8mm shank router bit sets?

[spikfot]

What is the specific reason you would not go back to 1/4"? If it is length I get that, but that's more a function of your particular router. I find the length of shaft on a 1/4" bit is normally  the same as on the 1/2" bits I use.

If it is chatter again that is the router.

Have you actually snapped a steel shank bit? I never have.

If one uses a 50mm bit in say, an OF1400 with 80mm plunge depth, you can't take advantage of the full plunge depth, it's that simple. I can't see why you would imply that chatter is caused by 'the router' of course it is sometimes true, but there are other factors to consider.
I won't go back to 1/4" because I want a beefier shank and the option for a longer shank if I need it.  I left all my 1/4" bits behind and took the 1/2" ones because I'd invested lots of money in them, and 1/2" collets are easy to come by, even in Scandinavia.

 

[extiger]

I responded earlier in this thread about the limited range of HSS 8mm bits available from www.chipsfly.com

CMT of Italy has a vast range of bits we don't see displayed in the small US catalog. But if you ask your CMT dealer for the big ORANGE CMT catalog, there are hundreds of metric bits available. Including 8mm shank bits. I know because I got metric straight bits to match DOMINO stock. I plunge the mortises with my WoodRat router to take advantage of the Festool technology.

You'll be surprised that CMT metric tooling vastly outnumbers the Imperial standard bit. It is made for the home market.

 

[tbellemare]

Are you from the U.S.?

In the U.S., CMT only sells 1/4" and 1/2" shank bits. I don't think they perceived enough of a market to stock 8mm here.

Tom

 

[PeterK]

extiger - are you in the US and able to order the CMT 8mm bits? If so, how do you do that?

 

[Sammy J]

Chris, thanks for your reply.

It's been awhile since I've logged onto FOG. I ended up ordering the router bits from Wealden not long after my post in 2009.

The router bits took 5 days to arrive from the UK, which is quicker than postage usually takes from one side of Australia to the other, I was really impressed.

Total cost of the router bits were cheaper than any equivalent CMT/Carbatech router bits avaliable in Australia, and the quality and durability of the bits have been outstanding. I was even impressed with the wax provided over the cutting edges and ridgid plastic casing all the bits arrived in.

Overall I would recommend Wealdon router bits and will be placing an order again shortly, if you are interested I suggest emailing Wealdon directly to see if they can add your location to there mailing list and mention the large number of people who are interested. From memory I also gave them a call.

All the best.

Sam

 

[extiger]

Go to the CMT website and download their International catalog. It shows a full range of 8mm shank bits. The American catalog has none, and of course the bit sizes are not metric.

Despite what somebody posted here about CMT not importing Metric shanks or sized bits to North America, I have order perhaps a dozen such items from a CMT dealer. They have ALL CMT merchandise in inventory here on these shores.

 

[tbellemare]

Since my previous post, I have learned that I can get the non-U.S. stuff also. It just takes longer...

Tom

 

[extiger]

If I didn't clarify this point, download the International (the larger of the two) CMT catalogs from their website. Since I use a WoodRat wood milling device, which is all metric, I ordered CMT metric and 8mm shank bits regularly. My dealer was a saw sharpening shop in pokey, dokey backwoods Redding, California.

He always obtained the bits in less than a week. They were shipped from a warehouse in Indiana, I think. Here was my specific need: Festool came out with the Domino. I didn't want to spend $850 for the machine, so I bought Dominos (the little tenons) and tooled up with 5,6,8 and 10mm straight bits with 8mm shanks for my router in the WoodRat. So I do Domino joinery without the Domino machine.

 

[VictorL]

If I didn't clarify this point, download the International (the larger of the two) CMT catalogs from their website. Since I use a WoodRat wood milling device, which is all metric, I ordered CMT metric and 8mm shank bits regularly. My dealer was a saw sharpening shop in pokey, dokey backwoods Redding, California.

He always obtained the bits in less than a week. They were shipped from a warehouse in Indiana, I think. Here was my specific need: Festool came out with the Domino. I didn't want to spend $850 for the machine, so I bought Dominos (the little tenons) and tooled up with 5,6,8 and 10mm straight bits with 8mm shanks for my router in the WoodRat. So I do Domino joinery without the Domino machine.

How many mortises you are cutting per day or month?

 

[extiger]

I'm retired. A hobbyist, so unless I have a specific project I don't make more than a dozen floating tenons a month. I have fallen in love with finger joints (comb joints in the UK) and Dovetails. That was my intention in getting the WoodRat.

Considering the boxes and drawers I have planned, I want to get up to speed with my Biscuit Jointer. Folks on forums poo-pooh biscuits. I wonder. A few destructive tests I did on Biscuits in 2x4's sure impressed me. I whacked on those joints with a 2lb sledge hammer and they only broke when the wood failed. Not the Biscuits or the glue line.  But I am wandering here, and don't want to start WW-III.

 

[ScotF]

Since my previous post, I have learned that I can get the non-U.S. stuff also. It just takes longer...

Tom

That is good to know that there are some other sources available. 

Thanks!

Scot

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Sounds like a good sales opportunity for one of the dealers here that deal with both CMT and Festool to offer some cool 8mm sets.  I could definitely use some.  Hint, hint... anybody from McFeeley out there?  Tom B?

 

[tbellemare]

Just let me know what you are thinking about, Jesse...

Tom

 

[ScotF]

One with common profiles and standard straights would be nice or allow a user to mix and match for a set price.

Scot

 

[ScotF]

Just let me know what you are thinking about, Jesse...

Tom

Tom,

Just curious if you ever heard back from CMT on 8 mm shank router bit availability and if so, timing, costs and options.  Thanks!

Scot

 

[tbellemare]

I've been looking in to that over the weekend and this afternoon, Scot...

There are far fewer 8mm shaft offerings in Europe from CMT than I expected. I was pretty surprised at what I found, or more, what I didn't find.

I have a list that I finished collecting this afternoon and can check pricing/availability tomorrow. It isn't nearly as complete as I expected it to be. I'm still working on it. I also invite any insight that I may gain.

Tom

 

[Rob Lee]

Hi -

We'll have a range of 8mm shank bits in stock mid-December... I'll post details in the dealer area for those interested.

Since the cat's out of the bag on a different board... I'll "fess" up that we'll have the full range of Festool on our Canadian website and in the first six stores by Nov 1, with the balance following by the end of the year*...

Cheers -

Rob

(who I guess just "delurked")
(* - we will only be selling Festool in Canada )

 

[ScotF]

Hi Rob,

That is great news!  Also,  [welcome] to the forum...it is great to see folks like you contribute and of course I am also a huge fan of Lee Valley stuff! 

Scot

 

[semenza]

Hi Rob,

Welcome  and thanks for "delurking"  [smile]

Seth

 

[Rob Lee]

Hi Rob,

Welcome  and thanks for "delurking"  [smile]

Seth

Thanks Seth...

I've been reading regularly for a few years, so am very familiar with the quality of this board. I'm always happy to answer questions... and can be reached directly either through the board, or by email.

I will say right up front though - that I am far from being a Festool expert - I learn just as much here as most!

Cheers -

Rob
(And thanks for the color "update" Shane!)