Router bit brands

[Sir Headless VII]

When looking online for router bit sets there seems to be a huge disparity between the prices for different brands of bit. Specifically Freud bits seem to cost at least double what other brands do. Is there a good reason for that? I want to but several different bits (building my cab has gotten me hooked on woodworking) and it seems like something Freud like this doesnt make any sense at all when compared to something else like this or this. On the other hand spinning razor blades don't seem like the things i should skimp on and i could always just buy expensive but just the bits i need (although if i keep this up that may end up being very expensive). So what is the deal? Are cheaper bits good enough? will cheaper bit explode and kill me? what do you guys use?

[Homer41]

Router bits can be expensive, I've used everything from Harbor Freight router bits to Rockler's router bits and they all cut wood the same. I paid over $50 @ Rockler for 1 specialty router bit for a jewelry box I made for my niece.    If you are going to use them all the time, I would go with a better more expensive set, if you are going to use them just a few times, harbor freight or something cheaper will be fine imo

[Donkbaca]

I think the more expensive ones are made with better quality steel so they stay sharp longer, that way you don't have worry about them getting dull and burning your wood

[yotsuya]

There's a guy on eBay who sells Freud bits for a great price. I've bought 3 from him since last summer and haven't been disappointed. His seller store is overstocktools. I'd highly recommend him.

[Sir Headless VII]

Thanks guys, that ebay guy is a good tip. He has really good prices.

[spoot]

Generally the more expensive bits have better carbide so they stay sharper longer/etc.  Also, generally have better bearings.....sucks to blow up bearings and damage your cut.   

[D_Harris]

You won't get any better than Whiteside and Freud bits. (But they are not cheap).

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

[miles2912]

Unless you are planning on going into the wood working business, Harbor freight will work just fine.

[gryhnd]

Generally the more expensive bits have better carbide so they stay sharper longer/etc.  Also, generally have better bearings.....sucks to blow up bearings and damage your cut.   

Concur, especially when working with MDF. That stuff eats bits for breakfast. You'll quickly save money buying better quality bits if you plan more than one project.

[Breaker]

I concur re: Whiteside bit - they are bulletproof!
I picked up mine online at WoodWorkersWorld:  http://www.woodworkersworld.net/router_bits.shtml

Breaker.

[justinjstark]

Be careful when buying router bits on ebay and amazon.  I noticed there are a lot of generic/counterfeit bits being passed off as high-end brands.

MLCS has some nice router bits that are good quality and not too expensive.
http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/set15piece.html

[TopJimmyCooks]

Eagle america
http://www.eagleamerica.com
is a good vendor I have bought from. 

[Minions]

I purchased my Freud 1/16 slot cutter from here:

http://routerbitworld.com/default.asp

Lowest price(s) I've found, and $1 shipping. Cost me $18.19 shipped for the bit.

[Vigo]

I generally found, as long as they are carbide bits, they are good enough for me. I have been using a set of 12 carbide router bits that I bought for $15, and they still work flawlessly. Granted, it is a very standard set.