Router bits

[bogydave]

Brand name of router bits that are good quality & last?
I made an order from Librawood for some "Whiteside" router bits.
Whiteside rated high in my research.
Since I only have 4 bits for my router, (Bosch from Lowes) I find that locally the selection is poor. Lowes carries Bosch & HD Freud but limited selection.
So I ordered a rabbet set, round over/beading set, 3/8 up-spiral for mortises, 1" round nose, "V" grove 90 degree 1" & a chamfer/edge bevel 22-1/2 degree. (I think the basic bits needed)
all 1/2 shank. (over$250 but free shipping :) ) (Amazon not ship to Alaska now for some reason?? Probably issues about VP politics)
Preparation for building a router table & various router jigs, so will learn how to use most of them in these projects.
Long term plan is to build new kitchen cabinets out of some oak I got from WV many years ago.
Any way, what brand of router bits are you guys using. Recommend brand vs price? Where to buy them? Anything I should know about: care, bearings & router speeds.
Knowing I'll need more bits as I learn how to use the router.
Thanks

[thekl0wn]

I admit it... I'm a procrastinator. I'll wait till I need the bit, and then go get it at WoodCraft.

[Dagster]

I'm a Freud fan but you know, I've had great luck with Grizzly. I have several of their bits and they run true and the carbide seems to be decent quality. The prices are great as well.

[AMF]

I'm a Freud fan but you know, I've had great luck with Grizzly. I have several of their bits and they run true and the carbide seems to be decent quality. The prices are great as well.

Not to start an arguement but I used to be a fan of freud router bits (still a fan of there blades). I bought a 1/2"flush trim bit from them and the carbides were about 1/32" larger than the bearing, I shoulda tested it on scrap but it fudged up my work! lol, I changed the bearing from another bit I had and now the carbides are just a bit smaller which is good.

Anywho, I liked Kempston brand bits, and "craftex" as long as the craftex brand ones are checked over. Craftex is the "Busy Bee Tools" house brand, and the owner of Busy Bee Tools is the brother of the person who owns Grizzly.

[bogydave]

Test data & prices of 18 bits

http://www.whitesiderouterbits.com/ToolTestRouterBits.pdf

[jerrymayfield]

I think Whiteside makes the best router bits available and the are MADE IN AMERICA.

Regards

Jerry

[old_guy]

I think Whiteside makes the best router bits available and the are MADE IN AMERICA.

Regards

Jerry

Not only that --- I've found that they are often less or no more expensive that off-shore brands.