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  1. #1
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    Nov 2018
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    Question What's special about this trim bit?

    New to this game, so I may be missing something: What's so special about this trim bit that justifies the $60+ price tag?

    https://www.bunnings.com.au/diablo-1...r-bit_p6370465

    I can get a bit that seems to be similar spec and does the same job from Axminster in the UK - $20, and even with 4 day international delivery it still comes out a few bucks cheaper.

    https://www.axminster.co.uk/axcalibe...aring-ax803281

    Is this just a case of the usual Aussie shafting or does the Diablo have some feature I don't recognise?

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
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    Leopold, Victoria
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    Default

    The bit you linked to is a 1/2" shank whereas the Axminster bit is 1/4". Most of the other Diablo flush trim bits are around the $30 mark even in 1/2". Not sure why that one is so expensive as there is one that has a longer cutting area and it is only $37.63.
    Dallas

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
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    East Warburton, Vic
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    Default

    The Diablo is 1/2” cutting diameter whilst the Axcaliber is 1/4” so not really a fair price comparison.

    I did a quick search on Bunngs and the only Diablo trim bit I could find with a 1/4” shaft is this one but it’s still 1/2” cutting diameter not 1/4”.

    Total Tools have a 1/4” Carbitool trim bit for $30
    Cheers

    DJ

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Bundaberg
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    3,399

    Default

    That question is right up there with “why does a Toyota ute cost $15k more than a Great Wall?”
    Diablo router bits are made by Freud, who in my opinion are number 2 in the world (but only just, CMT just pip them). Excaliber router bits are made in an unknown Chinese factory, or factories.

    It boils down to much better quality carbide that can take and hold an edge better, closer manufacturing tolerances, better quality bearing and a coating that doesn’t let glue or resins stick. It means the bit can be spun at higher speeds thus giving a better cut surface needing little or possibly even no finishing. For a hobbyist it also means that you will probably never need to replace that cutter ever.

    Saying that, a Great Wall will take rubbish to the tip too!
    Nothing succeeds like a budgie without a beak.

  6. #5
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Albury
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    3,010

    Default

    Not much; one is made in Italy and one is made in China; one is sold by a hardware retailer that offers 'lowest prices' and one is sold by a specialist woodworking supplier that sources good quality products and puts their own brand on them. If you want to buy Australian look for Carbitool and if you want the very best router bits from China look for the Arden brand. You'll always pay more for a European, USA or Australian made bit.

    Despite what others have said a 1/2" shank, 1/2" cutting dia. bit with cutting length of 1" is $20 on the Axminster site, so size wise the two bits are very comparable.

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2018
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    Newcastle
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    Default

    Thanks all - as noted, you can select the shank size on Axminster's site, so the two bits are comparable from that point of view. Both 1/2 inch

    The comments about manufacturer and materials are very helpful. I have a few Axcaliber bits, and they all seem to work well, but I have nothing to compare them with, and they haven't had a huge amount of use. I think I'll get a carbitool and a diablo for my next two bit purchases, and report back in 20 years.

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
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    Default

    Just get the Carbitool, you won't regret it!

    After the pain of seeing burn marks from a easily blunted "Cheap" bit, the price difference does not make a difference, when you factor in the pucker factor.
    Pat
    Work is a necessary evil to be avoided. Mark Twain

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