Replies

1. 
   GT | Jan 26, 2004 05:42pm | #1

   Try delta,they offer their own bits. Most of the current line is off shore,but if you can find old stock grab it,their made in austria,twice the cost but l think a better bit.

   You can also try garret wade in NYC ,they carry the multico brand from england,great machine but their bits are of a different dia shank, so you may hace to use a bushing..good luck

2. 
   IainEdwards | Jan 26, 2004 08:20pm | #2

   Larry I run a sedgwick 571 mortiser and have ended up using various brands....Experience tells me that Clico, the brand owner of Clifton Planes, produce a fine chisel and bit. Certainly got my recommendation....regards...Iain

1. 
   LarryES | Jan 27, 2004 12:56pm | #3

   Found Clico at Woodcraft, $75 per set.

   Amazon has the Fisch set of four at $139.99, about half the price of Clico. They also show a Delta "Professional" chisel and bit set for around $23 per set.

1. 
   IainEdwards | Jan 27, 2004 02:29pm | #4

   Larry

   A quick moan first so forgive me....I hate marketing speak like 'professional quality' when appended a tool, all designed to set expectations way beyond its ability to deliver.  To my mind, the user is the primary defining factor not the tool. Spend what you want and if practiced and motivated you'll get a satisfactory result, with a cheaper tool it might take longer, be more frustrating, require more clean up, but you should get there.

   In my case I make quite a bit of furniture, commission or otherwise, which generally means a bunch of M&T's somewhere down the line. 

   I need to be confident that a tool will do the job it was designed for. I've used the more 'economical' stuff and am generally dissapointed by its performance (ability to hold an edge, stability in use, certainly with anything below a 5/8", waste clearance etc.).

   Clico sets whilst more expensive meet my needs, the steel is good, they're sturdy and made like rifle parts, in short they're dependable and interpret my skills honestly. As previously noted I'd recommend them, with the following qualification; for someone with requirements similar to mine. Take care......Iain

1. 
   LarryES | Jan 27, 2004 05:14pm | #5

   Thanks for the response Iain. I am a hobbiest woodworker who also appreciates quality tools. I probably don't need the best bits out there but I don't want to waste my money either.

   Based on your reply and others, seems a small investment to go with the best in this case. Almost all of my work is M&T joinery, and I rarely go larger than 3/8 on my projects.  I will order a couple of the smaller sizes for now and purchase larger if/when needed.

   Thanks.

1. 
   IainEdwards | Jan 27, 2004 06:36pm | #6

   Larry

   More than welcome, at the end of the day, like you, I'd class myself as a hobbiest given woodwork 'aint the main source of income.... catch up....Iain