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I’m working on an upcoming article for Popular Woodworking Magazine that includes router-bit storage. There are scads of ways to store router bits; some are worthy of discussion and keep the bits out of harm’s way while other solutions are simply a jumbled mess.
But before we get into how bits are stored, I’d like to find out how many router bits our blog readers actually own. Do you have less than 10? More than 10? More than 20? Or do you walk into a woodworking store and as the staff yells your name, the cashier guides you to the wall-size, overly stuffed router bit case as your body begins to quiver? I fit somewhere between the last two categories. (I find that many of the bits I buy are for a particular project and are used only one or two times. I also have a select few router bits that I use a lot of the time; plus a couple that seem to make it into most of my project.) In the comment section below, let me know where you fit along this informal scale. And if you’re just beginning to enjoy the feel of a router in your hands or are looking at what can be done with routers, grab a copy of “Getting Started with Routers,” and “Router Joinery & Techniques.” These DVDs will have you in the woodworking store or searching the Internet before the day’s over.
Now on to storage. Years ago I found the holders shown in the opening photo – a quick Internet search tells me these are not available anymore, so I’m glad I inherited my Dad’s holders when we cleared his shop. I also have a select few bits stored in those fancy anti-theft plastic boxes that come with purchase. And yes, I have router bits stored in the low-budget, plastic pouches straight from the store. I also – and I’m weary to let this be known – have a box full of older bits sitting in a closet clanking together as their carbide edges dull (head down in shame).
What I find even more amazing are the dream-like storage solutions designed by my fellow woodworkers. Some folks store their bits in compartments that are way upscale – their router bits appear as mini works of art, showcased on elevated platforms for all the world to see. How do you store your router bits? You can give us an insight into your router-bit world along with your comment on the number of bits, or if you want to drop me a photo (send it to glen.huey@fwmedia.com), I’ll gather and share images in a future post. (This is your chance to show off your storage ideas, or to simply purge your shame.)
Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality.
