"Edwin Pawlowski" wrote in message
...
"Mike O." wrote in message

I swear that all of the dull bits we sent to the sharpener were
sharper than the brand new VA right out of the box. The bit was
cheap at $16 but that was about $15 too much and that's only if the
bearing is worth a buck.

I don't know why I do that kinda stuff!!!

I don't either, but most of us have at one time or another.

When I bought my first router I had no idea what bits to buy so I got a
cheap bit like you describe. I thought I mad a mistake buying a router
until I got a good bit.

I keep hearing things about Harbor Freight tools are OK for a light use,
but it always comes back to bite you in the ass when a cheap tool ruins
the work, rounds the head of a bolt, etc. IMO, cheap tools are very
expensive.

This is a lesson I want to learn from others (like the OP). I keep hearing
that CMT sells good router bits. Just from watching the traffic here I'd
say the are the #1 recommendation. I went to their website today to find
the bullnose I'd need for my window sills. I couldn't tell what would be an
appropriate size for my 3/4" thick boards. Nor did their site help me find
a dealer in my area (Ottawa, Ontario). Anybody know of one? (I'm willing
to order online, too, if I can be sure I'm getting the right thing.)

My next option will be to buy a bit from Lee Valley. Their catalog shows
clearly all the dimensions and I have little doubt I can pick it up on the
way home from work this Friday. Would you say a CMT bit would be worth my
effort or can I expect the LV bit to perform just as well?

- Owen (who just got his new Lee Valley router plate and cam lifter
installed in his router table and is very happy how it turned out) -