So i just bought a new Craftsman plunge router, and i bought a 3/8s bit. Now is there a certain size bit i should use or what. Can someone tell me what they do. do i just have to add half of 3/8s to what ever size im cutting to get what im really cutting. Any help would help

use whatever bit you want , take your time working with the router and dont go about it to fast .

What are you trying to cut? MDF? Just use a good quality 3 flute carbide cutter bit. If using a roundover or flush trim use the ones with bearings.

Okay i am doing the flush mount, but it will be a whole piece of 3/4 mdf, i did check out the bearing one and kind of got what its purpose was, but i think i dont need iit. My question is with the 3/8s bit im using will it throw my circle guide off any measurements, or will it be not even noticeable.

You have to compensate for bit size, but any bit size is okay. The bigger the bit the less deep you can go per pass.

i use a carbide spiral upcut bit. They are $20 per bit at Lowes\Home Depot but well worth it!

They are a lot faster and last a lot longer than a standard high speed steel router bit.

so i should try out the carbide spiral upcut bit, is that what i look for?

this is what i got, 1\4" bit-

http://www.lowes.com/pd_57163-353-85911MC_0__?productId=1093177&Ntt=router+bit&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Drouter%2Bbit%26page%3D2

I sure will look into that when i go there, would you know if home depot or somewhere sells like the roller for sound dead?

yea, i bought some of those at Lowes but surely HD has some too..

They didn't sell all wood models.. just the plastic versions so i bought a pack of them because when i roll.. i press down HARD.

If you are using a Jasper jig they are set up to work with a 1/2 bit. Your 3/8 bit is 2/16 smaller in diameter so your cutout will be 1/16 of an inch smaller than normal.

yea, i bought some of those at Lowes but surely HD has some too..

They didn't sell all wood models.. just the plastic versions so i bought a pack of them because when i roll.. i press down HARD.

i sure will get a few, im not the gentleist

If you are using a Jasper jig they are set up to work with a 1/2 bit. Your 3/8 bit is 2/16 smaller in diameter so your cutout will be 1/16 of an inch smaller than normal.

That exactly what i needed to know, it probably says it on like the website i bet lol

If you are using a Jasper jig they are set up to work with a 1/2 bit. Your 3/8 bit is 2/16 smaller in diameter so your cutout will be 1/16 of an inch smaller than normal.

Jasper jigs are designed for 1/4" bits.

Go buy the spiral upcut bit. It is worth it weights in gold compared to standard straight cut bits.

If you are using a Jasper jig they are set up to work with a 1/2 bit. Your 3/8 bit is 2/16 smaller in diameter so your cutout will be 1/16 of an inch smaller than normal.

Jasper jigs are designed for 1/4" bits.

Go buy the spiral upcut bit. It is worth it weights in gold compared to standard straight cut bits.

we're both wrong, The m300 which is the one I have uses a 1/2. The rest of the models use a 1/4. So OP make sure which jig u have.

If you are using a Jasper jig they are set up to work with a 1/2 bit. Your 3/8 bit is 2/16 smaller in diameter so your cutout will be 1/16 of an inch smaller than normal.

Jasper jigs are designed for 1/4" bits.

Go buy the spiral upcut bit. It is worth it weights in gold compared to standard straight cut bits.

we're both wrong, The m300 which is the one I have uses a 1/2. The rest of the models use a 1/4. So OP make sure which jig u have.

True. I prefer the 200 model. The 300 is a long one.

But since the 200 and the 400 are the most common models, mainly the 200, I assumed thats what he has. But we all know what assuming can get ya.

oh okay, i have the 200, so i need 1/4 spiral upcut bit

Almost any other jig is better than the stupid Jasper anyways. If you like accuracy it isn't the jig for you.

I like my jasper jig. Does it's job just fine. And yes, spiral upcut FTW!