Harbor Freight Router Bits - Thoughts/Feedback?

[CaptainMarvel]

At long last, I'm FINALLY ready to start learning/working with my router. The only thing I need now are router bits. As a BEGINNER WITH A BUDGET, I wanted to get some thoughts/feedback as to whether anyone here has any experience with Harbor Freight's carbide-tip router bits (see link below).

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-piece-carbide-tip-router-bits-46832.html


It looks like a decent set to start off with - but I would still like to get some thoughts from the community here.


THANKS !!! - Looking forward to any feedback you can provide.

 

[tube_guy]

I've never used the Harbor Freight router bits, so I won't be able to help you with direct advice there. However, this test is pretty widely considered one of the most quantitative and thorough tests of router bits that's been done.

http://www.provenwoodworking.com/support-files/router-bits-test.pdf

They found some pretty interesting relationships that might help you figure out if the Harbor Freight set is worth it or not. And if you decide not to go with the Harbor Freight set, you might be able to use the results to find something else that might be worthwhile.

 

[woody 73]

Hi not to bash HF because some of their tools are very nice why not try this approach on your tight budget:

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/mat/4126285825.html

If I did not pick your area you get the idea, keep looking and a killer deal will open up.

 

[rsanter]

I have a similar set from them that I have had for quite some time. They are remarkably decent bits but not great.
Over the years I have replaced the most common used with high quality bits but for general occasional use I am still using some of the originals

Bob

 

[cburnscrx]

I am using these...and for what the cost, I think they've been pretty decent. They go on sale at 50% off occasionally. Are they professional router bits? No of course not

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...40-piece-router-bit-set/p-1465706-c-10080.htm

 

[Cedge]

Pretty stout stuff. I've used them on billet aluminum with success

 

[rsanter]

If you do not already have a router, do yourself a favor and get a router that takes 1/2" shanks. It will come with an adapter for 1/4" as well

Bob

 

[cheechi]

I haven't bought or used the HF router bit set but I have looked at it pretty close. Looks about the same quality as any of the Skil/Cman/PC branded ones you get at other stores, I have a 30pc Skil one from a sale at Lowes a few years back.

Regardless of which brand, I would get one of these multi-packs if you are starting out with a router. They're inexpensive and you can try different shapes/sizes to see what you really use (and by a top end) or what you won't use often or at all.

 

[nicksnothereman]

At long last, I'm FINALLY ready to start learning/working with my router. The only thing I need now are router bits. As a BEGINNER WITH A BUDGET, I wanted to get some thoughts/feedback as to whether anyone here has any experience with Harbor Freight's carbide-tip router bits (see link below).

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-piece-carbide-tip-router-bits-46832.html


It looks like a decent set to start off with - but I would still like to get some thoughts from the community here.


THANKS !!! - Looking forward to any feedback you can provide.

Get a blast shield. I'm only partially kidding.

 

[3rdbuttondown]

FYI - check Sears and Cripe I've seen a lot of bits clearanced in the recent past.

 

[upndown]

I bought a set for various projects at the cabin, I tend to put a rounded edge on everything I build.. In case one of the Grand Kids tips over. Easier to deal with a dent than a gash!

 

[fsdogwood]

Haven't used this HF set

As it might have been mentioned, this is 1/4" shank bits.

If possible, try to get a router that takes 1/2" shank bit, and get a set of 1/2" bits. MCLS
used to carry a set, for not much more than the 1/4" HF costs.

 

[SlappyWhite]

I do not have the HF set but the set I have looks like it is the same China OEM. The bits are quite good, the only problem I have is the bearings keep falling off. Does not matter how tight or loose I make the screw...

 

[Thumper68]

I have this set as my "big" set, great price and the bits have held up well, as others have said get a good starter set and then when you know which bits you use most replace the cheaper ones with high end ones.
eagleamerica

 

[dink]

Buying sets are a big fat ol waste of money...only buy bits when needed....those sets are coming with bits YOU WILL NEVER USE.....Just buy as needed and you will be fine

 

[venturesomerite]

I bought a set that came with about 50 or so from sears about 2 years ago. Came in a wood cabinet with plexi doors, very happy with the bits. I think I paid about $80 for the set.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

Buying sets are a big fat ol waste of money...only buy bits when needed....those sets are coming with bits YOU WILL NEVER USE.....Just buy as needed and you will be fine

If you buy the various sets mentioned you get bits you MAY never use, but if you need them it's better to have them than not. Also, for the cost of a set you will get 2-3 individual bits. Then you have two or three instead of two dozen.

Doesn't seem smart to me.

Bits come in two price ranges, it would seem--very cheap (in a set) and very expensive. As others have said, I've bought the expensive ones as onesies of high use. The 1/2" straight cut is indispensible for 90% of my use, so I buy high-end and use them up like a champ (after considerable use).

 

[GarageNewbie24]

i've used the HF cabinet bit set, they worked pretty darn good for solid oak cabinet doors i built. But I have the Milwaukee 3.5HP router which really helps. For the price they worked, but I could not see getting anymore than two MAYBE three sets of doors out of them, especially with hardwoods. I'd check craigslist for some CMT/Amana/Freud bits. Also check out Infinity Router bits too.

 

[SlappyWhite]

I've never used the Harbor Freight router bits

thanks for the value add...

 

[Kevin54]

One thing to remember is that the HF bits, although carbide, is more than likely a lower grade of carbide. For starting out with woodworking, and for no more than what they cost, give them a go. The worst that happens with lower grade of carbide is that it will dull way quicker than the more expensive bits with a higher grade of carbide. For occasional use, they should be fine. But if you are planning on being a serious woodworker, like all others have already stated, replace the ones you like with a higher grade of router bit. Talk to some serious woodworkers around your area, go see them, and ask them to explain why they use what they do. The serious cabinet makers would not go near a HF router bit. But don't take that wrong either. Give the HF's a try, get used to using your router, then step on up to the style of bit you like but in a better grade. I have a cheaper set of Craftsman bits in various styles and plan on using them in the mill on aluminum. I can vary the speeds and feeds to get them to last. I have used other cheap carbides in high speed routers, and depending on the wood, you can burn them up fairly quick. Treated Lumber years back seemed like they would dull a burn up a carbide bit in no time.

 

[fsdogwood]

Not affiliated, but I'd think this MLCS 15-bit, 1/2" shank set could be better, just because it's 1/2"

 

[Thumper68]

Buying sets are a big fat ol waste of money...only buy bits when needed....those sets are coming with bits YOU WILL NEVER USE.....Just buy as needed and you will be fine

I have to disagree, I have over 300 bits. Are there some I have never used YES but they are very few, when you get into using the router, making moldings, doors, cabinets and many other custom profiles you never know when you will need that bit you never thought you would use.

I think I have 15 different straight cut bits, up-spiral, down-spiral, different sizes with bearings and with out and each has its own use.

Then you can throw in all the base plates, guide bushings and templates.

Routers are very versatile and efficient tools, as long as you have the bits to do the chore.