Best router door & window bits according to redditors

I restored almost all the windows in my 1891 house (over quite a few years, all at once would be brain damage). The sashes that were really bad, I built from scratch. They're not hugely challenging, after all, they were mass-produced 100 years ago. If you have a decent router table, the correct bits and some attention to detail, you can do it. I can mill, glue and prime a sash on a Saturday if I get in the groove. Here's the bit I use: http://www.amazon.com/MLCS-Window-Sash-Router-Matched/dp/B000OFJAS4

I've never had to build a frame, but they're all 90° dimensioned wood; could be done if you had an example to take apart.

I also made wood storms and screens for most windows ( a simple doweled mortise and tenon joint). More brain damage but really cool looking and they button up the house nicely during the winter.

I don't remember the exact set of bits but this set seems fairly similar.

Here’s a brief album. We didn’t really stop to take any build pics unfortunately, but you can imagine what those doors looked like. Real 1970’s Denim Dan look to the kitchen.

I will say that making the doors and boxes wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be. I used a miter saw to cut the wood to dimension, a router table to create the joinery, and a table saw for the center panels. This set of router bits made the job really simple.

I used the Freud 99-518. The trick with this bit is to set up a fence and make multiple passes.. I usually did 3 or 4 passes per side. The bit feels dangerous and before I setup my fence I had some test pieces get pulled away from me and go flying! This is a tough bit to work with, but once you get it you're golden.

My STRONG suggestion is to not buy any bits from them with more than one cutter or that includes a bearing.

I purchased a set of rail and stile bits from Yonico and they are pretty much useless now. The bit for cutting the rails was the main problem. The two cutters would rotate in relation to eachother, causing the cuts to be dangerous and of poor quality. To fix this I had to tighen the nut a little, but in doing so I sandwiched the bearing, preventing it from spinning. it also brought the two cutters ever so slightly closer together, so the tongue was narrower than the groove. In the end the joints produced from the bits were all but unacceptable.

In the future I will buy bits that cost more individually than this set did in total.

Edit: That being said, Amazon reviews seem to indicate they have good customer support.

I have these, and have used them to good effect, but do not use them very often. Could be used on your oak planks.

I also recommend the Kreg jig. As a simple home handyman and DIYer, that I do use very often.

Edit: Actually I suppose the v-notch bits wouldn't work for a workbench surface. Maybe rather something like this, with the leftover groove trimmed and facing down...? Probably simpler to just cut a smooth single piece top, and mount it to the oak if you want that 1" thickness. That top could then be replaced over the years as desired.

Biscuits attaching the side panels to legs. Dove tails for drawers to faces...and if you notice I used a dovetail in the little piece that separates the two drawers. The panels were made using a pair of matched rail and stile bits, with a round over cove. Like this:

Yonico 12335 Raised Panel Cabinet Door Router Bit Set with 3 Bit Ogee 1/2-Inch Shank https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KZM0M1K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_bJHnzbC5H9SZQ

I want to say you should buy good quality bits as you need them. However, if this is your first router, you likely don't know what bits you need.

Buy a cheap set, replace the ones you burn through with higher quality freud, lee valley, or eagle america bits.

For $140 you can get a much larger Yonico set. The quality is "decent".

Project that I followed:

(oh no, did he take it down!)
The preview video for his new "Powered Up" Series. I cannot find the plans. I remember going to the Powered Up website and having to submit my name and email address to get them. I can't even find the powered up series either.

Parts I ordered:

KREG PRS3100 Multi-Purpose Router Table Switch
FivePears Router Bit Set-12 Piece Router Bits with 1/4-Inch Shank

Photo Array:

Images

1. without the pedestal
   
2. my router installed
   
3. Showing this power switch I bought power switch
   
4. Showing the router bit drawer
   
5. The installed power switch. When I ordered it, I didn't know they had 2 plugs. Use one for the (Shop Vac) vacuum cleaner
   
6. I wanted to show the vacuum cleaner port
   
7. With the pedestal and doors open
   
8. Using the round over bit to test
   
   

   Lessons Learned:
   

• This was my first experience with a router. The plans said to use a roundnose router bit, best I could find that was similar was the Cove Box.
  
• The lumber instructions didn't include the door handles, and the wooden clamps. The lumber list had enough left over for the handles. You are expected to have some scrap 2"x4" for the clamps.
  
• I should have known this (this isn't my first woodworking project), the wooden clamps, along the 2 3/4" length, makes sure the grain runs that direction.
  
• The instructions make a short table. I am tall (6'1"). I had to create a pedestal (out of scrap wood) of about 12" tall to make this waist high.

I bought this set ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00KZM2Z6A/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1425627797&sr=8-1&keywords=yonico&pi=AC_SX200_QL40&dpPl=1&dpID=51nZHmFaV9L&ref=plSrch ) and have been very happy with them so far. I did a lot of research before deciding on these and am glad that I went with such a large set. The set gives you the ability to experiment with a lot of bits and figure out what you like. As others will say you can always find the ones you use most often and upgrade those to the more expensive brands. This set is great to start with if you're like me and buying bits and experimenting with a router for the first time like I was. I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to try new things and hoped that I would have the bit I needed and found out that I did.

I bought a trim craftsman and the accompanying router table. But I ordered the bits in a nice wood case and plexiglass top from amazon, similar to this one.

Ive had them all for 8 years now, run the hell out if it, and Im very happy with it.

https://www.sears.com/router-and-router-table-combo/p-00937595000P?gclsrc=aw.ds&&sid=SLIAx01192011x000001x1979005199&utm_campaign=9031045&utm_group=71283841176-352491908853&utm_term=pla-761465361272&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhJrqBRDZARIsALhp1WQxxmeLQHFhRRa_668wM9chJ7FTqv4lL_ozbK7lwFEnEU1pm1fwyOEaAuMiEALw_wcB

https://www.amazon.com/KOWOOD-Tongue-Groove-Pieces-Milling/dp/B07Q6NJT8N/ref=mp_s_a_1_30?keywords=router+bit+set+1%2F4+shank+in+case&qid=1564902030&s=gateway&sr=8-30

https://www.amazon.com/FivePears-Tungsten-Carbide-Router-Bits/dp/B07DCN7MBC

Non-mobile: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KZM2Z6A/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1425627797&sr=8-1&keywords=yonico&pi=AC_SX200_QL40&dpPl=1&dpID=51nZHmFaV9L&ref=plSrch

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?

Close as I could find

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KZM0EP4/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_975JzbCF3J9WK

You could take that piece with to a Woodworking store maybe. Also, good idea to take multiple cuts. And any router with a 1/2" collet should work.