pmspirito

There are a lot of companies selling router bits. Are there a lot of companies also manufacturing these bits or are two or three factories making them all.

I have been buying bits from Grizzly. The price is right and they work well for me, but I am new to the world of routers. Is a fifty dollar bit really better than a eighteen dollar bit?

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JohnH

I started out buying lesser quality bits.As I progressed in my skills I also saw a need for a better quality bits.A couple of years ago I started buying MLCS bits.They seemed to do pretty good.I was at my local Woodcraft store a little over a year ago looking at there different bits.I was having a little trouble with tearout working with Purplheart.I was chatting with a non-employee about my problem.He suggested using a Whiteside bit.What a difference.The quality of the cut by far outweighed the cost difference of the bit.I have been replacing my most used bits with the Whiteside bits every chance I get.In my opinion a $28.00 Whiteside bit is by far a better bit than the $18.00 bit.(as usual no association with Whiteside)

John

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JH

reible

I buy less expensive bits unless I have a project I know needs more quality. Routing a hole for my attic fan or for the squirrel house I just built sure doesn't need an expensive bit. I save the good bits for better projects and use the cheaper ones for what ever. Does this make sence? Anyway it works for me.

I should point out I never buy the cheapest bits..... just the lower priced ones.

Ed

Woodnut65

My experience with cheap router bits, proved to me that you get what you pay for.
I bought a leigh dove tail jig, along with a set of bits from woodworkers wharehouse.
The first time I chucked upa 1/2" 14 degree bit and took a cut it snapped in half, just above the cutting edges. I went out and bought a CMT bit and replaced the broken one. No more problem, Whiteside bits are also good. Freud makes good bits.
In my opinion Onsrud makes about the best.
Woodnut65

reible

Interesting how things go, I just happened to pickout a new Whiteside 1/4" shank, 1/4" round over bit for a project today. I have maybe a half dozen of their bits and have found them to be high quality. On this one the bearing froze with I would say less then 20 feet of routing! So as you can see even good bits can go bad.... This has not turned me off of this brand but we will see how they fix my problem.

Ed

reible

This might be off subject but...... Things have cooled down and I have taken the bit and looked at it. After cooling the bearing would turn but it was stiff, make that very stiff. I sprayed some bearing lub on it and it got a little better but I could feel something as I turned it and it was way to stiff to try and use.

I took the bearing off and this took a bit if effort, what struck me was the screw was still tight to the bearing. I took a plastic hammer and tapped it loose. Then things made more sence, the screw was turned in to the bearing, no washer or washer screw! With the screw out the bearing started turning like a new one! My guess is that someone assembled this one wrong. I was in a hurry so I never did check the bearing spin before using it.... after all it was new.

I don't know what damage the bearing may have taken during its short life but I think I will add a washer and see what happens durning some more routing.

So let's add another tip here: Always test spin the bearings before you use them (unless you're isolating them) and do it with new bits as well as the old ones.

Ed

pmspirito

This sounds just like working my way up to the Forrest table saw blades. thanks for the input.

DONALD

There is an extensive review of router bits in a thread over on WoodNet.net. I'm computer illerate and don't know how to post a link. Do a search on router bits and you should find it.

Mike

"You never regret buying the best quality." I dont know who first said it but aint it the truth? Regardless of which cutting tools you buy, keeping them sharp is key to getting good results. Make sure you have a case or at least a piece of wood drilled for them to stand securely in. If you get a nick or a dull edge find a local machinist or service to sharpen them. An imbalanced bit is dangerous! Dont stand your router on the cutting edge of your bits. It may be common sense but it bears repeating. Safety first!

Shane167

Well everyone hit the nail on the head... now just tell all my family not to buy me cheap bits for x-mas. Does any one else have this problem?