Are Skil Router bits worth a darn?

[headhunter636]

MMy wife had bought me a Skil router bit set from Lowes for about $100. They are carbide tipped and they look pretty nice, but before I break open the package, I wanted to see if I should return them and invest in something else.

Thanks,
Dave

[LCHIEN]

for $100 you can get a good quality set of thirty bits from MLCSwoodworking.com. I would also buy a set with 1/2" shanks if your router takes them. Much stronger and more stable.

You don't say how many bits in your set or the shank size.

as for quality the MLCS set is very good but not as nice as mucho more expensive whitesides, however, shipping is free and MLCS is super good about customer service.

Skil is a member of the Bosch/vermont american/skil/rotozip family - Bosch are very high quality but VA and Skil are considered the mid-lower end of the product lines.

That said, I've never tried the Skil bits so i can't give a direct comparison.

[dbhost]

I have the Skil bits, and MLCS bits... Take the Skil set back, and assuming you have Sales Tax where you are... toss a couple of extra bucks for the MLCS 45 piece set. You won't regret it...

Oh yeah, if your router has a half inch collet available, grab the half in set...

The Skil are okay, just not at the level of the MLCS. Agreed on the comment about Whiteside. MLCS makes nice bits, but Whiteside, Frued, Amana are the to drool for bits...

[Knottscott]

I've never used a Skil router bit, but my Skil saw blades have been among the most disappointing of the 55+ I've tried. $100 for Skil bits seems like a lot of money for what are likely mediocre bits. I don't like to generalize about a brand's products, but my few dealings with anything Skil have left a poor impression.

On the other hand, having your wife's support and blessing in this hobby is priceless. If returning those bits dampens her enthusiasm even a little, it's not worth returning them. You know her best!

[windmill]

I had that set...used it for a while, then sold it. The bits aren't bad, but I prefer 1/2" shanks. For the money, you can do better with a set from MLCS. I don't think you'd really regret it if you kept them, and they might be useful in the future for a laminate trimmer.

[headhunter636]

Thanks for all the help, I guess I should have expalained a bit more from the start. My wife bought me a new Bosch 1617EVSPK 2-1/4 router for Christmas and the only bits I have around are 1/4 shank from my old Craftsman routers. She had stopped by Lowes and saw the set, and thought it was a good deal. I think I will take them back and try out the MLCS.

Dave

[LCHIEN]

with that router you'll be much happier with one of the 1/2" shank sets from MLCS.
I think the 30-piece or whatever set for around $100 is a good deal and an adequate size. I happen to have the 66-piece set and the 30-piece set and virtually so far I've been going to the 30-piece box for all my needs, in about 6 years i've probably used 60% of the bits in the 30-piece set.

[dbhost]

I guess I use a wider variety of profiles / sizes than Loring... I have the MLCS 66 piece bit set, and have used every single one of them, if for no other reason than to try it out. I regularly use probably 40 out of them. I like having the size selection...

[cabinetman]

I'd put my money into Amana.
.

[scmhogg]

If you want Whitesides, which are great bits, our member Holbren sells them with free shipping and a 10% discount for BT3 members.

Steve

[dbhost]

I'd put my money into Amana.
.

Amana bits are really nice, but pricey... MLCS offer excellent bang for the buck for the hobby woodworker. However... If you get lucky and can get Amana's on cheap sale, they are really nice bits...