Bit suppliers

[ryan_slaback]

I am going to be installing a shop bot in my classroom lab in the upocoming couple weeks. I currently do not have any suppliers that I use to purchase end mills or other such cutters that I am going to want to use in my bot. Any suggestions you guys could give me on companies I can contact so I have a good assortment of bits available for order would be great. I plan on requesting catalogs from them as often times I don;t know the correct search terms to find them online.

[paco]

Router bits (http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=Router+bits&btnG=Google+Search&meta =)

Results 1 - 10 of about 8,480,000 for Router bits. (0.10 seconds)

Prepare coffee before you clic the link...

;-)

[paco]

Okay, I realize it may appear sarcastic but we all have preferred supplier so you'll be better on your own on that... still, we'll there if you need further assistance on details and specific questions.

8-)

[ryan_slaback]

Perhaps I should have been more specific. I am looking for recommendations on companies that have a quality product, a user-friendly catalog (high schoolers will be trying to find things in them) decent prices and good shipping times.

I realize I can buy router bits from almost everywhere including Walmart. What I would like from you guys is where YOU get YOURS.

[paco]

I buy locally from Onsrud (downloadable catalogs) and FS tool.

I buy from Hartlauer Bits too (USA); they got good rep. for answers, fair prices and prompt order processing. They sell some of the popular brands such as Onsrud, Belin, Japan, Taiwan...

Recently a fellow Botter linked me to J&L INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY and I have found there so many nice things... Within days after request, I've received they're catalog (about 15 pounds - 2-1/2" thick); full of all sort of tool and stuff. It's more metal oriented but still worth looking at for something you cannot find elsewhere...

I do not buy from too many sources as it can only get too confusing and still pretty much the same. Next thing to good cut and diversity is the price you looking at, right?... shipping is relevant too though.

My tool bit bookmarks link is as tall as my screen can goes, they all seem to have something interesting from common to very specific...

[olecrafty]

Ryan,

A good end mill manufacturer is SGS. When making enquiries to companies don't forget to tell them you are an Instructor. Tell them about your school and what you teach. Don't be bashful Ask For Free End Mills and Bits, not just catalogues.

Kaiwa
olecrafty@charter.net (mailto:olecrafty@charter.net)

[patricktoomey]

I've had good luck with Amana tool bits which I get from http://www.toolstoday.com If I order by early afternoon I have them the next morning and I've yet to see them out of stock on anything. The prices seem reasonable as well.

[Brady Watson]

Try www.obergbrothers.net/ (http://www.obergbrothers.net/) for all types of quality end mills a excellent prices <--- These guys sell to MSC and get the max discounts due to their buying power. You need to buy 5 to 10 pcs, but you will save a ton. Tell them I sent you. Call them don't e-mail.

www.eagleamerica.com (http://www.eagleamerica.com) is a great source for all types of router bits. I especially like their 1-3/4" v-bit...bigger and cheaper than Gerber.

www.pricecutter.com (http://www.pricecutter.com) is the sister company of eagle america, but their products are not made in the USA.

www.routerbitworld.com (http://www.routerbitworld.com) is good to deal with too with an excellent online catalog. They sell CMT, Amana, Freud and others.

-Brady

[bjenkins]

Not to stray too far from this thread...
I second Brady's recommendation of www.eagleamerica.com (http://www.eagleamerica.com) They have done great shipping to me in 3-5 days and the product is as good as any I've tried at twice the price.

Now for the twist-- has anyone found a good source of sharpening. It seems such a waste all the carbide I'm sitting on. I can buy a new 1/4" spiral end mill cheaper than sharpening at the places I've found.