Replies

1. 
   forestgirl | Apr 12, 2006 04:56am | #1

   I have a couple of them, they're OK, but no great shakes.  Don't expect the carbide to endure more than a couple sharpenings.  Also, they seem short (no offense meant to height-challened folks out there).  The cutter length is usually on the short side.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   

1. 
   storme | Apr 12, 2006 07:05am | #2

   hey, forestgirl, could I get a recommendation from you? (or anyone else out there) I bought a one-of-everything-set so I would always have what I need on hand but now I need to get a real set for regular use. My first purchase is going to be a set of 1/2" shank straight bits. I like how much quieter the 1/2" seem to be and I don't like having to change the collet.Any suggestions of what to get? My use is light right now but I keep my tools in good condition and I'll have them for years and so I generally get good quality tools. Pricecutter.com has a good price and the specs are all reasonable but I don't know the quality. They have a solid carbide 7 piece spiral set for $140 and straight for $40Any thoughts? Woodcraft has these specials from time to time too and I thought about purchasing but I held off because I don't know whether they're a good value.Links:
   http://pricecutter.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_P11-1200
   http://pricecutter.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_P11-1501

1. 
   forestgirl | Apr 12, 2006 07:47am | #3

   "...now I need to get a real set for regular use. ...but I keep my tools in good condition and I'll have them for years."  So, don't get no-name bits from "pricecutter" ROFL!  Especially stay away from cheap bits when getting matching-profiles such as stile-and-rail bits or tongue-and-groove.  I'd suggest doing some research and choosing between the well-known brands such as Freud, CMT, Whiteside, maybe Amana (not an exhaustive list probably). 

   I buy my better bits locally, but you can get Whiteside at routerbits.com and probably other on-line places.  I think Woodcraft carries CMT, but I'm sure there are better prices on-line, as usual.  Freud is carried by AllPro I believe, among other places including (probably) Amazon.  I have be underwhelmed by Amana bits, but there are others (who work their bits pretty hard) who swear by them, so maybe I've just had bad luck.

   I'm glad to hear you're sticking mostly with 1/2" shank bits, a very good idea.   You might not need to buy "sets" of this and that, though.  Totally up to you.  I tend to buy what I need when I need it.   

    

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

   Edited 4/12/2006 12:42 pm by forestgirl

1. 
   Grits | Apr 12, 2006 09:05am | #4

   Forestgirl

   I agree with your opinion on top quality.  I have rarely been disappointed when I buy top of the line.  Specially when I use whatever it is years later and it is still preforms like it did the day I bought it.  I understand any kind of cutter will wear out but I think you know what I mean.

   Grits

2. 
   Knotscott | Apr 12, 2006 10:32pm | #5

   I think Price Cutter's name hurts them a bit (pun intended...) The business is named after owner Buddy Price...thus "Price" Cutter, and the offer two lines under that business name. They appear to be associated with Eagle America bits too, which are a premium line that could be considered in line with the Freud, Whiteside, Amana, Infinity crowd, etc. The Price Cutter line (gray) is actually pretty good quality that's similar to the MLCS "Katana" line, which I consider decent stuff....sort of in between the cheapest and the premium US and Italian made bits. Price Cutter also offers "Buddy's Bargain Bits" which is their cheaper Chinese line (the green ones) similar to the regular MLCS line. IMO, the names of both of their lines suggests a step below what they actually are...maybe it's just me, but I think Price Cutter should rename their two lines to be more reflective of what they really are. In any event, I agree with FG too about it being better to stay away from the cheapie sets. I prefer Whiteside caliber bits when I can I swing it, but I wouldn't hesitate to use the Katana line or the Price Cutter line for moderately heavy use.As far as the Woodcraft bits go...their worth the asking price IMO and should be fine for lighter duty use, but in no way do the hang with a Whiteside bit....and yeah, those shafts are short! Edited 4/12/2006 3:35 pm ET by scottyEdited 4/12/2006 3:46 pm ET by scotty

   Edited 4/12/2006 3:47 pm ET by scotty

1. 
   forestgirl | Apr 13, 2006 01:25am | #7

   I'm glad to hear positive things about the Eagle bits.  They have a couple in their catalog I've not found elsewhere and want to give them a try. 

