Where to Buy quality router bits,at fair price.

[Matthew Curtis]

Looking to buy a couple of router bits. Maybe a small set. I currently have a 1/4" set that is cheap and wish to get some nicer bits. Is it better to but 1/2 bits?? Where are a couple of places to look?

Thanks

[John Grabowski]

I highly recommend the Whiteside router bits...They are pricey...They carry them at Woodcraft and other quality woodworking stores. You wont find them at the BORG. I dont know if they sell a real nice set in terms of variety. Usually, I just buy a few a time as money allows, now I have a real nice set of them.

Best of Luck,

John G

[Chris Ricker]

+1 on the Whiteside
also highly recommended is Eagle America which is a sponsor of SMC

[Myk Rian]

Go to www.Holbren.com (http://www.Holbren.com)
A SMC advertiser and they carry Whiteside.
Discount code SMC10

Admin: Myk, Sorry, Holbren isn't an advertiser here but Eagle America is.

[Josh Rudolph]

+1 for Holbren

Have ordered numerous times from them without any problems.

I buy Whiteside bits, there is also a discount code offered to members of the creek. I don't remember it, but it can be found easily by doing a search. That is how I have to find it every time I order.

Also, I rarely ever buy 1/4" shank bits anymore. Less vibration and gives me piece of mind since I broke a 1/4" shank bit years ago. It was a cheap bit....not a Whiteside.

Josh

[Bill Huber]

I really like the Eagle bits, the price is good and the quality is very good also.

I do not recommend getting sets of bits, I like to get what I need and this way I don't have a ton of bits setting around that I will never use.

The only reason I have any 1/4 inch bits is because I have a Bosch Colt and that is all it will handle. 1/2 are much better they do not vibrate as much and are stronger.

[Lee Schierer]

I've had good service from Routerbitworld.com. They have several of the better brands at good prices.

[Richard M. Wolfe]

I won't recommend any specific brand but make overall comments. I use 1/2" shank bits unless the profile is need is only in 1/4". I don't buy sets as you will have bits that never get used. Conversely, if I find profiles I use a lot (ex. 1/4" roundover) in a good bit for a good price I will buy backups; if you are going to order one bit that you know you will use a lot ordering two for the same shipping may be the route to go. Also if you find a good service (someone who has the tools, is knowledgeable and shipping won't eat you up) it may pay to have some sharpened. Sharpening may alter the profile enough on some bits it's not the thing to do but if the sharpening service is doing their job they will either let you know or return the bit. Even if the profile is altered a bit it usually won't make a difference unless you are looking for an exact match to existing work.

[G. Brad Schmidt]

Infinity sells quality fair priced router bits, and they're having an overstock sale on 'em right now.

Link: Overstock Router Bits (http://www.infinitytools.com/font-colorFF0000Overstock-Router-Bits_font/departments/1257/)


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[Harry Hagan]

Most of Eagle's bits are made by Whiteside according to what Eagle and Whiteside told me three years ago. That may have changed in the interim.

[Thomas Williams]

Whiteside bits from Holbren or Eagle America bits from Eagle America would be my suggestions.

[Van Huskey]

Whiteside bits from Holbren or Eagle America bits from Eagle America would be my suggestions.

+1 for both.

For superior quality I buy ONLY Whiteside or Freud, the latter exclusively IF they have the profile in quadra cutter.

For a profile I may use once and not critical I suggest the price cutter bits from Eagle not as good as their high line bit but their high line bits are about the same price as Whiteside amd Freud and not on the same quality level.

Whiteside makes a 10 piece essential router bit set white is an excellent place to start BUT it is not cheap BUT remember good router bits can be sharpened many times and ultimately cost less than cheap ones in the long run for bits you use often.

1/4" only if the profile does not come in 1/2" you learn really quickly when the cutter flies off a broken 1/4" shaft!


Whiteside's classic multi-form router bit is an excellent way to get a lot (40+) profiles with one (although not cheap) bit. This bit is ONLY for use in a router table, it is HUGE.

[Cody Colston]

I generally buy Whitesides bits from Routerbits.com but I also buy Freud bits at Home Depot when I need one NOW. Like others, I buy 1/2" shank bits unless the profile I need is only in 1/4" shank and I buy bits as I need them versus sets. The only set I have is a Whitesides Cabinetmaker's set with raised panel, cope & stick, glue joint bits.

I have a few 1/4" Viper bits that I bought before I discovered Whitesides and a few Bosch bits that I got when I needed one quickly before HD started carrying Freud bits.

[Stephen Edwards]

While I now am a convert to Whiteside bits, I still think that it's a good idea for a newbie to buy an inexpensive set of carbide tip bits from ebay or some other place. I'm talking about the yellow or blue Chinese bits with 1/2 shanks that sell for prices ranging between 30-80 bucks per set.

Why? It's in inexpensive education. It allows one to learn which bits they're gonna use most often. Then, once they know that, buy good bits. For occasional use some of the profiles in the cheap bits will work for quite some time.

The first high quality bits that I recommend that a person buy are solid carbide spiral straight bits in various diameters.

My two cents.

[glenn bradley]

Brian at Holbren has been treating me right for years. Whiteside are my favorite and not really expensive at all. I have Whiteside profiles that have outlasted "inexpensive" bits of the same profile 4 to one; do the math. Freud and Amana have also worked well for me. Oddly enough, I seem to have worn out a lot of the cheaper bits even though I hadn't run them as long.

[scott spencer]

Holbren....Whiteside set for $81 shipped with "SMC10" discount code.

