Cheap or Used Router Bits

[reinfly]

Looking for a supplier of reasonably priced router bits, in particular the 1/16 diameter bits.

Can anyone out there guide me on this.  Thanks

[woodwrangler]

There are some packs on Amazon for less than $3/bit I believe. I'd check there for sure.

[reinfly]

Ok thanks. But I should have been more specific. I am looking for Engraving bits with a 1/4 inch shank and a 1/16 diameter cut.

Can any of you guys help me out. These bits are quite pricy and the only brands I see are $40.00 and upwards.

[unclejohnaudio]

I have been having good luck finding some cheaper bits on aliexpress.com. They take longer to get here, but I got some 1/4" compression bits for like $13 each, instead of the normal $50+. I will also be ordering the full er20 collet set that way too.

It might not be the popular choice, but it is worth a shot at the price savings.

These would require the 1/4" to 1/8" adapter or a true 1/8" collet. www.aliexpress.com/item/10pcs-lot-3-175-1-5-6mm-Two-Flutes-Solid-Carbide-Micro-End-Mill-Milling-Cutters/32790679001.html?spm=2114.10010108.1000023.5.ETPSBH

[Deleted]

I use Amana, which are expensive but very good quality and they have a very wide variety, and for my low cost tools I use 2L inc. which have a different kind of variety.

www.2linc.com/

[seanathan]

There is a vendor on ebay that sells for very low prices. They are quality bits too. I believe carbide plus is his store:

stores.ebay.com/CARBIDE-PLUS

I also would visit his physical location when I lived in the Austin area.

Going too cheap will often give you a tough time because of inconsistencies. With low quality, what works for 1 bit may be different than what should be an identical bit.

[porkchop]

Feb 1, 2017 21:41:17 GMT -5 unclejohnaudio said:

I have been having good luck finding some cheaper bits on aliexpress.com. They take longer to get here, but I got some 1/4" compression bits for like $13 each, instead of the normal $50+. I will also be ordering the full er20 collet set that way too.

It might not be the popular choice, but it is worth a shot at the price savings.

These would require the 1/4" to 1/8" adapter or a true 1/8" collet. www.aliexpress.com/item/10pcs-lot-3-175-1-5-6mm-Two-Flutes-Solid-Carbide-Micro-End-Mill-Milling-Cutters/32790679001.html?spm=2114.10010108.1000023.5.ETPSBH

Thanks for the link.

Have you used them yet? I'm wondering what the cut quality is like, or if they break a lot faster. You are right, the price is fantastic. 

I try to only buy North American or some European made tools, but sometimes you just can't argue with the price.

[unclejohnaudio]

Mar 12, 2017 14:46:11 GMT -5 porkchop said:

Feb 1, 2017 21:41:17 GMT -5 unclejohnaudio said:

I have been having good luck finding some cheaper bits on aliexpress.com. They take longer to get here, but I got some 1/4" compression bits for like $13 each, instead of the normal $50+. I will also be ordering the full er20 collet set that way too.

It might not be the popular choice, but it is worth a shot at the price savings.

These would require the 1/4" to 1/8" adapter or a true 1/8" collet. www.aliexpress.com/item/10pcs-lot-3-175-1-5-6mm-Two-Flutes-Solid-Carbide-Micro-End-Mill-Milling-Cutters/32790679001.html?spm=2114.10010108.1000023.5.ETPSBH

Thanks for the link.

Have you used them yet? I'm wondering what the cut quality is like, or if they break a lot faster. You are right, the price is fantastic. 

I try to only buy North American or some European made tools, but sometimes you just can't argue with the price.


I have used them and they work great. Haven't had any issue with the tools I have got from there so far. I try to buy Amana and Whiteside when I can, but with these prices I can stock up.

[porkchop]

Thanks uncleJohn, I think I'll roll the dice and try them out. Much appreciated. I just ordered my AR8. It's my first cnc, can't wait to get started. 

[Deleted]

Another Chinese source for bits besides Aliexpress is Banggood and your options go up and prices down if you get 3 and/or 6 mm collets for your chuck.

www.banggood.com/search/carbide-endmill.html

[Tim]

Normally, the cheaper the tool the less quality. I bought a cheap bit last year and it caught fire

[redwood]

As a long time contractor, I learned that you generally get what you pay for. Not always, of course, but in general. I guess the biggest concern I would have with cheap bits is their longevity.

[unclejohnaudio]

Mar 20, 2017 12:17:58 GMT -5 redwood said:

As a long time contractor, I learned that you generally get what you pay for. Not always, of course, but in general. I guess the biggest concern I would have with cheap bits is their longevity.

While I normally agree with you, I have started noticing that alot of the manufacturers have made in china stickers on things.  I figure why pay the markup price when I can go straight to supplier.  I havent had any issues with the tools I have got so far.

[Deleted]

Yes, you can get junk low-cost bits but you can also get good ones. Korloy are high-quality inserts made in South Korea, I've seen them from American supplies for $14.99 per insert or AliExpress for $2.30 per insert and free shipping.

www.aliexpress.com/item/10pcs-KORLOY-SEHT1204AFFN-X83-H01-SEHT43AFFN-X83-H01-Used-for-Aluminum/32562401566.html?spm=2114.01010208.3.11.EDhtQv&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_1_116_10065_117_10068_114_10067_115_10069_113_10017_10080_10082_10081_10060_10061_10062_10056_10055_10037_10054_10059_10032_10078_10079_10077_10073_10070_421_420_10052_10053_10050_10051,searchweb201603_6&btsid=2dd02ec6-d768-40fb-90cc-88fae8d369bf

They're for metal work but you get the point, same types of deals are available in wood bits.