Forstner bits: is Fisch the OEM for Freud?

[Ken Cobbing]

Hi all,

I'd like to purchase a good set of forstner bits. The Freud 7-piece set seems to be a good value at about $58. They are made in Austria:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000AV756

I then found another 7-piece set by Fisch, also made in Austria, but for about $108 from Amazon:

https://www.woodcraft.com/products/fisch-7-piece-wave-cutter-forstner-bit-set-in-wooden-box-cylindrical-shank

A close look at these bits suggests that they are actually the same product (although the Fisch linked to above come with a box).

Does anyone know if they are in fact (or probably) the same product, i.e., that Fisch is the OEM for the Freud bits?

Just curious because the Freuds are quite a bit less expensive.

Thanks :)

[Bruce Page]

Ken, maybe I'm missing something but they don't look alike to me.

I have always been happy with Freud’s quality. I have their 7 pc carbide Forstner set that works very well.

[Ken Cobbing]

Whoops - just noticed that the Amazon link has an incorrect photo (hex shank instead of cylindrical shank).

Photos of the cutter heads look about identical to me:

Fisch "Wavecutter":

364517

Freud "Precision Shear":
364518

[Rick Fisher]

I just bought the 16 piece Freud kit.. Haven't even used one but was impressed with the fit and finish.. I was surprised they where made in Austria ..

[Mike Henderson]

I don't know who makes the Freud but I have a set of them and they work great. And I've had the bits for years.

Mike