Shopsmith Forums

I'm getting ready to get a quality set of brad point bits and as I begin my search, I noticed on the Shopsmith site their Super set which has a price on it of: $9999.99. Now, while I know Shopsmith has quality stuff, and I know you get what you pay for in tools, I'm thinking that, on my fixed income, that's a little too steep for me.

Assuming that is some kind of a goof, I'll get to my actual question for the forum bunch. As I watch ebay, I've noticed that the SS sets always seem to bring a pretty good buck, (and as mentioned in another thread, used selling for almost new prices which always amazes me) and what I'm wondering is: (and I'd really like to keep the whole Shopsmith loyalty thing out of this & just talk performance of the bits) based on things like chip clearing, heat build up, running true, etc, are they top quality bits? The pics I've seen show them to be shorter than many bits, and I'm not enthusiastic about that.

The other ones I'm considering are Lee Valley bits which have gotten top reviews from woodworking mags in the past based on their performance, and have greater depth capacity due to their length, and the price is comparable.

I'm just looking for some ideas before I pull the trigger.

I've been really satisfied with the DeWalt Model # DW1361 set.
Good chip clearance, they stay sharp and leave a nice smooth hole. The only problem is that the smaller bits get lost easily.

I still have the 5-piece set that came with my new SS back in 1980. They are used only in clean wood and they have been sharpened one time by Woodcraft.

If I was buying new brad points today, it would most likely be from Lee Valley. I have their 5/64" to 1/4" set and they are quality drills.

I have my original Shopsmith set, and another set of small sizes of bits (brand unknown-I can't remember where I bought them 30 years ago).
Both work well. I use brad points for smaller size holes, and use my Forstner bits for larger holes.

trainguytom wrote:I noticed on the Shopsmith site their Super set which has a price on it of: $9999.99.

I showed that price to my wife when I was shopping for them as well. We had a nice laugh and wondered at how wonderful those bits must be

[quote="shortslvs"]I showed that price to my wife when I was shopping for them as well. We had a nice laugh and wondered at how wonderful those bits must be ]
And so, did she let you get them??? Actually, that price might be a good thing.

"Honey, I really need a set of bits, but I'll save some money & just get a cheap $150.00 set instead.

trainguytom wrote:I'm getting ready to get a quality set of brad point bits and as I begin my search, I noticed on the Shopsmith site their Super set which has a price on it of: $9999.99. Now, while I know Shopsmith has quality stuff, and I know you get what you pay for in tools, I'm thinking that, on my fixed income, that's a little too steep for me.

Assuming that is some kind of a goof, I'll get to my actual question for the forum bunch. As I watch ebay, I've noticed that the SS sets always seem to bring a pretty good buck, (and as mentioned in another thread, used selling for almost new prices which always amazes me) and what I'm wondering is: (and I'd really like to keep the whole Shopsmith loyalty thing out of this & just talk performance of the bits) based on things like chip clearing, heat build up, running true, etc, are they top quality bits? The pics I've seen show them to be shorter than many bits, and I'm not enthusiastic about that.

The other ones I'm considering are Lee Valley bits which have gotten top reviews from woodworking mags in the past based on their performance, and have greater depth capacity due to their length, and the price is comparable.

I'm just looking for some ideas before I pull the trigger.

This is one of their more high quality offerings:rolleyes:. They never get hot and therefore never get dull unless you attempt to drill nails. Don't do that.

When I went looking for brad point drills only a couple of local stores had them to look at. It was interesting that they were all with in a $10 or so range. Looking at the drills they all looked pretty much alike. The only difference I could notice right away was the box they came in.

Now this was a while back so I have no current input.

I did go with a set from Rockler I think, would have to go out to the shop to check. From memory it is 1/8 to 1/2 by 1/64. Maybe $50/$60, what I would call a mid price set.

My reasoning at the time was certain bits like 1/4, 3/8 get used a lot while some bits might only be used a few times over a life time but if you need that size you need that size. The heavy used ones can be replaced over time if they need it. So far that is working out for me.

I do like Lee Valley and have not been disappointed by them yet. If you've got the money it looks like a good set, and if you do get them let us know how you like them.

Ed

reible wrote: I did go with a set from Rockler I think, would have to go out to the shop to check. From memory it is 1/8 to 1/2 by 1/64. Maybe $50/$60, what I would call a mid price set.

Ed

They went on sale maybe 3 to 4 months ago for around $35. I think you're right about the largest bit being around 1/2". If I remember correctly, they came with an few extra plain bits to round out the set at a flat number.

I bought a set from Rockler years ago but mine went from 1/8 to 1/2 . There are only reg size bits in it not divided by 1/16's. I bought a set of good drills thru the shop that were incresed by 1/32 inch I belive and at lunch time I set up the drill sharpner and ground my own. These are the ones that I use the most.