Router bit inventory day. Found three duplicates I forgot I had, plus one that’s definitely toast.
Spent the morning going through my router bit collection – something I’ve been putting off for way too long. Between the wall-mounted holder, the drawer organizer, and the random bits floating around in tool boxes, I’d completely lost track of what I actually own.
The Audit
Laid everything out on the assembly table and started cataloging. Final count: 47 bits, ranging from basic 1/4″ straight cuts to specialty raised panel sets that I’ve used exactly twice. The duplicates were embarrassing – three identical 1/2″ flush trim bits, bought over the years because I could never find the ones I already had.
The casualties included a 1/4″ roundover that’s so dull it’s basically just burnishing the wood, and a bearing-guided rabbeting bit with a seized bearing. That one’s going in the trash – not worth the risk of a bearing failure mid-cut.
Organization System
Built a quick French cleat holder for the router table station. Used some scrap 3/4″ Baltic birch, drilled appropriately sized holes for each shank diameter, and labeled everything with a paint marker. Total investment: about two hours and materials I already had.
The game changer is having the bits visible and accessible. No more digging through drawers or buying duplicates because I can’t find what I need. Grouped them by function: edge treatments on the left, joinery in the middle, specialty profiles on the right.
Shopping List
Actually need to replace that dull roundover – it’s one of my most-used bits. Looking at the Whiteside 2000 this time instead of the cheap import I’ve been nursing along. Sometimes it pays to buy quality the first time.
