Nick Shepler
07-26-2009, 9:46 AM
Just curious if Leigh FMT owners out there have or are using carbide spiral upcut bits versus high-speed steel (HSS)? My FMT came with the single 5/16" HSS bit which has worked rather well but most of my router bit experience has been with 1/2" shank carbide bits. Leigh is quite proud of their carbide bits for the FMT, specifically the 3/8" ($64) & 1/2" ($79). Their corresponding HSS are $24 & $29 respectively.
This may very well be one of those "you get what you pay for" type of issues probably not being alone, I would imagine most of us would like to save a few dollars. I am not opposed to going with their HSS (I only need the 3/8" & 1/2" bits) but again, carbide is preferred.
OK, with all that said, there are some other brands on the market one of them being MLCS. Both their 3/8" & 1/2" bits are $35 with the primary dimensional differences from Leigh being cutting depth and length on the 1/2" bit. In the HSS brand, Woodcraft carries the Onsrud brand which is a few dollars cheaper than the Leigh variety.
Again, just curious about the opinions and experiences of others out there.
Thanks,
Nick
This may very well be one of those "you get what you pay for" type of issues probably not being alone, I would imagine most of us would like to save a few dollars. I am not opposed to going with their HSS (I only need the 3/8" & 1/2" bits) but again, carbide is preferred.
OK, with all that said, there are some other brands on the market one of them being MLCS. Both their 3/8" & 1/2" bits are $35 with the primary dimensional differences from Leigh being cutting depth and length on the 1/2" bit. In the HSS brand, Woodcraft carries the Onsrud brand which is a few dollars cheaper than the Leigh variety.
Again, just curious about the opinions and experiences of others out there.
Thanks,
Nick