Replies

1. 
   jhonbaker | Jan 22, 2010 05:16pm | #1

   I would ask who supports the "lifetime guarantee" and what that exactly entails.I would also caution about the Lifetime Guarantee thing - those are only as good as the company and the lifetime it refers to is the life of the company. SO - if this company already went out of business and Peachtree bought the supplies then the Guarantee is already useless.

2. 
   RalphBarker | Jan 22, 2010 05:56pm | #2

   I haven't heard of the Stone
   I haven't heard of the Stone Mountain brand, either. Sounds like a cleverly named import from a generic machine shop somewhere in China. They might be OK, but . . .

   I'd also be skeptical of the lifetime guarantee. Such guarantees are an ancient ploy. I'd ask if they could give you six of each bit, just in case you outlive the company. ;-)

3. 
   mstrrktek | Jan 23, 2010 01:36pm | #3

   I've been there and done
   I've been there and done that. Anyone that values their money will stay far and clear of any of these "value priced" router bits. They are NOT worth it. Look at the router bit review on FWW and see the comparison of bits. Also, look at the prices - most are not that much less than the "good ones". On occasion I have faltered, thinking I'd save a few bucks on a bit I didn't think I'd use much, only to regret it due to the much inferior job it did, not to mention the bit was good for only a couple of times. And then it got even worse. This is true of just about any of them from any but the few top bits. Personally, I use Whiteside and never have to think twice about it's quality. Generally, the cheaper bits are going to have a lot more "patterns" avaialble, somewhat a sign of quantity over quality. You can make just about any pattern of several basic GOOD bits, and that is definitely the way to go versus sacrificing quality. The best in my experienced opinion are Whiteside, Lee Valley, Infinity, Eagle ... in that order; and, I dare you to find that much difference in cost. And I'm sorry, though Peachtree has some fairly good stuff, they are not very high quality in their proprietary stuff. They are always the vendor with the biggest both at the shows, essentially selling the cheap stuff from China and knock-offs of the quality stuff. The old adage of you pay for what you get most assuredly applies here.

1. 
   danmart | Jan 23, 2010 01:55pm | #4

   You hit the nail right on the head. I would agree on all of your points and second your opinion of Whiteside bits. I have used Amana and CMT and had good luck but if forced to pick one supplier.. Whiteside is my long distance runner.

   dan

1. 
   woodworker52 | Jan 23, 2010 03:19pm | #5

   I would add my comments to the cheap bits not being as good and cutting as smooth an edge on the wood. It may cost less but if you have to sand more, your time is valuable. I would add Freud to the name of good companies as I like their bits as well as Whiteside.