Replies

1. 
   forestgirl | Jul 16, 2002 06:47pm | #1

   John, whatever differences there are between the major, better, bit brands and Brand-X, they won't all show up in early use of the bits.  A Brand-X may (may) cut just as well as one of the big boys in the beginning, but chances are the carbide is not as high quality and the bit will wear earlier.  Those bits are also the ones that are less likely to be amenable to sharpening.  So, although you save $$ early, you lose money in the long run.

   The lesser quality bits may also be more prone to breakage, and since that breakage happens at 20,000rpm or so, it's not a pretty sight.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

2. 
   forestgirl | Jul 16, 2002 07:02pm | #2

   John, an addendum:  You mentioned marketing differences.  One brand that, from what I've heard and seen, is high quality but less expensive, is Jesada.  They are sold through Jesada's web site and through Amazon.com and are much less expensive.  I bought the Jesada Rabbett Master set for $25 less than the closest competitor, and based on comments here at Knots, it will be a long-lasting, quality tool.

   Someone will undoubtedly jump in here and expound on how Jesada is a rip-off of CMT, and the guy's a crook and on and on and on.  Hopefully, this thread won't be completely hi-jacked along those lines, but if you want quality bits and want to save some money at the same time, Jesada's a good choice.  Capitalism isn't always pretty.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   thebluesky | Jul 16, 2002 10:10pm | #3

   Thanks for taking your time to respond, Forest Girl.  The internet is wonderful for learning, but usually there comes such a flood of info that sorting it out is difficult.  Long term wear and resharpening are things I didn't think of.   John

3. 
   sschefer | Jul 16, 2002 10:30pm | #4

   John, Forest_Girl says it pretty well. Forest_Girl recently learned a very valuable (read as scary) lessen about inferior router bits. My personal new favorite brand is Whiteside.

   Steve - in Northern California

1. 
   thebluesky | Jul 17, 2002 03:07am | #5

   Steve ... Thanks for the 'Whiteside' reference.  I just found a website for their bits.  Having noticed your name often in these forums, I imagine that you have tried other manufacturers before arriving at Whiteside.  The prices show me that they must think they are selling quality.  Thanks ... John

1. 
   sschefer | Jul 17, 2002 06:35pm | #7

   I have tried a few.

   Carb-Tech was what I started with and the brand that taught me the lesson about buying quality. I then started using Freud and Amana but when my local dealer dropped Freud because of quality control problems he replaced them with Whiteside so thats what I use now for the most part. I haven't had a single problem with them and my local dealer has a large stock. Worst case scenario I order them direct and have them overnighted.

   Steve - in Northern California

   Edited 7/17/2002 12:01:08 PM ET by Steve Schefer

4. 
   Schenker13 | Jul 17, 2002 06:25pm | #6

   Yes, there is SIGNIFICANT difference in router bit quality.  For me, the router is the most-used tool in my shop (I have a free-hand and a table setup).  I have tried out several different router bits, using basic bits as well as more substantial bits (raised panel door bits, molding bits, etc.).  I treat my bits well, but I also give them lots of use.  Looking at two different router bits with the naked eye, you can't see much difference between the good and bad ones.  But there is a difference, believe me.

   One thing I want to say is that some of the really good bits are not the ones you hear about all the time, and some of the bits you hear about all the time (in my opinion) are not that great.

   Let me start with Jesada.  In my experience, I have not found Jesada's quality to match their reputation.  I just don't get it.  Their bits break more often, cause more chatter, and become dull faster.  I just don't see where their high reputation comes from.

   Whiteside bits have been excellent for me.  I've used basic and large-diameter bits from Whiteside and they are always terrific.  Far and away superior to Jesada.  These days, Whiteside has become the main source for my router bits.

   MLCS may be a surprise.  I don't think many people think of this company when they are looking for good bits, but I have been routinely very very happy with them.  Their bits don't seem to last quite as long as Whiteside, but they cut smooth, with low chatter, and MLCS has a very convenient web site to order from.  After Whiteside, MLCS is a close second on my list.

   Freud, Oldham Viper, and Amana are very good as well.  When I'm in a hurry, I can run to Home Depot or Woodworker's Warehouse for Oldham Viper or Freud.  I prefer to buy Whiteside or MLCS, but once in a while, you need something and need it that day.  You know what I mean.

   Problem bits for me include the following.  This is not a complete list.  When I first got involved in woodworking, I tried out so many different scary bits, I can't really remember all of them, but these are the ones that stand out as really bad "horror stories": Harbor Freight, Bosch, Craftsman, Carb-Tech (Woodworkers Warehouse).

   
   

   ---

   Edited 7/17/2002 11:25:59 AM ET by MattSchenker
   

   ---

   Edited 7/17/2002 11:26:39 AM ET by MattSchenker

   
   

   ---

   Edited 7/17/2002 11:28:04 AM ET by MattSchenker

1. 
   thebluesky | Jul 19, 2002 05:31am | #11

   Thanks for your good advice everyone.  I truly appreciate it.  ... John

1. 
   millikm1 | Jul 19, 2002 12:23pm | #12

   Just bought a Porter Cable panel raisng bit a week ago. Unfortunately it is the only panel raising bit in the country that I can find (I live in Trinidad). Any feedback on their bits?

1. 
   clampman2 | Jul 20, 2002 06:13am | #13

   Mike,

   I too like Whiteside, who also makes hard to find beading bits in 1/32 radii increments.

   An excellent bit that makes up much of my inventory is Velepek, which are usually found in profile grinding shops and other "Pro" shops. I have one 1/2 inch beading bit by Velepek which I have used for years on wood, and which has now rounded over the ends of 1/2 x 1/2 inch steel and brass bars in one pass on my vertical milling machine. That one bit has so far rounded over more than 1000 of these bars, and does a better job than the metal cutting tooling designed for the job. Because it has only two flutes, it doesn't get very hot and I don't have to spray it with coolant either.

   Don't leave out Velepek.

   Clampman

1. 
   Sancho | Jul 20, 2002 06:33am | #14

   I like Woodline Arizona bits. Theyre a small company in Arizona (Duh) but they have some very good bits at a good price. i buy them almost exclusively. I go to the wood show and dump some money on theyre stuff. WWW. Woodline.Com (I think) Darkworksite4: When the job is to small for everyone else, Its just about right for me"

5. 
   LCHN | Jul 18, 2002 07:32am | #8

   Hey, FWW itself ran a test on 17 brands of router bits to see what sort of differences there were.

   Its online at

   http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/pages/w00045.asp

   They took an industrial CNC router and ran hundreds of feet of linear cuts in laminated wood with straight bits - rated bits on the basis of quality of cut at the beginning and end (number of chips=function of balance and sharpness of bit) Interesting reults - very objective.

   Personally I like MLCS bits (www.MLCSWoodworking.com) - reasonable price, reasonable quality, free shipping.

6. 
   DP | Jul 18, 2002 05:50pm | #9

   There's been a lot of dialog recently on Badger Pond about Jesada that you might want to check out.  There are a lot of complaints about recent deterioration in both bit quality and customer service/responsiveness posted there, with few folks coming to their defense. 

   Personally I've been satisfied with the Jesada bits I have, although I must admit that I haven't bought anything from them recently.  I have had excellent recent experience with Amana, CMT, and Whiteside bits.  Woodhaven is one source; selection is somewhat limited though.

1. 
   art | Jul 19, 2002 02:11am | #10

   Another vote for MLCS. I've been using their bits for about 15 years and no complaints. Fast delivery and good customer service if you have a problem.