Ok, I admit it: I bought one of those Vermont Mfg $4.00
router bits.

I think I started my depth too deep-- close to a quarter inch
in 1/2 in. MDF.

I'm using a rototool with this bit and worked pretty well
the fisrt few passes. Then on about the 4th usage (on one of
Bill Fitmaurice's desings that have rabbeted or dadoes slots)
I got a lot of smoke and a black channel where the bit overheated.

There was a hot cinder down in the shavings too. I kept an
eye on the whole work area not knowing if there was another
hotty around.

So my question is: Is the speed too high or low, the motor
not powerful enough (I had all those good passes) or is the
bit so poor it can only take a couple uses?

Jeez. :-/

I've avoided that but there still is noticeable burnt smell
in the shop from the workpiece.

There was a good breeze and the smoke got let out a window.

Smell hangs on though.

My rate of progress on this has been pretty slow.
I should let the workpiece air out someplace.

Next time I'll keep my kitchen fire extinguisher handy.

I understand completely. You don't want to invest in quality tool until you're sure you're able to do it and enjoy it enough to continue to do this.

BUT ... you're making it harder on yourself by using entry-level tools and it doesn't sound like it's much fun.

Do you know someone with a good quality router and bits that you can borrow from? Believe me, it makes the job a whole lot easier and more enjoyable.

Gar.

I had to look in the waste to see where the ember was
that I had to poke out. Where there was that much smoke,
there had to be some fire.

The rototool spins at around 17,000 rpm. First few
passes went ok. I'll have to upgrade the bit and
take a smaller pass. Hell, it's a hobby-- no rush.
But setup on this job for a bunch of zig zags is a
drag. I'm leaving it go for a few days.

No.

Believe me, it makes the job a whole lot easier and more enjoyable.

It's good advice, but I live alone and in an apartment at that.
No friends with tools. When I meet somebody, I _ask_ them if
they have tools, no kidding. No takers.

Gar.