise, you will always admit the value of quality router bits due to their importance of the finishing a woodworking project. And, Irwin router bits have pretty much made every level of woodworker happy with its range of products.
Irwin began its journey in manufacturing tools way back in 1885, and the first thing it came up with was an Auger Bit. Gradually, other products like Bar Clamps, Saw Blades, Locking Tools were introduced in its range of products. Some of the most popular categories of tools, like Strait-Line®, Quick-Grip®, Hanson®, and more are under this brand.
Table of Contents
Why choose Irwin?
They are known for making quality tools at a reasonable price range, but that in no way means that all its products are equally great. So, here we will take a look at the best and the worst qualities of the their bits. Based on these points, you can go ahead and choose Irwin for your next woodworking project.
The Good
- The router bit sets are quite comprehensive in terms of the basic bits that woodworkers need on a daily basis
- The high-end construction using carbon steel and with carbide tips makes the products pretty durable in the long run
- There is something for everyone, whether you are an amateur, an intermediate, or a professional
- The bits have decent heat resistance which adds to their durability and longevity
- The price point is okay compared to the quality that you get from Irwin
- The router bit sets come in sturdy and strong boxes that help you in keeping things at one place and also carry them around easily
The Bad
- There are several router bit sets in the market that come for a much cheaper price.
- Some of the drilling bits are known to lose the sharpness after a few uses
- The lack of consistency in the quality of all the products.
Best Irwin router bits
He wanted to bring a revolution in the engineering industry, and he actually succeeded. Mr. Bosch was the owner of 92% of the company. And the remaining part goes to charities.
1. IRWIN Marples Forstner Bit Set
You will get fourteen bits in this set, and the nice thing about these router bits is the fact that these are the most useful ones for any woodworker. You will see yourself reaching out for them quite often for everyday use. These are really helpful for drilling pocket holes and flat bottoms. You will see that it takes much less cutting time compared to the conventional forstner bits.
The super sharp cutting teeth that these bits have are good enough to cut through both soft and hard woods efficiently and smoothly. They are designed to give you clean holes. The reduced shank makes it fit 3/8 inches and larger drill presses. It comes in a nice box, which means you can store it easily and carry it around comfortably.
PROS | CONS |
|
|
2. Irwin Tools 1901048 Marples Deluxe Set
This set has fifteen bits, which serve all the basic woodworking needs. You will be able to accomplish a number of routing tasks by using this set. This is a perfect set for doing decorative work, cabinetry, or joinery on all kinds of wood. It is the right kind of toolset if you are an advanced or intermediate woodworker.
The beginners looking to buy Irwin bits should consider their other products because this one has a couple of them that they will not really need. Everything comes in a wooden storage case, which makes it easy to keep things at one place and also to carry them around when you work away from your workshop. In this set, you’ll get one each of Roman ogee, round nose, rabbeting, V-groove, dovetail, and flush. There are three straight and round overs each and two coves.
PROS | CONS |
|
|
3. Irwin Tools 1901049 Marples Master Set
Now, this set has thirty bits, which is like having all the bits that one can ever need. It is an extensive offering that lets you accomplish any woodwork easily. So, here you will get cabinetry, trim, decorative, straight, and joinery making bits. It is like the ultimate set that you need.
All of them are well-made and offer the durability that you are looking for. They come in a wooden storage case, which makes it easy to keep things at one place and also to carry them around when you work away from your workshop. The super sharp cutting teeth that these bits have are good enough to cut through both soft and hard woods efficiently and smoothly. You can use them for cutting letters. The kickback is at a minimum with these router bits.
PROS | CONS |
|
|
4. IRWIN Marples Forstner Bit Set
These are the eight bits that you will need for drilling through wood effectively each time. It can drill pocket holes and flat bottoms easily. You will see that it takes much less cutting time compared to the conventional forstner bit. The razor sharp cutting teeth can slice through woods of different thickness or hardness with equal efficiency.
They are designed to give you clean holes. The reduced shank makes it fit 3/8 inches and larger drill presses. The box that it all comes in is really sturdy and strong in its construction. You can store the bits at the end of your work and also carry them around in the box, when working out of the workshop.
PROS | CONS |
|
|
Should you buy these bits?
Yes, you should buy Irwin router bit set regardless of what your level of skill is in woodworking. Just make sure that before buying a bit set, you should check whether it at all has the bits that you use on a daily basis. Choose the best router bit set that suits your level of skill.
The quality is good for most of their products, though the price point might feel a tad bit higher than many other brands. But, the products will last you for quite a long time so it is a best investment for you in the long run.
