Replies

1. 
   WillGeorge | May 01, 2005 05:59pm | #1

   cheap, crappy-looking 1/4"-shank ones (likely made by Ryobi),

   Geeee  I use (1/4) them all the time.. BUT 1/2 shank is MUCH better and safer..  I think for safe..

2. 
   forestgirl | May 01, 2005 08:39pm | #2

   Chances are the 1/2" shank bits are pretty good, but I'd suggest getting some catalogs from the on-line suppliers, especially MLCS, Eagle and Routerbits.com.  (those are links)  RB.com carries Whiteside at a good price, as does Ballew Saw and Tool.  I'm not sure where the best place is $$-wise to get Freud bits.  Maybe AllPro Tools.

   Also, you might want to read FWW's router bit review, available here.  There was some controversy about their method of evaluation, but it was a good article.  I haven't found the Liberty brand with a quick Google search.  Maybe someone else knows where they're found.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   woodensplinter | May 02, 2005 12:57am | #3

   Try http://www.ridgecarbidetool.com for liberty bits.

1. 
   forestgirl | May 02, 2005 01:46am | #4

   Thanks, got it! forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

3. 
   Dustmight | May 02, 2005 03:49am | #5

   The Sears router bits always seem high priced to me and I don't trust the quality. IMO you'd be much better off with MLCS, Woodline or Price Cutter for inexpensive value bits, or Whiteside, Amana, CMT or Freud for better bits. You'll get what you pay for with those.