1/4" , 1/2" shank router bits - - - differences, preferences

[John Parchem]

I use a 1/2" bit with a guide bushing on router base for my mortise and tenon. I like the ability to plunge a bit at a time while still in contact with the template.

[ken cierp]

John several of the commercial template sets I've seen are based on a 1/2" guide bearing is that what you have/use?

[Kevin in California]

I'm using a 1/2" bit (1/2" shank) with a 5/8" bushing. I had to take a 1/16" off my templates (made of wood) to accomodate the 5/8" bushing as they were set up to use a bit with bearing.
But it works great.

Kevin

[John Parchem]

John several of the commercial template sets I've seen are based on a 1/2" guide bearing is that what you have/use?

My commercial templates were made for a 5/8" guide bushing in combination with a 1/2" router bit. You can sneak up of the edge by using the next larger bushing for a first pass.