JimB1,
I happened to notice you have a problem finding US 8mm bits. I have gotten some from Whiteside in the past.
I think if you google them, you look for Whiteside Machinery. Not sure on that. i have not gone there lately, but when i did need bits, I was not sure how to order 8mm, so i called 800 # and talked with a very nice lady who told me how to determine which bits were 8mm. At the moment, i don't remember how to figure. Maybe they have wider variety in those sizes now. I did download their catalogue, but that was a while ago. I think there are some other US companies (or the companies are US but tools made elsewhere.) that might make 8mm bits. I now get my Whiteside 8mm's @ my local Woodcraft (Norwalk,CT)toy store. They have a wide selection.
Tinker