Replies

1. 
   301 | May 14, 2004 06:55am | #1

   I have dozens of bits split evenly between MLCS and random others.  I can tell no difference between the 2 catagories except that MLCS is cheaper then most brands and has free shipping.  Rail and stile cutters from them are excellent, I use them frequently.  They have held up real well and have shown no sign of dulling or other wear.  They don't have any pretty paint on them but who cares?  The wood doesn't seem to mind and I sure aint gonna complain.

2. 
   MatthewSchenker | May 14, 2004 05:51pm | #2

   Nugrowth,

   I have been using MLCS bits for a few years. I've been a big fan, and whenever someone posts a queastion about router bits I mention MLCS.

   MLCS bits are definitely a great buy. They are lower in price and their quality is close to, or better than, all of the other popular brands. Whiteside bits may be a little better, but when you consider price and availability MLCS comes out ahead, in my opinion.

   One of the things I like about MLCS is that they have a great variety of bits right from their Web site. Whiteside bits are sometimes difficult to find in good variety.

   I haven't yet tried the Katana line of bits from MLCS, but I probably will soon.

   The MLCS stacked rail-and-stile cutters are great. Back when I first started doing woodworking and didn't know that much, I used one of the MLCS stacked rail-and-stile cutters. Not knowing any better, I hogged out the full cut in a single pass. I did this for four big doors on a linen cabinet. The bits did a good job and went on to do even more.

   MLCS are good bits!

3. 
   andymona | May 14, 2004 07:40pm | #3

   I have several MLCS bits.  They are good bits.  You may want to consider the following companies.  They all make some good bits.

   Whiteside http://www.whitesiderouterbits.com http://www.routerbits.com http://www.librawood.com
   Jesada http://www.jesada.com
   Amana http://www.amanatool.com
   Ridge Carbide Liberty http://www.ridgecarbidetool.com
   Eagle-America http://www.eagle-america.com
   CMT http://www.cmtusa.com
   Freud http://www.freudtools.com
   Paso-Robles Ocemco http://www.carbide.com http://www.patwarner.com
   Her-Saf http://www.hersaf.com
   Velepec http://www.carbide.com
   LRH http://www.lrhent.com

   Andy

4. 
   Dustmight | May 15, 2004 03:07pm | #4

   As a weekend warrior, I've had good luck with the MLCS bits, and I like the free s/h and their CS. Most brands of router bits cut well when they're new. After heavy use, bits like Whiteside, Amana and Freud will hold up better, but are alot more expensive. You might consider spending a bit more and going for MLCS' "Katana" line.

5. 
   art | May 15, 2004 04:19pm | #5

   I have used mostly MLCS bits, including rail and stile sets, for many years and I've been well satisified with them. FWW did a comparison test of many brands some time back and MLCS fared very well. I'd recommend them. Art

1. 
   nikkiwood | May 15, 2004 06:01pm | #6

   Here's the strategy I've used to build my router bit collection:

   For the workhorse bits I know I will use constantly over time, I buy from the top of the line manufacturers such as Bosch, Whiteside, Amana, et al.

   For jobs where I need a particular bit (say a molding profile) that I know I will use only infrequently, I buy the least expensive bits I can find. I have a lot of bits from MLCS, and others, in this category.

   For bits that fall somewhere between these poles -- as far as projected use is concerned, I buy from the mid-priced range -- usually from Eagle.

   I think it is probably true that cheaper bits won't hold their edge as long as their more expensive brethern, but that's based strictly on my perception; I don't have any evidence to back up that observation.

   I would be interested to know if others see the universe of router bits falling into these three price/quality categories.

   Edited 5/15/2004 11:07 am ET by nikkiwood

6. 
   RustyAurand | May 15, 2004 06:23pm | #7

   HEY, I've been using MLCS bits for the last five years. My first really large undertaking was to make raised panel doors for kitchen cabinets out of maple. The matched rail and stile bits from MCLS cut flawlessly while making 27 doors without any sign of wear. I buy from them without hesitation and have never been dissapointed!