Customer Reviews

MLCS 8377 15-Piece Router Bit Set with Carbide-Tipped 1/2-Inch Shanks

5 star:		(44)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

When I got my router, I needed some bits. Some folks think you should buy bits only as you need them, and to get top quality for each bit. That that costs about $25 per bit, and just doesn't make sense if there are more than two bits you KNOW you'll need.

So I bought this bit set and am very happy with it.

A couple words of warning:

1) The first time you pull these bits out of their plastic sleeves, use a rag. They are in there a bit tight due to the anti-corrosive goop that's on them. If you aren't very careful, you will slice your finger BUT GOOD on the carbide parts as you pull on them.

2) Clean that goop off with alcohol. I used denatured alcohol, but common isopropyl will probably work too. You don't want to chuck these in your router with that goop on the shanks, as it will gum up the collet. You want to clean it off the rest of the bit too, so the bits are in balance.

The box that is included is quite nice. It is pine, with a high quality latch and nice box joints at the corners.

Anyway, it is a nice set, and I don't think you really get better quality than this for paying more.

I received this bit set as a Christmas present after putting them on my wish list. The reason I originally chose MLCS over some of the other competitors was an online review regarding various brands of router bits that were used to cut melamine using a CNC router machine. The object of the test was to find out how much stress the bits could take and to see how well the bits cut over an extended period of time. The MLCS bits did excellently in the review and were the most modestly priced among the bits tested. I don't know how scientific that review actually was -- BUT I can tell you that these bits have surpassed my expectations and cut very well. I am thrilled to use these bits in my plunge and fixed based routers. You will get your money's worth out of this set.
I do wish that this bit set came with a pattern bit or a spiral carbide bit, but that doesn't take away from this set's overall performance and value!

I received a Dewalt router combo kit as a gift in December, but what the giver forgot is that a router is useless without router bits. I bought this set from MLCS based partially on reviews and more on price. I had read quite a bit about how you get what you pay for when it comes to router bits and how I should buy Freud or something similar, but I really don't have that kind of money to spend and, just like whole "fine woodworking" scene, it just seemed a little pretentious to spend that kind of cash. So I bought these and I couldn't be more pleased.

The set came in a well constructed case that very firmly held all the bits in place, avoiding any potential damage in shipping. The bits were coated in an oil or grease of some kind to protect them from rust that had to be cleaned off, but I'd rather have a rust free bit and spend a little extra time cleaning. All the bits I've used so far, 1/2", 1/4", flush trim, have worked great. And for the three bits I've used, I could have easily spent as much as the entire set on three individual bits from Freud.

Because of this bit set I have started looking at MLCS first for my additional router needs. I just ordered a router table plate from then for about half of what Rockler asks for theirs. All in all, I think MLCS and this router bit set are a great value in the expensive world woodworking.

The price is great, but the bits were too dull. I cleaned up and tested the 3/4 straight edge and then the 3/8 straight edge with the same results. On a fir 2x4 it was impossible to make a cut and not have large burn marks. Slower or faster, 3/16 deap cuts, etc. didnt make much difference. A Freud 0.5x2CL straight edge bit from HD for $22 cut the same wood with the same router with no problems. Others seem happy with this bit kit, so maybe I got an infrequent duller set.

Before starting this review it is important to understand that I am an absolute novice at using a router and have had little experience with different router bits. Router bits are expensive and a set saves a significant amount over buying them individually. I purposely selected the bits with a 0.5" shank because I was planning to use them on hardwood, specifically red oak. Since then I have seen several comments that the 0.5" shank produces cleaner results and are sturdier. These bits come in a nice wood storage box and are securely held in plastic sleeves. The set also comes with a diagram showing the type of cut they will make. So far I have tried 5 of the 15 bits - straight bit (3/8"), round over bit (3/8"), cove Bit (1/2"), roman ogee Bit (5/32"), and 45 deg chamfer bit. After using these bits I am impressed that they are sturdy and had absolutely no trouble cutting through oak. The cuts showed no sign of chatter and were all smooth and professional looking. I accidentally cut through a couple of nails with the straight bit with no apparent damage. Although I have little experience with other router bits, I would certainly recommend these and buy them again.

The 1/4 straight bit broke off about 3 inches into a 1/4 deep rabbet in very soft pine THE FIRST TIME I USED IT. I haven't used the others yet, but I am not impressed so far. I used a dull Porter Cable bit I've had for years to complete my project, which included 1/4 depth rabbets in walnut. I was told by a saw blade guy that the bits sold in this kind of moderately-priced sets tend to be inferior quality, and he'd never heard of MLCS anyway. I thought he was just saying that because he didn't carry them. I'd have been really annoyed if I'd been using a bit from this set I didn't already have a backup for. I'm going to stick to Whiteside or Porter Cable bits.

I purchased this set a few months ago and was very pleased with this "starter set." It provides the basic bits needed for many simple projects. I built an oak bookcase for my nephew. I used the roundover, flush trim and rabbiting bits. I was pleased with the bits' smooth operation and finish. They worked as well as other name-brand bits that I have used costing two to four times as much. 5 stars for BANG for the BUCK!

If you're buying a router for the first time and have no bits, this seems like an awesome, inexpensive starting point. It lets you get started at a reasonable price, and try a wide range of bits on a full-size 1/2" shank. The bits cut well, and get the job done.

I've had problems with two of them after some use, and would still recommend this as a starter set, but I won't be replacing the broken bits by buying the same set again. The 1/2" bit that follows a template, the bearing jammed, heated up immediately, and caused some problems (including one ruined bit). The 1/4" bit snapped off on me today, cutting a 1/2" deep groove along the grain on a pine board. (Got about 4" into the cut, then poof.)

Not thrilled with the steady self-destruction of bits, but very happy to get a good head start for not too much dough. As ones break, I'm replacing with a bit pricier tools, and I'm alright with that.

Decent bit set for the money, but it sure is not a "Freud" or "CMT", but it will serve the purpose for intermittent use.
I've purchased bits from MLCS directly in the past and have always been satisfied. They have decent carbide on them and will give decent service. Clean off all the "goop" that they are covered with before you use them in your router. When I have a need for heavy duty bits, I'll buy Freud. When these get dull I'll toss them. Good starter set for a newbie.

Just got a brand new router and ready to make some dust? Just realized that no router bits come with it? HAHA! Here is the item you want.

This is my first set of router bits to go with my Bosch router and so far they have worked nicely. I know these arent top of the line, but you have to start somewhere.

The bits in kit will cover the basics and get you started without you having to shell out serious cash for things you probably arent too familiar with. I used the round corner one to make some spindels with no problems at all... 6+ hours of edge routing!

I give it 5 stars because these bits are exactly what they are supposed to be. A box full of bits to get you familiar with routing and make the most basic and common router cuts. Once you know what you like, invest in the expensive ones.