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

[peter havriluk]

I'm thinking of buying an assortment of router bits from MLCS. I suspect it's less costly out of pocket to have a set on hand to choose from as opposed to making road trips to a vendor for one bit at a time. So, these folks offer their router bits in 1/2" shank and 1/4" shank versions for the same price. Seeing as I have two general-purpose routers, one with a 1/4" chuck, the other with a 1/2" chuck, is one shank size preferred?

[Bob Matthews]

The 1/2" cutters will be far more sturdy, will vibrate less and will plough off material at an alarming rate. You will be amazed at the difference between the two machines and cutters doing the same job in cutting deep rebates, slots, mortices, channels, mouldings etc.

Having said that, I only use my 1/2" router for joinery work, like making windows, doors and furniture, I have never once used it on a guitar apart from routing out the body shape on solid bodied electric guitars.

A 1/2" router for general acoustic guitar construction is over kill imo.

[ken cierp]

Only buy what you actually need to do the task at hand and be selective to insure you have the correct bits. 1/4" shank work fine for the machining operations generally performed in a guitar shop.

[Tim Benware]

Although I use a 1/4" shank to rout the mortise and tenons (both straight and DT), I think I might prefer a 1/2 shank for that job. I don't know why, just think I would if I tried it.

[ken cierp]

Do they make/sell 1/2" shank bits with a bearing that will work with the standard design MT and DT templates?

[peter havriluk]

Thanks, folks, for the advice, experience, perspective. I need all three.

[Tim Benware]

Do they make/sell 1/2" shank bits with a bearing that will work with the standard design MT and DT templates?

Good question. Maybe that's why I'm not using them!