upgrading router bits to what brand??

[Chad Burkhart]

I have been using MLCS router bits for quite some time with good success. I have come to a point that I have established a good idea of what bits that I use the most and need to start replacing them. Thinking about upgrading but not sure as to what brand. I am a weekend warrior, so a small step up in quality would be my goal. No need to empty the bank if I don't have to, but I'm open to the idea if there is no middle ground.

thanks,
Chad

[Michael Moscicki]

I would buy Whiteside. They are American made router bits with generous amounts of carbide and they are consistently rated the best overall and the best value by Fine Woodworking. I also noticed that at least on Amazon the bits are cheaper than CMT and Freud. :eek:

Case in point:


Whiteside 1/2" Shank, 1/4" Roundover Bit - $20.30
CMT 1/2" Shank, 1/4" Roundover Bit - $28.49
Freud 1/2" Shank, 1/4" Roundover Bit - $29.17

Whiteside 1/2" Shank, 3/8" Roundover Bit - $22.46
CMT 1/2" Shank, 3/8" Roundover Bit - $27.77
Freud 1/2" Shank, 3/8" Roundover Bit - $29.99

[Joe Jensen]

I used to buy (like 20 years ago) Bosch but since Whiteside started winning the Fine Woodworking tests I have been buying Whiteside. Great bits, zero complaints.

[glenn bradley]

Another long time Whiteside fan. Their resharpening costs for their own bits are also very reasonable. I collect a half dozen or so that need sharpening and then use a small flat rate USPS box to mail them for a few bucks. I get back a box of "new" bits for a very good price.

[Chuck Hart]

I would go Whiteside. They have an outstanding reputation, made in the USA. Every Whiteside bit I have has been excellent and a bit cheaper than the premium brands. You will get a ton of opinions here but I use them and have never been disappointed.

Chuck

[Clay Fails]

I have mostly Whiteside and they are excellent. Lately I've been accumulating some very nice bits from Infinity......I would say they are at least comparable to Whiteside.

[Rich Engelhardt]

Whiteside, Southeast Tool & Eagle America.

[Robert Engel]

I built a big hickory kitchen using a Whiteside rail/stile bit. I was severely impressed. The last cut was as good as the first.
I've also used Amana they are pretty decent.

I would stay away from Freud unless you're in a pinch and need one like now.

[Paul McGaha]

I've had good luck with Freud.

PHM

[Rich Riddle]

1. Whiteside,
2. Amana
3. Freud
4. Cheap is just making one small item/cut

[Dave Lewis]

Another vote for Whiteside.

[Robert Parent]

Southeast Tool would be my vote. I discovered them a couple years back when I bought a CNC router. They are very nice bits for the price.

Robert

[Randy Red Bemont]

Another fan of Whiteside. Great bits. And made in the USA (NC).

http://www.whitesiderouterbits.com/

Red

[scott spencer]

Whiteside, Infinity, Eagle America (made by Whiteside)....all top shelf premium cutters. Infinity and WS both offer basic sets for ~ $100. Freud and CMT also have some high quality bits. Price Cutter and Katana are both a nice step up from the regular MLCS if you're not ready to go top shelf.

[Joseph Montroy]

I've had good luck with Eagle America's own bits (not the ones they import, the ones they make here in the US). Also have some Whiteside bits that have been good too.

[Matt Krusen]

Whiteside, Eagle America, and Amana. Whiteside would be my preference though. Can't beat them.

[Larry Frank]

I like Whiteside and Freud. With difficult wood, I think the Freud Quadra cut are really good for some applications.

Based on the above comments will need to look at some Infinity and try them out.

[Bryan Cramer]

I agree with the above suggestions, but I would want to add Infinity router bits. They are good quality and reasonably priced. I think they are the best middle of the road bits I have tried.

[Chad Burkhart]

Wow, Whiteside seems to have a solid following. I will have to check them out as well as a few others mentioned here. Thanks all for the great input.

Chad

[Art Mann]

I go through a lot of bits on my CNC router. I buy Whiteside bits at the website below. They really do ship the same day and their prices seem to be quite competitive.

http://www.woodworkersworld.net/