LumberJocks Woodworking Forum banner

Generic vs brand name router bits

4K views 32 replies 22 participants last post by  JackDuren 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
For around $20 I can buy a set of 5 Rybi straight router bits or one Freud
I am unsure Freud will last 5 times longer but I assume a bit longer than Ryobi. Do you know by how much?
 
#4 ·
I think a cheapo combination set is good if you have a variety of needs and limited funds.

However, the bits won't last near as long and won't be as sharp, well balanced, or precise.

I bought an MLCS combo set years back which is serviceable, but I'm replacing the bits with better ones (Freud, Whiteside, Eagle America, CMT, Amana) as I have the funds.

I'd stay away from Ryobi bits. Every drill bit, driver bit, or blade I've seen from Ryobi has been utter trash. I made the mistake of picking up a combo pack of forstner bits before I knew better. They are absolute garbage.
 
#6 · (Edited by Moderator)
Better bits tend to give cleaner cuts, less chatter, less tearout, have better bearings, burn less, last longer, are worth resharpening, and in general are just nicer to use. The only Ryobi cutters that I've ever used that I thought were worth a dam were the original stock blades on the Ryobi BT3000….made by Freud. Sometimes lower cost bits can make sense for less critical applications, but there are several better choices than Ryobi IMO.
 
#11 ·
You assume we are all Americans. Fortunately some of us live elsewhere and don t fall for the silly protectionism rampant down there.

- JADobson
Your country has had favorite nation status for a long time, but you don't object to that. You flood our market with lumber with no concern for our native lumber industry. You drive up our prices and protect your own country. It's all a question of FAIR trade. Get on the program. We are not going to carry you forever. As I recall, it was you guys who would drive across the border to buy cases of beer and tobacco.
 
#12 ·
#13 ·
a1Jim posted a link in another router bit thread to an 80 piece set on eBay for $90. The impressive thing was they all had 1/2" shanks. He said he recommends it to his students and that after they figure out which ones they use regularly, they can upgrade those bits to a name brand like Whiteside.

Made total sense to me.
 
#14 ·
I have-in the past-given in to the temptation to save money by buying cheap router bits.

One bit had stripped threads and would not hold the bearing on.
One bit snapped in half the first time I used it.

I also once heard a story (from a source I trust) of a guy who had a carbide tip fly off in use, hit his leg, and sever an artery. Guy bled to death before paramedics arrived.

For these reasons, I don't buy cheap bits any more.
 
#16 ·
Few years back I bought the Skil 30 bit set from Lowes when they had it on sale for $49. It has been…usable.
I got what I paid for, and although some of them are no longer sharp enough, I still use quite a few of them.
I would never pay $99 for the set, but $49 was a pretty good deal.

And I notice that JADobson lives in Saskatoon. Actually had to look that one up.
I hope you like your liberal leadership. Wait, he'll drive you people into the dirt - give him time.

Maybe you people could stop coming "down" across the border to get better medical care than you can get in Canada, and clogging up our system, among other things. You do have nice lumber, though.
Canada is a beautiful country to visit, but I would never want to live there.
Damn, I love being a conservative…let the games begin!
 
#20 ·
Your country has had favorite nation status for a long time, but you don t object to that. You flood our market with lumber with no concern for our native lumber industry. You drive up our prices and protect your own country.
- MrRon
I am pretty ignorant when it comes to politics and economy. But still I thought flooding market with anything means driving prices down not up. NO ?
 
#21 ·
i posted a short video in the review section for this Yonico bit a few weeks ago… it didn't go so well, but the replacement was better after i changed out the bearing

https://www.amazon.ca/Yonico-13107-45-Degree-Chamfer-X-Large/dp/B00KZM0RT2/ref=pd_cp_469_1/132-4899282-6361513?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=M78R25B5T4FAQJSR6WZM

cheap bits is a hit or miss game, with probably more misses

to be fair, a Lee Valley bit i got last month did the same thing, and ITS replacement also did the same thing, so if your task is important or critical, opt for personal inspection at all costs

the Lee Valley one was $75, so i got a refund instead and will search eslewhere
 
#22 ·
Below are some pics that show differences in carbide thickness. It doesn't show that the grade of carbide is superior, takes a better edge, holds an edge longer, or that the steel or balance is better, or that the bearings are better, but does show a sense of the difference in mass. Cheaper bits will tend to hold their own more for the first few passes when everything is sharp, but they degrade more quickly and aren't usually worth the time or cost of resharpening.

Ever suffered burn marks on the edge of your work due to a bearing overheating? Cheaper bits are far more likely to exhibit that. It can be frustrating. Cheaper bits are also far more likely to break or shed carbide. Router bits spin in excess of 20,000 rpms, and just aren't the best place to save every last dollar IMO. Spending less can sometimes be the more expensive option in the long run.

Generic bits:
Saw Wheel Wood Abrasive saw Concrete saw

Composite material Fashion accessory Terrestrial plant Plastic Transparency

Automotive lighting Amber Gas Cylinder Metal


Better brand name bits:
Liquid Cylinder Font Automotive lighting Fashion accessory

Wood Tap Household hardware Hardwood Wood stain

Bottle Liquid Cylinder Metal Cone

Tie Carbon Auto part Nut Font
 

Attachments

#25 ·
I would agree that a lot of bits that fall under the "lower priced" category are not worth the money.
But I also have to say, yesterday in my local Woodcraft, looking for a cove bit, I was a bit taken aback at having to pay $29 for that bit.
It was a Freud, and I know they are not even the best, and I probably could have done better online, but bits can get very expensive very fast, no matter where you are purchasing them.
 
#26 ·
I've been favorably impressed with the Katana bits from MLCS. They may not equal the Amana, Whiteside or Infinity bits in quality and longevity but, they give a good cut and not over priced.
I have NOT been impressed with yellow or red bits.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top