23pc hickory 1/4" shank router bits for $27

[kmk]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...lance&n=228013

[kmk]

oops! Typo in title. 24pc not 23pc.

[kmk]

oh well, add $7 more and get 1/2" shanks! crap!!! I just got my 18 ryobi 1/4" shank for $40 on ebay.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...lance&n=228013

[Woody]

oh well, add $7 more and get 1/2" shanks! crap!!! I just got my 18 ryobi 1/4" shank for $40 on ebay.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...lance&n=228013

Great deal! I just ordered the 1/2" set. Thanks for the tip. I've been buying bits one at a time and just need a good basic set.

[jmg232]

Thanks for the tip. What's the quality like on the Hickory sets?

I don't need and can't afford a high-end set, but also don't want to throw money at something that won't last through at least a project or two.

-John

p.s. - I'm new to the site, thanks to everyone for all the good info on here!

[linear]

I have the 1/2" set, and I am pretty satisfied with it. I haven't bought "high-end" bits for comparison, but I did the "pencil test" on most of the profiles and they seem well-machined and sharp. The brazing looks good and the non-stick coating seems even. The only bit I've run a lot of feet across is the 3/4" straight and it gave me a satisfactory cut in cherry, oak and ash.

The packaging is annoying. I have to wrestle the bits out, but that's a minor gripe--you can drill up a block of scrap and make your own bit rack if it gripes you. That project is well down my to-do list.

It would be difficult to argue that the 1/2" set ain't worth 34 bucks.

And welcome aboard, John.

[venkatbo]

Can do a search on the forum re these Hickory sets...
Folks seem to think that they are ok as a starter set, but not good for long term use.

/venkat

[LCHIEN]

Is there such a thing as Too Cheap Bits ?

I've gotta believe there's a point at which bits are too cheap to be good.
Where exactly that is, I'm not sure. But under $1.20 a bit has got to be close.

There's a lot of intangibles that one cannot see with the eye thet go into making a good bit; Placing a high quality bit next to a low quality bit painted to look attractive it's going to be hard to tell the difference, that's where you have to start relying upon trusted manufacturers and suppliers and not just buying the absolute cheapest thing on the market.

How you can get screwed by a cheap bit that's not obvious at first glance (and especially if its a set and you don't use it for a year or more):

poor carbide grade/grain dulls quickly and chips out your precious project

not sharpened as well as can be - does not make smooth cuts and wears out fast

off center/nonconcentric/out of balance vibrates badly does not make smooth cuts

poorly brazed hidden behind the carbide; tips fly off at speed or upon shock load

poor design has stress points in transition from shank to bit - can fly apart under speed load or shock

Cheap bearings sieze up after modest usage (remember they are spinning at 20,000 RPM relative to the bit) burning your project.

There's probably more - that's a short list off the top of my head.

FWW magazine did a comparison test on NAME BRAND bits. While none flew apart and had gross problems, some had 1/10th the useful life (measured by the chipout rate from dull cutters) of others, and two samples of one bit did break during normal useage (While the othere were still making good cuts) so there is a difference even before you go to no-name brands. Imagine what unscupulous makers would get away with if they were not traceable to the maker.

[linear]

continuing the off-topic...

I'd be willing to take some closeup shots of mine and post them (probably in a new thread in tool talk).

If someone did the same for a variety of other bits it would be interesting.

[kmk]

Notice that you get free shipping with the 1/4" but not with 1/2".

[scorrpio]

If you are not concerned much about bits being no-name, a "1/2 router" search on ebay brings up:

50pc 1/2" shank set for $55 total (Buy it Now, shipping included)

66pc 1/2" shank set for $101 total (aluminum case). NOT Buy It now price, but they sell enough of those that most sets seem to go at starting price.

66pc 1/2 shank "Anniversary" set from blades/bits. This is a reputable vendor, and their bits are good Currently at $24 + $20 shipping, but with 5+ days to go, they'll likely grow to ~$120 vicinity. BuyItNow price is $150.

Then, there is an 82pc 1/2" shank set for like $80 total.

[Stormbringer]

Notice that you get free shipping with the 1/4" but not with 1/2".

That's because it's shipping from Tool King.

The one I bought from Amazon (same set) two weeks ago for $36 had free shipping.

The link to that one indicates that it can only be purchased from third parties at this time. (Must've sold out since the price dropped from $56 down to $35.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...lance&n=228013

[Crash2510]

what bits are better the ryobi or hickory or large ebay sets

[Ken Massingale]

Having used Ryobi and Hickory sets, Ryobi wins, no contest. The Hickory's I've used were fine, but for a very short time, very short.
I do use router bits a lot, so for once-in-a-while use, they may fare better. The Ryobi's surprised me with their staying power.
ken

[cgallery]

I have the Hickory 1/2" set. Like the other poster, I have used the 3/4" bit most. But that hasn't been much. Maybe 20 or 30'. I have no idea how long a router bit is supposed to last. I guess it depends on material being cut. I have been happy with how well the 3/4" cut. In fact, it seems to cut with less effort than the 3/8" Amana bit with fewer feet cut.

This was my first "set" and I figured that I'd be better-off with a low-end set to kind of get my feet wet. So far, though, I've been very happy and happy that I didn't spend more initially.

Thanks,
Phil