Evil Scotsman

How can you tell the difference between a "GOOD" router bit and a bad one. I understand the carbide coated will last longer. But what make a good carbide from a bad carbide? Or even a "regular" router bit? What would be a good inexpensive bit kit to buy. I know I will be using round over ALOT.

knotscott

It's hard to tell by looking at them, much like routers. That's where the experience of a group like this is invaluable. In general, you get what you pay for, but sale prices can tip the scales heavily. The US, German, and Italian made cutters tend to have higher quality carbide, higher quality steel, and higher quality bearings, made to tighter tolerances....they'll do a better job for a longer period of time, and are worth having resharpened. There is some valid debate about the cost difference between a top shelf set and some cheaper sets that sell for 25% to 50% of the price of the more expensive bits. Keep in mind that cheap off brand bits can be dangerous, as it's possible for the carbide to separate from the steel, so go with a reputable name even if you chose lower cost over top shelf.

Bits tend to be a consumables, and I use a combination of top shelf bits for critical and high use applications, and cheaper bits for lesser used and less critical cuts. I've gotten my best results from Whiteside, Infinity, Freud, and CMT bits. I also have had reasonable results from Holbren's housebrand, MLCS, Woodcraft and Price Cutter. Regardless of brand, get 1/2" shanks whenever possible...they'll cut with less vibration and are less prone to breakage. Also, if you go with a set, I think a smaller decent quality set makes more sense than spending big bucks on dozens of cheaper bits that you're not likely to use....many profiles of a larger set are near duplicates of other profiles. Whiteside offers a set of the 7 most commonly used profiles for ~ $80. MLCS has a set of 15 for $40 shipped that are still acceptable/safe quality.

Here's Finewoodworking's rankings from a comparison last year:

drcollins804

I agree that using the sets and then purchasing the high quality for the heavy usage bits is the best way to go. I got a really nice set from Woodcraft last year for about $50.00. Just watch their fliers for the sale's. I like the Whiteside for the high usage bits. I have a Roundover that I have used for a number of years mostly on Ash and it is still sharp. I don't understand your statement about a carbide coated bit. Some of the HSS bits are Titanium or some other coating but a carbide bit should have a carbide insert welded to the bit giving a cutting surface that is all carbide.
David