Router bit question

[tuff71]

I was out to the Home Depot this last weekend purchasing lumber for my boys bunk bed and picked up a set of Hickory 1/2" shank router bits. The hardware guy said he has never heard any complaints on these but I was wondering if anyone out there has any coments on them. I have not tried them yet but am getting ready to start this weekend. Just wanted to bypass any disappointment or road blocks.

[ 01-27-2004, 01:23 PM: Message edited by: tuff71 ]

[daveferg]

Hickory bits are made by Oldham, which also makes higher quality bits---Vipers----so, are Hickory's as good as Vipers? That's an easy one.

I don't think there is a more diverse set of opinions (except maybe over table saw brands) than over router bits.

I am of the opinion that I want the best quality high-speed steel and best carbid grade in a router bit. Since the router spins the bit at thousands of RPMs, close to your vital body parts, the idea of a carbide coming off or a bit snapping does not warm me to cheap bits----let alone on the quality of cut, etc.

Bottom line----stick with name brands like Whiteside, Amana, CMT, Vipers, Freud, etc. Also, with the exception of a 1/4" spiral bit, stick with 1/2" shafts for your bits. Keep them cleaned and honed and you'll never have to replace them. No, you won't be able to buy bit sets, at a net cost of $4-6/bit---but do you really want the cheapest bit spinning that close to vital body parts. ;)

[Cranky]

Another one that I'd put on the equivelent to these is the NOW saled priced @ $5/bit ones from Woodcraft. Actually I think I like them a a bit more than the Hickory's at that but they very close. Feel the Woodcraft's a bit better in longevity on MDF - hardwood about the same.

I personally hate getting caught into the "set" thing if it doesn't appear I'll be using all of them - they add a zinger or 2 everytime it seems - have so many seldom if ever used bits from the box set(s)I don't even know where thay all are located anymore. But you may find use for each one - different needs for us all.

If you close to a Woodcraft I sure would add the loose ends you may not have. The ones you know you'll need from the set will be the ones to get dups on - and at only five bucks a new profile or two may be in order. Just hold the checkbook tight-real easy to get carried away in a toy store. ;) And take advantage every month of their Whiteside bit of month - they really toss a bone at us with that one too.

Thread on woodnet I see on these again too. May want to read what they have to say there

[ 01-27-2004, 05:32 PM: Message edited by: Cranky ]

[imported_ChipMaker]

Tuff - they do the job but you may find they wear real quick in hardwoods and MDF. I second the Woodcraft's in being my first choice of the two.

Daveferg has point in buying real low quality bits. Highly doubt these two fall into that category (I use both on occaison) but I'd be careful on some of these off-brand/no names. I haven't heard of it happening but the fact is it could. Buy a brand from a company you know and most likely you safe. They need to stay in business and the company does rely on reputation. Lawsuits are a definite No-No to any decent business.

[G.W.]

First thing you need to do is look at the bits included in the set. Most sets include several bits that you will probably never use. So why buy them. My recomendation is to pass on a set, and buy a top of the line bit whenever you find you have a need for a particular bit. I have a wonderful tool store near me that carries only top quality stuff. I have actually saved money in the long run as they also sharpen as well as sell.

[tuff71]

Ok guys,
I have taken advantage of woodcrafts bits sale and bought 5 that I thought I would use. I took the other one's back to HD. Thanks for all your comments.