Router bits

[Salty]

Has anyone ever owned Kempston router bits?
Ever heard of them before?
The pricing seems on par with HF. I'm wondering if the quality is also.

Salty

EDIT: I must correct myself here. It seems the cost of these sets are more than the HF, about twice actually.
I'd still be interested to know if anyone owns any from this manufacturer.

[Knottscott]

The Kempston saw blades are made in China, and I'd be surprised if the router bits weren't also. Fortunately, there are lots of good proven choices available in router bits from MLCS, Woodline, Price Cutter, Woodcraft/Woodriver, Grizzly, etc. The current pricing of the Kempston line on Amazon seems pretty high to me, which gives less incentive to try what appears to be just another unproven Asian import line....they might be fine, but it's still an unknown.

On second thought...gee those look great! The heck with those other good bits. Why don't you try the Kempstons and less us know how they are!

[ironhat]

On second thought...gee those look great! The heck with those other good bits. Why don't you try the Kempstons and less us know how they are!

That's just plain evil, Scott. Just evil.

[LCHIEN]

don't let scott pull your leg. go with some of the proven vendors he mentioned with great prices.

My favorite is MLCS (www.mlcswoodworking.com) because their main product (unlike amazon) is router bits and accessories and they stand behind them... when you call they'll give you good advise and often a replacement even if the fault is yours.

fast free shipping, too.

[Knottscott]

That's just plain evil, Scott. Just evil.

I've been the guinea pig enough times...it's somebody else's turn!

[Salty]

Sorry Scott, but I'm not going to either.
I may be going to Hartville lumber this weekend and I'll check the tool department at the hardware. They carry Freud and others and I may be able to get what I need there.

Salty

[Knottscott]

Sorry Scott, but I'm not going to either.
I may be going to Hartville lumber this weekend and I'll check the tool department at the hardware. They carry Freud and others and I may be able to get what I need there.

Salty

Smart man! Hartville's got the Whitesides too.

[LCHIEN]

you'll be in shock when you see how much the individual Whitesides are at retail prices.

[cabinetman]

I've tried a lot of different brands, and I'm hooked on Amana products.
.

[LarryG]

The Whiteside bits are spendy, no argument, but they're far and away the best brand I've used.

[Knottscott]

The Whiteside bits are spendy, no argument, but they're far and away the best brand I've used.

All the premium bits are more expensive...Freud, Infinity, Amana, CMT, Eagle America, and others. The basic 7 pc Whiteside set isn't too bad though...you get top notch American made cutters in the most commonly used profiles for ~ $80....a little over $11 each.

The good news is that it's definitely possible to get your money's worth from the better values in the premium bits, and the better values in the middle grade imports... there's a place in my shop for both.

[headhunter636]

I'm thinking of trying out CMT, there is a locally owned woodworking store a few miles away in Sumner, Wa that has them in stock and I would like to give them my business. Maybe a couple of CMT from them, and then the MLCS set later on.