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I'm curious about MCLS router bits. I have a set that I picked up back some time ago when I was in Huntingdon Valley, Pa doing some telescope work and was wondering about others experiences. These are carbide tipped bits but as I've come to find out there's a big difference in bit quality. The set I have is lightly used being only a few used so far and have for the most part been buying Whiteside individual bits as needed and a few Infinity bits that are somewhat unique and/or on sale. I read a few posts on Sommerfeld bits and visited their website which is quite dated I think. Seems their last catalog is a few years old, at least according to the website. I did email them and inquired where their bits were made and was advised in China.
I bought the MCLS set because it was a bargain and I wanted 1/2" shank bits for the router table and my Bosch 1617EVS. That plus I was there and the discounted price seemed to good to pass up. I figured it would be a quick start until I figured just what I needed and I'm a bit impulsive. I also picked up a scratch and dent drill press table that at their price I couldn't have built for less.
I also added to my tools a Bosch Colt router that takes 1/4" shank bits only so I need to determine what use that will serve. So far I'm thinking that will work fine for my Porter Cable Dovetail jig and trim work. So I imagine most everyone has their own preferences for bits and what they consider good value but I'd be interested in hearing about that. I own a few Freud bits, the above mentioned 66 piece MCLS set, and now about a dozen Whiteside bits not to mention about 5 Infinity bits. And I haven't used any enough to decide on which I like best. I do have a Lapped Miter bit and setup blocks coming from Infinity that seem to be taking forever to get here. I ordered them on 6/3 but it's like waiting on an IRS refund.....
I bought the MCLS set because it was a bargain and I wanted 1/2" shank bits for the router table and my Bosch 1617EVS. That plus I was there and the discounted price seemed to good to pass up. I figured it would be a quick start until I figured just what I needed and I'm a bit impulsive. I also picked up a scratch and dent drill press table that at their price I couldn't have built for less.
I also added to my tools a Bosch Colt router that takes 1/4" shank bits only so I need to determine what use that will serve. So far I'm thinking that will work fine for my Porter Cable Dovetail jig and trim work. So I imagine most everyone has their own preferences for bits and what they consider good value but I'd be interested in hearing about that. I own a few Freud bits, the above mentioned 66 piece MCLS set, and now about a dozen Whiteside bits not to mention about 5 Infinity bits. And I haven't used any enough to decide on which I like best. I do have a Lapped Miter bit and setup blocks coming from Infinity that seem to be taking forever to get here. I ordered them on 6/3 but it's like waiting on an IRS refund.....