The world of woodworking tools can occasionally have some interesting conundrums. For instance, if you walk into any fine woodworking tool supplier, you'll likely see a huge assortment of router bits. Many, if not most of the available router bit profiles are available in both 1/4" shank (the cylindrical part of the bit that fits into the router's collet) and 1/2" shank. By the same token, most router kits include both 1/4" and 1/2" collets (to accommodate both shank sizes).
Seems a little redundant, doesn't it?
Believe it or not, there are actually advantages to both sizes, and reasons to choose one shank size over the other. Learn the reasons for the two different shank sizes of all of these bit profiles, and the advantages of both, in 1/4" vs. 1/2" Shank Router Bits - Which are Better? (If you're like me, you will probably end up with a number of bit profiles in both shank sizes.)
(c) 2009 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.
Comments
Some of us can’t operate a full size router and have to use laminate trimmers. The real problem is not all router bits are available wiht a 1/4″ shanks. I have searched everywhere for screw slot router bits with a 1/4″ shank with zero results. They are a necessary when trying to make a jig. I will have to have the 1/2″ shanke ground down to 1/4″.
did you ever have success with 1/4 and the 1/2 shank for counter bits?