Which router bit brand?

I started by buying bosch router bits but have bought some freud ones too as I could not find the bosch ones that I needed at the time at the store. After using them I will stick with freud as they seem to work a lot better and last longer even with proper care.

Gosh, I have bits from many manufacturers. I don’t pay attention to brands much. I have a lot of Eagle bits and MLCS bits, I usually go for the higher end bits from these sources. A lot of times it comes down to who has the profile that I want when I want it. I like the super fast shipping from MLCS and free shipping to boot. I also have bits from Amana, CMT, Porter Cable, Freud, Rockler and several others that I can’t remember at the moment. I just haven’t developed a brand loyalty after trying many brands. I do like the CMT rabbeting bit that I have and use it frequently.

-- Bondo Gaposis

I prefer Freud and Whiteside for quality and durability.

I’ve bought a LOT of different brands, but those are the only two I where I’ve been very favorably impressed.

So, I look for them first.

-- Jim Maher, Illinois

The best three IMHO, and after using them, whiteside, cmt and freud.
Whiteside you can get from holbren and hartville tool, and if you’re also a woodnet member (you should be! ;)) they give a discount. That brings them at or below mlcs prices. MLCS bits are for the most part, junk. They’re ok for one time use bits, but nothing I’d consider for even a semi-serious shop.

-- He who dies with the most tools... dies with the emptiest wallet.

Here is another vote for Whiteside.

I can’t EVEN remember what bits I have. Bunch of brands. I’m not a production shop, but I’ve had pretty good results with Grizz bits.
Bill

-- bill@magraphics.us

I have what some would call an eclectic collection. Mostly, they’re MLCS and Katana. Some are Freud. Some I’ve had so long that I don’t remember where I got them. – lol

-- Adversity doesn't build character...................it reveals it.

i switched to a Whiteside pattern bit; it was borderline life changing

-- Ev in Framingham, MA

Freuds are great but out of a lot of budgets. I really have a hard time paying somebody $60 for a Roman Ogee. I have had really good success with Bosch, and MLCS, and I just bought my first Grizzly set and I love them. The purple ones.

-- Paul, Tennessee, http://www.tsunamiguitars.com

One more thing…whenever possible, go 1/2” shaft.

-- Paul, Tennessee, http://www.tsunamiguitars.com

Whiteside all the way.

-- Kevin, South Carolina

I bought a full set of Price Cutter bits before they merged with Eagle America. I must say they are nice. They are carbide tipped, hold an edge well and are well made. I did not expect the performance from the cheaper bits but these have been very surprising. This is the set I have.

-- My job is to give my kids things to discuss with their therapist....medic20447@gmail.com

If you’re careful you can definitely get what you pay for. My best premium bits are mostly Whiteside, Infinity, and Eagle America. My best mid-price bits are Katana and Price Cutter. My best “value” bits are mostly MLCS, Grizzly, or Woodline.

It does make a difference, but some of the value bits are still good enough for good work, and can be a wise choice for a seldom used specialty profile. The premium bits tend to cut better for longer, and are a great choice for you most commonly used profiles, and most critical profiles…they have better steel, better carbide, better sharpening, and better bearings, etc. Router bits spin in excess of 20K rpm’s, and can hurt you if they come apart (it happens)....I’d suggest avoiding the cheapest no-name bits you can find.

-- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth....

Excellent! As far as recommendations, looks like Whiteside is tops with CMT and Freud rounding out the pack.

After that is Grizzly, MLCS and other low end sets that people have had some luck with.

Paul,
I have both collets for my Bosch router, but yes, I would go 1/2” for all future purchases—thanks.

One other thing, my router has variable speed. Does anyone change their RPM based on bit diam?

Is there a surface speed recommendation for the bit based on material similar to when you are machining metals?