Where to buy router bits

[joec]

I just received the 700 and now need to buy some bits. Where is the best place to buy these?

 

[mouppe]

Where are you? This information may help narrow the search.  There are several good suppliers on planet Earth.

 

[joec]

Wilmington, NC.  I was thinking about online ordering, not going somewhere local to buy them. I do not think anyone in my town would stock them.

 

[tbellemare]

Are you a pro or hobbyist, Joe?

If a pro, what type of work do you normally do?

I ask because there are two Festool bits made especially for that router that I find quite useful...
491674
491670

If you  don't need the replaceable knives of 491670, 491666 is a good alternative.

Tom

 

[Brice Burrell]

Joe we have several dealers that participate here that I wouldn't hesitate to order from.  From my experience both Tom B. and Bob M. are top notch.  Your state's sales tax won't be collected from either of these dealers, Tom's out of Texas and Bob's in Jersey but ships from Ohio. 
Tom's site, Tool-Home and Bob Marino's Festool Store.

 

[twang120]

In the horizontal mode, as Tom suggested, the 491666 is the way to go.  This uses the 8mm shank.

In the vertical mode, for small roundovers and chamfers, I tried the carbide bits from Skil sold at Lowes (1/4" shank, black painted color).  These are inexpensive (ie about $8-12).  I am sure the Festool brand bits are better, but for breaking edges, the less expensive bits work fine.

 

[nickao]

Joe we have several dealers that participate here that I wouldn't hesitate to order from.  From my experience both Tom B. and Bob M. are top notch.  Your state's sales tax won't be collected from either of these dealers, Tom's out of Texas and Bob's in Jersey but ships from Ohio.  
Tom's site, Tool-Home and Bob Marino's Festool Store.

I ordered an item from Bob(MFT clamping elements) on Tuesday and the box was at my door Wednesday, no shipping or tax, what more could you want.

 

[joec]

In the horizontal mode, as Tom suggested, the 491666 is the way to go.  This uses the 8mm shank.

In the vertical mode, for small roundovers and chamfers, I tried the carbide bits from Skil sold at Lowes (1/4" shank, black painted color).  These are inexpensive (ie about $8-12).  I am sure the Festool brand bits are better, but for breaking edges, the less expensive bits work fine.

I thought it would only use the 8mm bits. How does the 1/4 shank bits work? I have most of those, but do not see how they could fit.

 

[tbellemare]

It comes with both an 8mm collet and a 1/4".

Tom

 

[joec]

It comes with both an 8mm collet and a 1/4".

Tom

Duh....I just went out and looked in the box and now I see the extra collet rattling around in the bottom of the box. I was thinking it only used the 8mm collet. Thanks.

 

[nickao]

I keep hearing that the 8mm shaft is so much better. I have used  so many 1/4 verse 1/2 in bits and always thought the 1/2" were the way to go from what I read. After years of use I can honestly say I think the performance difference between the 1/4" vs 1/2" bit is about nothing at all. I have never broken a 1/4" shaft using the router by hand. On a CNC machine yes there is a difference, but hand routing now I go with the 1/4" bit if I could. I find with the high quality bits they last just as long and sometimes are 50% cheaper!

There are loads of places and if you can see not going with Festool bits I highly suggest you look at the 1/4" MLCS Katana bits. They are as good as my Amana, CMT and other high end brands and the price is right!

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/kathome.htm

The most important thing is to have a good run out measurement for the spindle and a very balanced collet and nut on the router. That makes a far bigger difference than going from 1/4 to 8mm or 1/2 in bits.

http://www.precisebits.com/tutorials/spindle_runout.htm

Basically the smaller the shaft on the bit the better run out measurement you need to have.

More good info:

http://www.precisebits.com/tutorials.htm

http://www.precisebits.com/products/equipment/er16_colletadapter.asp

http://www.precisebits.com/gateways/ColletsNutsHome.htm

A lifetime guarantee on bits! My favorite bits overall are on this page:

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/katana_bits4.htm#katana_solid_carbide_anchor