Replies

1. 
   blewcrowe | Apr 13, 2007 05:54pm | #1

   No surprise. I've not found a router bit to exceed the Whiteside.

2. 
   Knotscott | Apr 13, 2007 05:55pm | #2

   Hard to argue with a top pick of Whiteside bits. They're top shelf high quality U.S. made bits with thick carbide that's sharp and holds an edge. They go on sale fairly often at decent prices too.

3. 
   BruceS | Apr 14, 2007 02:48am | #3

   I can't say that I am surprized.  I work for Eagle America and use their bits all of the time.  But it should have been a tie ;-)

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

1. 
   coolbreeze | Apr 14, 2007 04:57am | #4

   Bruce,

   I have not bought Eagle America because I did not know about their quality. Long ago, I discovered that Whiteside is the best I have used.

   E A has a very large selection and I will definately add some of their bits to my cabinet. I was surprized to see E A rated alongside Whiteside.

1. 
   terrylee86 | Apr 14, 2007 03:47pm | #7

   Eagle America has different lines.  They import bits as well as have USA made.  Careful what you buy.

   Terry

1. 
   Knotscott | Apr 15, 2007 02:22am | #8

   AFAIK, Eagle American bits are made in the US. They're associated with Price Cutter who sells imports. Maybe I've got the story wrong though...

1. 
   terrylee86 | Apr 15, 2007 04:18am | #9

   You are correct EA is the division of that company that sells USA bits and Pricecutter sells the imports.  Same address in Northern Ohio.  Same company I think.  Good Bits.

   Terry

2. 
   alanplanesaw | Apr 15, 2007 05:43am | #10

   Dear Cool,

   I spent one summer during college working in a factory where we made the very same item for six different companies / brands.  Changed the color of the cover, put a different logo on them and out they went.  Sold retail from low to high.  Item was the same quality using the same manufacturing specs and standards on all six lines.  Just the cover and the brand logo were different.

   Probably happens more than we realize.  ;-)

   Alan - planesaw

    

1. 
   coolbreeze | Apr 15, 2007 06:38am | #11

   I've found out as much. Same could be said about the items tested. Could it be that some were tested against bits manufactored by the same company? Quite likely so.

   For years, Sears offered all kinds of products manufactored by big name brands under the Kenmore line.

   Edited 4/14/2007 11:40 pm ET by coolbreeze

2. 
   tinter | Apr 15, 2007 06:49am | #12

   They look like the same exact bit to me too!  Chris

2. 
   blewcrowe | Apr 14, 2007 02:04pm | #6

   Same here. I wasn't aware of Eagle America. I'll be looking now.

4. 
   Routerman | Apr 14, 2007 05:46am | #5

   I wouldn't get crazy over them (results).

   Cutter life is essentially user sensitive. I have had students spoil a new cutter (in seconds) right in my face. Others have stage routed and used other techniques to get substantial cutter life from the crummiest of tool bits.

   Now, given a room full of equally skilled wood/router woodworkers, and the picture changes. Expect the consensus of the FWW editors, in that case.

   Notwithstanding, there are too many variables to award any one supplier/mfg. supremacy. Within a given inventory, some cutters are imported, purchased from other suppliers, some in the process of redesign etc, etc. Don't expect every cutter from supplier X to be equal in profile, grind quality, life expectancy and so on.

   Routers