   It may not be just the name that impacts Pricecutter's image.  When you go to their home page, the overwhelming image is of discounts, save money, etc., etc.  It's only when you get down to the very bottom of the page that you see "why our bits are best" link.  I agree with your statement "I think Price Cutter should rename their two lines to be more reflective of what they really are."

   Curious that you consider the MLCS bits comparable to a "cheaper Chinese line."  I've not used MLCS, but in the famous (or infamous?) FWW router bit test they did awhile back, the MLCS came in with the second group, which also included Amana and CMT:

   The next group of bits that stood out included the Amana (1.5 chips per ft.), the Carb-Tech (0.9), the MLCS (1.6) and the CMT (1.8). A third group of bits, including the Bosch, Eagle America, Porter-Cable and Woodworker's Choice, cut very cleanly when new but wore out sooner than the top four finishers.

   Here's the link if anyone wants to look.  Don't know if it's in the "free" section of FWW or the paid part.  "Click and see" I guess.

    forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

2. 
   Knotscott | Apr 13, 2006 01:54am | #8

   "Curious that you consider the MLCS bits comparable to a cheaper Chinese line."I should probably be more specific.... MLCS' individual bits are mostly made in Taiwan. The MLCS sets are a bit lesser quality than the individuals ...and that's where I roughly categorize the "Buddy Bits". I've used both, and both get replaced after heavy use. Also, that comparison test is around 8 years old IIRC. The performance of that one bit during that test is better than no data, but I'm not sure how indicative it is of today's lineup, or the various bits within a line.

3. 
   storme | Apr 13, 2006 02:28am | #9

   Just wanted to say this is a very helpful discussion for me, thanks all around. I'm off to do homework, does anyone know any other router bit tests out there?

4. 
   forestgirl | Apr 13, 2006 06:49am | #12

   I wouldn't worry too much about finding tests, storme.  Find out what the pros use in their shops.  They know which the best are!  If you don't need the durability that a furniture-maker needs, you can go for something just a notch below.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

5. 
   forestgirl | Apr 13, 2006 02:46am | #10

   "...around 8 years old IIRC."  Wow, time does fly!  Do you remember what a huge kerfluffle erupted after that article came out?  It was pretty amazing.  No doubt, a test of one bit in an entire line isn't definitive.  But interesting.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

6. 
   Knotscott | Apr 13, 2006 02:56am | #11

   That review was about 3 years "ahead of my time" (in terms of wwing!), but it was still being debated a fair amount when I first heard of it. Where would we be without a little controversy! LOL!

   Edited 4/12/2006 8:00 pm ET by scotty

7. 
   jeff100 | Apr 13, 2006 07:06am | #13

   Kerfluffle?!  Considering what part of the world you live in...a Scandinavian term perhaps???  Uff da.....;-)

   Jeff 

8. 
   forestgirl | Apr 13, 2006 07:17pm | #14

   I love the word "kerfluffle" -- originated, I believe, in West Wing.  Wouldn't be surprised if it was Scandinavian-inspired, LOL!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

9. 
   storme | Apr 14, 2006 05:38am | #15

   nah, I think it's an old fashioned word - ask your great gran - I bet she'll have heard it.or it could just be linguistic falderal - nothing to raise a hoo hah over.cheers!
   -s

10. 
    Bolts | Apr 14, 2006 09:54am | #16

    Even in Australia it is an old fashioned word a bit like Bonser for good and cobber for mate.

2. 
   BanyanTree | Apr 12, 2006 10:54pm | #6

   Grits,
   I purchased a coupe of these, and I have been very happy with them. I used them rather extensively on a couple of projects and was pleasantly surprised at how well they held up.

   I also have purchased Whiteside bits, and they are excellent. So this is not a knock on those bits.

   However, beware of generalized advice such as, "I wouldn't expect them to last long," or similar statements. The real question is, how vigorously and how long do you intend to use the bits? Remember, you can buy four or five Woodcraft $5 bits for the price of one Whiteside bit (on average), so even if the Woodcraft bit is not as good, you may still come out even ahead of the game.