Stew Mac router bits or something cheaper?

[MarkAndrew1]

Hi,

i just picked up a Bosch router and I was looking
at the Stew Mac Standard set of 9 bits for $94.
Is this a good value or is there a cheaper set
somewhere else?

[ken cierp]

Our KMG Binding Machine (its $198 with the router) uses one bit -- $6.00! $12 for Bam Carbide. Anyway There's no real reason to buy a bearing set -- purchase the bearings based on the need to match the binding etc.

[MarkAndrew1]

Our KMG Binding Machine (its $198 with the router) uses one bit -- $6.00! $12 for Bam Carbide. Anyway There's no real reason to buy a bearing set -- purchase the bearings based on the need to match the binding etc.

Yeah, I'm new too all the router stuff. So, Ken, where do you get
the $6 and $12 bits from? I've seen some at Home Depot but not
that cheap. They also sell the bearings....

[ken cierp]

Our binding machine uses a single 1/4" straight bit, does not require a special cutter or bearings. These HSS are available everywhere (like Vermont brand Ace Hardware) for a few dollars, we prefer the carbide version from Bam Carbide which is currently $12.00. We get our inlay bits from "Drill Bit City" very good pricing on small down spiral bits. I have to admit dealing with Stew Mac while pricey is hassle free -- so on occassion we source to them.

[MarkAndrew1]

Our binding machine uses a single 1/4" straight bit, does not require a special cutter or bearings. These HSS are available everywhere (like Vermont brand Ace Hardware) for a few dollars, we prefer the carbide version from Bam Carbide which is currently $12.00. We get our inlay bits from "Drill Bit City" very good pricing on small down spiral bits. I have to admit dealing with Stew Mac while pricey is hassle free -- so on occassion we source to them.

Great! I can use that for mortising as well right?

[ken cierp]

The Bam bits are bottom cutting and suitable for mortising -- you'll have to check the other brands I would guess yes.

[MarkAndrew1]

The Bam bits are bottom cutting and suitable for mortising -- you'll have to check the other brands I would guess yes.

Thank you!