router cutters

[Phil Pascoe]

I've just seen this elsewhere and bought a set, as has my neighbour -
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/392072864895 ... Sw2gxYwYin

less than £24 a set with the code (expires tomorrow). Cheaper than getting a few sharpened - mine are a little past their best, they're nearly thirty years old.

 

[Woodbloke]

IMO, buying a set of router cutters is a false economy, even though these are as cheap as chips. If I were to buy a set like that, I'd probably end up using only a couple and the rest would take up space in my router storage rack; but that is a good deal on fleabay - Rob

 

[Phil Pascoe]

That's the thing, isn't it? Even if a few remain unused for the price it doesn't matter.

Most of mine are Wealden, but I can't fault the Trends sets - I have the 1/4" set as well.

 

[AJB Temple]

It's a good deal. Very cheap.

They are the DIY range and the narrow cut ones are junk (I have this set - it was a gift) but some are very useful for occasional jobs.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Mine are thirty years old - it'll be interesting to see any difference.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Out of stock now, anyway.

 

[sunnybob]

Trend quality seems to have slipped.
I had one break a couple of weeks ago when it really shouldnt, and have seen other peoples complaints as well.

I bought a trend router February 2020. a set came with the router. I've only used 2, one that broke and a round over bit that leaves a line because its wider than the bearing. The other 6 are still waiting.
I need to investigate wealdon.

 

[AJB Temple]

The point with Trend is you get what you pay for. These sets are fine for the typical DIY user, but they are the lowest grade bits. In the sets they are only a couple of pounds per bit, so expectations should match that. I think it dilutes their brand personally.

The next one up from Trend is the trade range, painted green. These are a different price point and much better quality.

Then they have their industrial range, generally solid carbide, with a mid grey finish. These are excellent, comparable with Wealden, but of course they are expensive.

Trend try to cater for all market segments I suppose.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Trend quality seems to have slipped.
... a round over bit that leaves a line because its wider than the bearing.

because it's not a rounding over bit, it's an ovolo.
A wider bearing is usually available to make it a rounding over cutter.

 

[NickM]

The point with Trend is you get what you pay for. These sets are fine for the typical DIY user, but they are the lowest grade bits. In the sets they are only a couple of pounds per bit, so expectations should match that. I think it dilutes their brand personally.

The next one up from Trend is the trade range, painted green. These are a different price point and much better quality.

Then they have their industrial range, generally solid carbide, with a mid grey finish. These are excellent, comparable with Wealden, but of course they are expensive.

Trend try to cater for all market segments I suppose.

Agreed. I've got a similar cheap Trend set (I think mine has more bits). I think it was a good buy because the bits are absolutely fine for occasional use, and it's allowed me to work out which ones I use a lot and I can replace those with better quality as and when they wear out/break.

 

[sunnybob]

Trend quality seems to have slipped.
... a round over bit that leaves a line because its wider than the bearing.

because it's not a rounding over bit, it's an ovolo.
A wider bearing is usually available to make it a rounding over cutter.

The one I have doesnt leave enough of a line to be deliberate, It just needs sanding back afterwards. If the bit is raised enough, then there is a deliberate and useable line

I have found an on-island stockist of DIMAR router bits. I have a couple, they appear to be quite good and reasonably priced.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

That is poor.