I’ve been looking for years for better ways to transport and store my various router bits.
Not like I have a stellar collection as much as I have a bunch that were bought pc. meal whenever I see some on clearance and others that I’ve picked up when needed.
The end result is that I have a bunch of them and how to deal with them and protect them in the trailer.
Also, I recently picked up a Woodline 66pc 1/2 set because Amazon had a screaming deal of $86 for the set ($1.35 a bit!!).
I recently picked up a cool multi-leveled storage box from Costco for $24. Nice design each bin comes out and you can carry it closed but unlatched and it will not open. (I use on these for driver bits and jigsaw blades too.
The other bin is the basic zag box at HomeDepot that sells for close to $20 or so. Also great for plumbing/electrical supplies – I had my various bits in it (in foam) for a while now but just re-purposed it for the 66pc set by itself.
The foam is a open-cell rigid foam about 1 1/2″ in thickness that I drilled smaller holes in with a drill press. There’s enough tension on the bit shank to where it’s a bit of a tug to get the bits out – meaning no loose bits floating around.
Best way I’ve found yet. Plus -you can grab out the bin you need to take to the router.
JT
Replies
Julian,
That looks neat. I've been looking for a way to store these too - you would think they would be easily available.
Ok, you win.
"Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Certainly wasn't trying to.Because of the way my scattered brain works, if I am not organized to the tee, I will not even know what I own and won't be able to find anything...It's all I can do to stay of top of such things.JT
I meant that as a compliment. Looks like a simple but effective system. "Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Julian
I saw those at our Costco this weekend never thought to use them for bit storage. What a great Idea. I was going to get one or two once I figured out what to put in them. Kudos to you!
Wallyo
Nice Julian. I wish we had a Costco around here.
I've got some bits in the thin version of your "zag" box ("Stanley" around here), but without the foam inserts. I like your ideas there.
nice julian--consider your idea stolen!
I dodn't use routers much----and had been limping along with a router and some older bits inherited from my father in-law
sprung last year for a new Bosch router---and slowly picking up some newer and better bits
recently got hit something like $32 for a bosch roundover bit--those effers are like gold-- I had no freaking clue!!!!!!!!
Stephen
I hear ya. $32 ain't nothin' compared to some bits I've had to afford over the years. I just try and build it into the job.
I would certainly do the same---except my use of the router is decidedly non-professional and there is no "job" to build it into----rather it comes directly out of my pocket as part of Stephens' continueing self education in wood butchery, LOL.
Stephen
Nowadays you can get 50 pc sets on ebay for $5, but those are probably #### before you even start cutting with them.Aside from specific bits purchased on a needed basis, check out Woodline or Holbren bits - they are imported bits but generally thought of as a better quality than the cheapo no name imports.The Woodline bits have a lifetime warranty - I've had pretty good luck with them for the odd job usage my routers get.If you can stumble into a great set price like Amazon did for the 66pc set you have enough bits to play with and get a feel for what you like to use a router for.Also - For a long while, Woodcraft would offer 5-10 of their bits for $5 each - they are a decent quality as well for the money and had some good profiles at that price: 1/2 shanks, template bits, rabbit bits, ogee profiles. For $5, hard to go wrong.Some Lowes are starting to clearance out the Bosch bits - worth a looksee to see if they are doing so locally to you.If I had a production use than I'd get a Whiteside or Frued bit, but for general round overs and trim duplication and small projects the lessser bits have worked for me.Plus - to a certain extent, the router is the most under utilized tool in most guys tool kit. A lot of guys don't even think of ways to use em other than round overs.I just picked up the Milwaukee hand grip 2 1/4 vs router off CL for $50 a few months ago - I'm starting to have too many routers - is there such a thing?JT
I'm starting to have too many routers - is there such a thing?
No.
Terry
wow, nice clean set up!
It shows a serious attitude ( good stuff ), I'll bet your work is nice too.
Where do you get the foam?
Thanks for the tips! I can get rid of that stupid tackle box now...
"Research is what I'm doing when I don't know what I'm doing..."
In the Detroit area, there is a foam place that has all kinds of foam available - they supply for a lot of upholstry, repadding and wrapped foam valance work.If you cannot find a foam specific source - try looking for interior valence supplers or upholstery shops or Michaels or I'll bet there is a Foam.com even.JT