Replies

1. 
   Dustmight | Feb 21, 2004 12:53am | #1

   Katana is MLCS's upper end line. Never tried the Katana, but I have a small set and a few single bits from MLCS....no complaints for the price. They offer free s/h and have excellent CS. The bits are by no means Whiteside caliber...more comparable to Woodline or Grizzly IMO, but for a hobbyist's average use they're fine.

   Considering that Rockler sells router bits, why would their salesperson pitch MLCS?

1. 
   billballeza | Feb 21, 2004 01:05am | #3

   Thanks, Scotty.

   I told the Rockler guy I was just learning and he said I should buy a 4 to 8 piece starter set and steered me to mlcs.

   Maybe Rockler doesn't sell kits, I'm not sure.

   Before I knew what I was about I bought a set of HSS bits from Sears which he advised me were practically worthless and probably dangerous.

   I'm trying to do it right this time.

1. 
   Mackwood | Feb 21, 2004 01:16am | #5

   I've got a set of MLCS bits; nice set, 1/2" shank for $99.00!  Absolutely no complaints for the money.  Amana is very high quality (and spendy), and I get them for specific things as the need arises.  Rockler guy was right about Craftsman IMO.  Enjoy!

   Mack 

2. 
   forestgirl | Feb 21, 2004 04:24am | #7

   I used to steer away from sets of things, but in the past year have bought an inexpensive, large set of Forstner bits and the same of brad-point drill bits.  Am planning to get the $99 MLCS router bit set.  The theory is, many of those bits I'll on use very occasionally.  I can get the whole set, with the nice storage cabinet, and replace the ones I use most frequently with higher-end bits such as Amana or CMT.  I already have a good rabetting set -- that was an outlay, for sure!forestgirl Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)  you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)

1. 
   billballeza | Feb 21, 2004 05:54am | #8

   forestgirl,

   I ordered the 99 dollar set today.. also ordered the Pro Cabinetmaker Set that comes with the video and set up blocks.

   Couple of other things, too. The Coping Safety Super Sled and the Safety Small Parts holder.

   I've made a number of cabs and desks etc.. but all out of ply with ply doors decorated with store bought moldings.

   Now I've acquired a planer and jointer.. learned a little about milling and have gone loco buying walnut and cherry and am looking forward to making solid wood, frame and panel doors and milling my own moldings.

   Just to get carried away for a bit.. I've just completed a walnut box with hand cut dovetails (read that in all caps!). I am finally beginning to feel like a, well, like a, dare I say it...  woodworker!

   I have, and continue to, learn so much from all of you.. and I am very grateful.

   Bill

1. 
   forestgirl | Feb 21, 2004 08:16pm | #11

   Hey, Bill, let us know how you like the bits.  Especially the cabinet set -- it seems they have to be made to very close tolerances to work right, and it'd be great to know who makes the good ones!

   The coping sled looks like a good product.  I have a home-made one that was given to me by the guy I bought my plunge router from.  It's nice, but way more bulky than the commercial version.

   Re: the small parts holder -- I have one of those, and it does come in handy, but a heads-up on it:  it does tend to flex if tightened down too hard.  Just to save you some possible grief there.

   Enjoy!  Congrats on the HC dovetails -- way braver than me, you are.forestgirl Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)  you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)

2. 
   RoyinMD | Feb 22, 2004 12:35am | #12

   I got the new MLCS catalog in the mail last week. I'm drooling over the 66 bit set for $189. Thats a nice per bit price. Smaller sets are available. :o)

   Enjoy, Roy

3. 
   billballeza | Feb 23, 2004 11:50pm | #16

   Thank you, forestgirl, and thanks to all of you who have weighed in on the MLCS bits. I just got a call from them today saying that my credit card billing address didn't match with my mailing address (moved recently) so the order I placed on Friday just got processed today.

   The guy said 7-10 days.. grrrrrrr.

   Thanks again, everyone, for sharing your thoughts.

   Bill

3. 
   Dustmight | Feb 22, 2004 01:54am | #13

   Sounds like you might have a helpful friend at Rockler!

   I started out with MLCS's 15 piece set for $40 three years ago. Ya really can't go wrong for that price. It gave me a change to discover which profiles I like and which I use the most. If the time ever comes when they dull, I'll buy the more expensive bits for my favorites, but wouldn't hesitate to replace the others with MLCS.

2. 
   woodaddic1 | Feb 21, 2004 01:03am | #2

   I have had their 30 piece anniversary set for about 2 years now.  No problems thus far.  I haven't run hundreds of board feet through any one bit yet, just use them when a project calls for it.  I have never used Whiteside bits so I couldn't tell you of any difference.  It seems like a good place to get a nice starter set of bits.

   Ryan

1. 
   billballeza | Feb 21, 2004 01:14am | #4

   Thanks, Norm.

   Say, you're not THE Norm are you? 

   Just kidding.. and I appreciate your weighing in.

    I've decided to ask questions now that I've been told of the grievous errors I've made buying a router/table combo from Sears together with HSS bits.

3. 
   USANigel | Feb 21, 2004 02:08am | #6

   In the test by finewoodworking MLCS bits came in 7th of 16. (if I remember correctly) their upper range cuts with the best. Customer service is great!

4. 
   garth | Feb 21, 2004 07:00am | #9

   Bill

   Most of my occasional use bits are MLCS I find them a good bang for the buck. Having said that the bits that I use hard and often are CMT. For a start set I do not think you could go wrong with the MLCS.

   Scott T.

5. 
   GJMID2 | Feb 21, 2004 07:10am | #10

   If you are building a collection, buy their $39.00 boxed set. I've used them with no problem. I have also purchased the Katona brand - they are worth the $$ for shaper cutters that have a very visible area---like raised panels---very little if any chatter.

6. 
   robert1 | Feb 22, 2004 05:32am | #14

   I have an "Anniversary Set" from MCLS and the bits are OK. When I have alot of mortises or dados that need to be made, I have found Freud bits to give a cleaner cut.

7. 
   art | Feb 22, 2004 10:18pm | #15

   I've used Mlcs bits for over ten years and have been very satisified. I'e built two kitchens with their stile, rail and raised panel sets. I've just bought the Katana bits to do some cherry cabs. I've have tried other brands and found the performance comparable while the prices are considerably better.  Art