Who is the BOZO...

[sparkeyjames]

There is a tool store around here where a 1/2 shank is the norm rather than the exception. They deal in a lot of high end equipment like Delta, General and Powermatic. Only place I know of where you have a choice of 4 or 5 full size table saws of differing brands and 3 brands of 20" bandsaws. Every time I walk into the place I wish I had a handkerchief to wipe the drool away.

[LCHIEN]

Looking thru my set of 33 bits from the alphabet soup Woodworking company, it appears as if most of these bits are made from a steel rod, the diameter of the raw rod is slightly bigger than the radius of the bit, and the length is the length of the bit and shank. I surmise The shank is turned accurately to the final shank size, with a fine cut that is polished. Then the body is roughly turned, a fine finish is not required since the body will neither be turned or do the cutting. Then the flutes are cut, probably on a milling machine. The milling bit moves parallel to the shank and cuts the flutes, the flat of that cut is where the carbide will mount, is polished and accurately finished. Then the bit is rotated 180° and a matching flute cut on the opposite side. After that, the carbide is brazed in place and probably final sharpened.

So it appears that all these bits are cut from a single piece of steel. 1/2" shanks therefore take less machining (less material removal) so that may explain the identical cost, or at least why 1/2" shank bits are no more expensive than 1/4" shank bits. Some large wing bits I have seen have an arbor (Shank with screw stud). The body is a separate piece and mounts on the stud with a screw. These are two-piece bits but probably cost more to make unless the wings are very large which would result in a lot of material being machined away which costs time and money so large winged bits you might find in 2 piece construction sometimes - also saves money if more than one body can be mounted on the arbor.