[Bruce Wrenn]

I have owned bits by most of the companies mentioned, but I find MLCS (mlcswoodworking.com) to represent the best value for price. They have two lines, with both being quality. Also, when Woodcraft does their $5 bit thing, stock up.

[scott spencer]

While I now am a convert to Whiteside bits, I still think that it's a good idea for a newbie to buy an inexpensive set of carbide tip bits from ebay or some other place. I'm talking about the yellow or blue Chinese bits with 1/2 shanks that sell for prices ranging between 30-80 bucks per set.

Why? It's in inexpensive education. It allows one to learn which bits they're gonna use most often. Then, once they know that, buy good bits. For occasional use some of the profiles in the cheap bits will work for quite some time.

The first high quality bits that I recommend that a person buy are solid carbide spiral straight bits in various diameters.

My two cents.

Stephen - I don't disagree with the logic of starting out with less then the very best bits, but I've gotta put in a word of caution about buying cheap, unproven, no name bits from Ebay or elsewhere.

Bits spinning at 20K+ RPMs can throw a carbide cutter off the steel body horizontally at a very high speed...the cheaper bits are at higher risk than most others. I've been in a shop that shed a cutter that imbedded itself in the wall...it was sheer dumb luck that it didn't pierce one of us. If the premium bits like Whiteside, Infinity, Freud, etc., aren't in the budget, there are decent quality value priced imports from companies like MLCS, Woodline, Woodcraft, Price Cutter, and Grizzly that are well proven values. The MLCS 15 pc set is $40 shipped, perform well enough for a reasonable length of time, and aren't likely to shed a carbide. The value bits aren't quite in the same league as the premium bits, but they're worth the asking price and shouldn't hurt anyone.

[Joe Leigh]

Anyone use or buy Jesada bits anymore?

[Brian Kincaid]

Infinity sells quality fair priced router bits, and they're having an overstock sale on 'em right now.


+1 Good company, good products.

[Stephen Edwards]

Stephen - I don't disagree with the logic of starting out with less then the very best bits, but I've gotta put in a word of caution about buying cheap, unproven, no name bits from Ebay or elsewhere.

Bits spinning at 20K+ RPMs can throw a carbide cutter off the steel body horizontally at a very high speed...the cheaper bits are at higher risk than most others. I've been in a shop that shed a cutter that imbedded itself in the wall...it was sheer dumb luck that it didn't pierce one of us. If the premium bits like Whiteside, Infinity, Freud, etc., aren't in the budget, there are decent quality value priced imports from companies like MLCS, Woodline, Woodcraft, Price Cutter, and Grizzly that are well proven values. The MLCS 15 pc set is $40 shipped, perform well enough for a reasonable length of time, and aren't likely to shed a carbide. The value bits aren't quite in the same league as the premium bits, but they're worth the asking price and shouldn't hurt anyone.

Scott, You make a good point. Thanks for your insight.

Best Wishes,

[Jay Jeffery]

It seems that the best in almost any field never go on significant sale. If you are patient, there are often deals to be had on pretty good and even very good router bits, but selection is always limited. Places to watch:

Amazon: prices fluctuate like crazy. Watch the Freud Avanti 5 piece introductory router bit set, which sometimes goes for about $40. Other deals will pop up occasionally on Bosch and Milwaukee, and Makitta bits. If you browse and buy router bits while you are signed in, Amazon will put them on sale for you in your "Gold Box."

Rockler: They have deals from time to time. They have had some good ones on Porter-Cable bits. They are a far cry from the absolute best, but they are well made.

Toolking.com: They had a bunch of Porter-Cable bits last summer they sold for pennies on the dollar. Also check for the Makitta bits, which they say were made by Amana. They probably still have some deals, but selection may be limited.

Sears: A few Sears stores had Freud router bits and have been clearing them out. Most are 1/4" shaft, but I picked some up for as low as $3 each a couple months ago. Avoid the Craftsman bits.

Woodcraft: I've heard that they've got some Porter-Cable bits that are being cleared out at some retail stores. I don't go often, but they usually have a few profiles in the high-end brands at a modest discount. I heard a rumor somewhere that they are moving away from CMT, which might translate into some bargains at some point.

Watch the deals and discounts forum on this site.

I hope that helps. I'll spare you my commentary on buying sets.

[Bob Borzelleri]

Anyone use or buy Jesada bits anymore?

I have several Jesada bits and actually used two of them today. I think the company has gone through a change at the top management. Carlo (the founder) appears to have retired.

[Paul Ryan]

While I now am a convert to Whiteside bits, I still think that it's a good idea for a newbie to buy an inexpensive set of carbide tip bits from ebay or some other place. I'm talking about the yellow or blue Chinese bits with 1/2 shanks that sell for prices ranging between 30-80 bucks per set.

Why? It's in inexpensive education. It allows one to learn which bits they're gonna use most often. Then, once they know that, buy good bits. For occasional use some of the profiles in the cheap bits will work for quite some time.

The first high quality bits that I recommend that a person buy are solid carbide spiral straight bits in various diameters.

My two cents.

I completly agree with Stephen,

I started out with a cheap set from menards, then went to a better but still inexpensive larger set from woodline. The woodline bits are very nice bits for the price. I have since bought individual whiteside bits that I use most often. Personally I cant tell the different in cut quality between the woodline and the whiteside. But the whiteside hold their edge longer and in the long run will last longer. I have also used bits from grizzly that perform well. I suggest start with an inexpensive set from grizzly, woodline, or MLCS and go at it.

[paul cottingham]

I use and am very happy with Lee Valley router bits.

[Jim Eller]

How come no one mentioned Marc Sommerfeld's bits? I'm still waiting to hear of their quality and service.

I don't mean CMT.