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Router bits in the UK, best place to get them?

18K views 18 replies 11 participants last post by  istracpsboss  
#1 ·
Hi all,
as I live in the UK I am after the best place to get bits from. I was placing an order with axminster so I chucked in an axcaliber twin flute straight cutter 1/2inch 12.7mm cutter for £9.60.
I am a beginner to routing so I don't know which bits are best but I am guessing you get what you pay for, is this correct?

Is it worth my while trying to get them from the US?

Many thanks in advance,

Cheers, Si
 
#2 · (Edited)
As another Limey might I suggest Wealden Tool? I've been a very satisfied trade customer for many years and probably have about 30 or so of their cutters. Their range is smaller than that of Trend, but they offer a better range than most of the DIY tool ranges (like the APTC yellow range) and the quality is excellent (as are the prices) with excellent service (90% of my orders have been delivered next day). And yes, you do get what you pay for - at least in router cutters

Regards
 
#6 ·
Does a trade customer get discount? if so how do you become a trade customer?
No, but a trade customer can open a credit account. Personally I just pay by credit or debit card rather than running an account for irregular purchases
 
#4 ·
I have dealt with MLCS in the States for a few years. I am pleased with the quality and price of the bits. Not as good as Trend, but as good if not better than Axcalibur, forget the yellow Axminster ones. A great range of profiles and solid carbide bits.
 
#11 ·
Rutland is the smallest county in the U.K. They have a good Bike shop. Rutlands tools are in Derbyshire, Bakewell where the tarts (Pudding) come from. The router bits probably come from China, they import quite a few Canadian and U,S. tools into the U.K. They have a nice free catalogue.
 
#12 · (Edited)
They were started by an ex Record director when Record was sold. The catalogue is a good read, as is the Axminster one. You can't beat a nice Bakewell tart. 'nuff sed!

The brand name they claim is North America's best selling range is Tornado and they are blue. Anyone ever heard of them ?

Cheers

Peter
 
#14 ·
I got the latest Trend catalogue this week. I see they are offering straight bits with graduations actually marked on the blade, so that you can see how deep you are going. Mixed thoughts on this. First was to wonder why no-one has done it before. Second was thinking they would soon be obscured.

Anyone used them?

Cheers

Peter
 
#18 ·
I have never had any problems with MLCS. The postage is reasonable and sometimes I have paid neither duty nor post office fee. When I have paid the vat and duty and PO fee, it is still cheap, a quality product and unavailable over here.
 
#19 ·
When I imported tools from the States into the UK it was a bit of a lottery in as much as a lot of the time the post office didn't charge anything for VAT or import duty, particularly if the sender marked the green customs sticker as 'gift'. Other times, I'd get hit for the lot. I suspect that they just pick on random parcels. Down here, the post office is overstaffed and they've nothing better to do with their time than open every parcel !

BTW, another good UK source is Wealden. Wealden Tool Company who are manufacturers.

Cheers

Peter