Thread: Bit prices

Originally Posted by hardwoodjoint

I'm just about to start making some boxes and need an up-cut spiral bit.
I looked at the CMT prices from C**** Tec - muy pesos !!
In the end I ordered a Freud bit from Rockler in the USA, including express airfreight it's still $30 cheaper.
Carba Tec still get lots of my $$ so I don't feel bad about shopping o/s, but It does pay to shop around.

Cheers
Tony

Tony,

I also support Carbatec, but when you can buy items for half price including air freight from the US, then you have to think.

Just bought 2 x 200mm Duo stones for $175 inluding postage, way cheaper than at home. I know it costs to import and run a business, but when you are trying to afford a hobby, it pays to buy as well as possible.

Anthony

Originally Posted by hardwoodjoint

I'm just about to start making some boxes and need an up-cut spiral bit.
I looked at the CMT prices from C**** Tec - muy pesos !!
In the end I ordered a Freud bit from Rockler in the USA, including express airfreight it's still $30 cheaper.
Carba Tec still get lots of my $$ so I don't feel bad about shopping o/s, but It does pay to shop around.

Cheers
Tony

Tony, next time try McJing Co, I've just purchased a solid carbide spiral upcut bit for $45. I have had a number of router bits from them and they have all been A1 and much cheaper than Carbatec. Good service too.

SB

+1 for McJing.

+2 for McJing.

Did you price the Carbatec 3 Bit set at all ?

You get 3 spiral bits 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 for around the price of one CMT bit........

Hi all,

I looked at some cheaper bits as well and wondered why are they so cheap?
I spoke to someone who's in the trade and he said it's the quality of carbide that's used.
Cheaper bits use inferior carbide and won't keep their edge as long as the better (more expensive) ones.
Now before I get shouted at, this is what I was told.
We all know that if you only intend to use a tool once or twice, buying a 'cheapo' is fine but if you want something that's going to last you have to pay the extra.

Cheers all.
Tony in less windy Dapto

I have recently completed a pair of colonial style beds (lots of M&Ts) using the 3 bit Carbatec set and I was impressed.

My 2c...
As a newbie using them, my observation was that they seemed to work best (easier on the router and faster) to do multiple plunges and then link together rather than multiple shallow passes. Good templates are essential.

Someone will probably tell me I am wrong and there is a better way to do it!

Cheers,

Chipman

Originally Posted by hardwoodjoint

Hi all,

I looked at some cheaper bits as well and wondered why are they so cheap?
I spoke to someone who's in the trade and he said it's the quality of carbide that's used.
Cheaper bits use inferior carbide and won't keep their edge as long as the better (more expensive) ones.
Now before I get shouted at, this is what I was told.
We all know that if you only intend to use a tool once or twice, buying a 'cheapo' is fine but if you want something that's going to last you have to pay the extra.

Cheers all.
Tony in less windy Dapto

I was told something similar but was also told that since it was not being used in a CNC machine, the difference between cutting 30,000 ft and cutting 20,000 ft would not be noticed so paying the extra was pointless.

.

Originally Posted by Cruzi

Did you price the Carbatec 3 Bit set at all ?

You get 3 spiral bits 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 for around the price of one CMT bit........

So for anyone looking for the set, I believe this is what you guys are talking about right?

Carba-Tec Spiral Upcut Starter Set : CARBA-TEC

$149 for 3 bits

On my xmas list It's a long list.