Router bits ?

[Jrog]

Hello , I’m just wondering if I should try to save a dollar or not. Has anybody have any feelings on router bits purchased from Harbor Freight and if they are good enough quality? Thanks so much for your time.Jrog

 

[purplezr2]

Should search around, someone had a thread not that long ago about how they had a bit explode that was from a cheap amazon set.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I will usually pay the premium and buy better bits. Most of mine are Bosch

 

[Hawk]

If you buy a "set" you will find that you only use a few of them. Go ahead and buy a good quality bit and make a set that you use. I do buy Harbor Freight but for my router bits I am just a little pickier.

 

[bob15]

I would skip the HF router bits. Buy the better bits piece-by-piece as you need them.

Personally, I've had good luck with Whiteside bits.

 

[rlitman]

I picked up a CHEAP set. I've broken a few, and they generally ****, but it's nice to have around an assortment of different pieces. But even HF prices for HF bits aren't that great. If you see a really good bargain on a set, then it might pay to have it around. But I still find that the bits I've bought individually (each of which often cost me about as much as that set), are the most useful.

 

[Toolfool]

You'll regret buying cheap bits the first time one comes apart and destroys the project you're working on. Had that happen many years ago on a laminate countertop. Learned my lesson. Lately, I've been buying router bits from https://www.toolstoday.com/ . Good quality, decent prices, quick delivery, and good customer service.

 

[turbowoodworker]

I'm with Hawk. On any given project I may use 1 bit or 2 and you are better off buying 2 very good quality bits and having them forever. Then you can buy a different bit on your next project if it's needed. You will be much happier spending the money on the 1 bit than on a bunch of junk.

Think Freud, Katana or CMT

 

[EOC_Jason]

I've been lucky and have found some good quality bits at estate sales cheap... old Craftsman USA, Bosch, and even some Freud still new in the packages!

 

[Hawk]

https://www.toolstoday.com/ is one site I purchase from. The prices are good and I have had no problem with quality.

 

[6PTsocket]

If you want a source for moderate price bits of decent quality, go to MLCS. They deal in all things router. They have an economy line, which is fine and a premium line. All shipping is free, even for one bit. They also have every kind of router accessory. They have a store outside Philly. You can also call them for COMPETENT advice on your router needs, unlike HF where there is no info. on anything, even if you call customer service.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Empty Pockets]

I usually order my bits from Jackson Saw in Rochester, Good folks, fair prices

 

[rharman]

Think about it... A piece of metal, likely with brazed on carbide tips, spinning at 20,000-30,000 RPM.

Do you want cheap? I don't. I tend to buy Rockler or Freud. Bosch on a rare occasion.

 

[gungatim]

I started with HF bit sets and eventually upgraded to better brands (White, Freud, Woodcraft all in 1/2" shank).

I've never had a problem with the HF bits and still use them occasionally (when I don't feel like swapping out collets). never had one explode or break. been over 20 yrs. now. they are similar to the ToolShop brand Menards used to sell.

I also use the HF panel raiser set for making raised panel doors, rail and stiles. they work as good as any but I am not in the cabinet making business so probably only used them a dozen times.

 

[cgrutt]

I've had good luck with Whiteside, CMT and Bosch.

Not sure what you're looking for but I think I still have a bunch of Bosch bits still unused in original packaging that I would make a good deal on. Had purchased for second residence but never used and duplicates of other bits I own. If interested send me a pm and I'll sort through what I have and let you know. Believe most are 1/2" shaft though.

 

[Zeke]

If it's a 1/2" shank model I'm going for anyone of the quality brands. Little round over bits, etc., I don't give a hoot. AFA breaking bits I've found that is 90% operator error of one sort or another, including me. You can break a name brand bit just as easily.