Replies

1. 
   JeffKurtz | Sep 26, 2002 06:13am | #1

   Dave,

   I'm not at all familiar with that particular brand.  A couple years ago I had the carbide come off a cheap bit and it hit me in the stomach.  Fortunately, I was wearing a heavy jacket over a sweatshirt (cold shop) so I only had a large welt.

   Since then I only buy Frued or CMT; price has become secondary to quality and safety.

   Jeff

1. 
   forestgirl | Sep 26, 2002 06:35am | #2

   I agree, Jeff.  Though I have no experience with Woodline, I do not buy router bits that are inexpensive just to save a few bucks.  I had a straight bit fracture during some kick-back routing oak stock, and it got my attention!  There are some places I cut corners (inexpensive bandsaw being one) but not on anything that's spinning at 15,000 rpm+

   Again, this isn't to slam Woodline, just a general principle.  I've found Freud bits to be very reasonably priced, and I also buy Jesada on-line -- very good prices.  CMT's are excellent bits.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   jeffn7 | Sep 30, 2002 06:28pm | #9

   I generally agree, although even high quality bits will break... I have a whiteside t&g bit set that broke carbide on the groover. The big difference is that the higher quality bit manufacturers don't dicker in a situation like this, Whiteside repaired my bit at no cost.

   Even good bits break, always wear safety glasses and use the safety features on your router and/or table.

1. 
   forestgirl | Sep 30, 2002 07:05pm | #10

   Hi Jeff, yep I load up on safety when using the router.  I figure the tablesaw and the router are my biggest risks in this biz.  One safety item I don't have yet, but plan to get, is a leather apron to wear when routing.  Was suggested when I started the thread about the straight bit that broke.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

2. 
   JackLindsey | Sep 26, 2002 10:33am | #3

   Cost is seldom related to quality. Sometimes you can spend quite a lot on junk, or buy much better for less. Not always, but sometimes. For example, I bought a Lazy-Boy recliner, supposedly a "quality" brand, and discovered that the chair had been assembled without glue. They told me that they don't warrant the use of glue in assembly and refused to repair it. So much for "quality" brands.

   I have used quite a few Woodline bits and shaper cutters and am well satisfied that they are a good value. I also have a CMT flush trim bit that cuts "a little more than flush", and ruined a countertop. I'll make you a good deal on it if you have a countertop you want to ruin.

   Jack Lindsey

1. 
   mikkimel | Sep 26, 2002 04:04pm | #4

   I purchased two sets of woodline router bits at a woodworking show a few months ago.  The salesman assured me that they were just as good as cmt and the other more expensive brands.  I bought the raised panel/cabinet set, and the huge set of thirty bits.  Thinking, "what the heck, for the money, even if they only last a year, i'll get my money's worth."  And the sales person assured me that if under normal use, i could wreck a bit, they would replace it for free, for life.

   I haven't had any trouble with the set of thirty bits, but i am still only a weekend woodworker, so i haven't even opened them all yet.  However, the bits that are for shaping the railes and stiles are a different story.  After cutting about 20 rails, the bit just stopped turning.  It had completely dulled it in one afternoon.  I have a fence on my router table, and i didn't run the bit at a high speed, and i took several gradual passes, and still managed to wreck it.  I'm sorry to say that i have't sent it back yet, so i can't say if they will actually replace it.

   They wouldn't replace my friends 3/4 in dado bit, but he was routing along at full depth and hit a nail.  I told him of course that the secret is to take gradual passes at the nail, until you are at the full depth, he wasn't amused.

   If i had to do it again, i would by the 30 bit set, and leave the other set on the shelf.  For 30 bits for $100 bucks, $3.50 a bit, i'd say they are worth the money.  Then you can save your money and build up your supply of cmt bits slowly. 

3. 
   HeidiDad | Sep 27, 2002 01:13am | #5

   You might give Whiteside a try.  They are supposed to be industrial quality.  They are moderatly priced and I find them better than Ammana .  They give an excellent cut finish.

1. 
   Sancho | Sep 27, 2002 02:43am | #6

   I buy Woodline bits. I usually wait for the woodshows to buy my bits..anyway I have various profile bits theyve been holding up quite well. Customer service used to stink but from what I understand someone else owns the company now. I havent used the customer service since the change over.  Darkworksite4: When the job is to small for everyone else, Its just about right for me"

4. 
   LarryPile | Sep 27, 2002 04:34am | #7

   Hi Dave,

   No experience with Woodline.  I like MCLS...free shipping and good quality bits.

   A single ER bill will kill ANY savings you get on a cheap router bit.  Buy quality.

   lp

5. 
   ChipTam | Sep 27, 2002 02:49pm | #8

   I've purchased a number of Woodline router bits over the last 5 years.  The more common types were fine (straight, round-over, etc).  I've had more problems with their special purpose bits.  One panel raising bit left such a tiny lip on the panel as to make the bit useless.  I read their return policy and it was so restrictive that I just kept the bit.