Router bit sets

[Mike Wingate]

I am always tempted by the shiny alloy cases. Are these "chinese/indian" bits really any good. I use Trend ,Titman and MLCS bits. I am looking at a 35 piece set of 1/2" shank, £1 per bit. I know they cannot be a real bargain, but am tempted to buy and try. Am-tech router bits. Any real experience of this type of carbide router bit. Is the carbide an alloy of carbon and Plasticine? are the shanks pre-bent. Save me from myself.

 

[Dibs-h]

I am always tempted by the shiny alloy cases. Are these "chinese/indian" bits really any good. I use Trend ,Titman and MLCS bits. I am looking at a 35 piece set of 1/2" shank, £1 per bit. I know they cannot be a real bargain, but am tempted to buy and try. Am-tech router bits. Any real experience of this type of carbide router bit. Is the carbide an alloy of carbon and Plasticine? are the shanks pre-bent. Save me from myself.

I've had a set for a few yrs. They are ok for odds and sods here and there. Never tried them for fine work, but I haven't got round to doing any of that.

 

[Shultzy]

I bought a similar set a few years ago and I'd be pushing it if I said I'd used more than half the set. Its much more economical to buy as you need.

 

[digitalbot]

I've found all those cheap and less than cheerful bits to be a waste of money. They either break down quickly and the "carbide" chips or they are not accurate dimension wise. I had the misfortune to have a small set of them a while ago and the 6mm cutter was only about 5.4 mm when I mic'd it. As was stated previously, buy as and when but buy good quality.

 

[eoinsgaff]

What brands would be regarded as good quality?

 

[Mike Wingate]

Or generally ignore the £ per bit sets on ebay?

 

[John. B]

I use Wealden, Top quality, Good price, good service.

John. B

 

[RogerS]

Yup..Wealden also for me. Buy what you need when you need it.

 

[Smudger]

Wealden, or Trend if I need them over the counter.

 

[JonnyD]

I have been buying quite a few Titman bits recently and find them to be excellent. I also use Wealden Trend Freud and CMT bits which are also good. The yellow perform ones from axminster are also a good option for non industrial hobby use and are keenly priced against the premium brands.

Cheers

Jon

 

[Smudger]

The yellow perform ones from axminster are also a good option for non industrial hobby use and are keenly priced against the premium brands.

Cheers

Jon

Thanks for the tip, I didn't know that.