Today I was at HD looking at a dado bit for my router. The raobi (sp?) brand was $7 and the porter cable bit was $13?

My question is....is the brand name (porter cable) bit worth the exta money. Will the raobi bit dull or break faster?? Just wondering what your opinion was???

if you're going for a lot of use, I'd go the porter cable. occasional use don't worry about it. differences are in quality of steel, thickness of carbide (if it is carbide), method of attachment of same, etc.

Carbide also comes in varying grades.

I find cheap bits are made with lower tolerances and tend to burn or tear out easier.

That said, I buy the bits that match the job. If I'm doing a lot of routing on PT deck lumber for railings, etc, I buy the cheap bit and toss it when done.

To answer your question...yes.
However if you are only using the bit for a single project every once in a while you don't need the top quality bits. If you are able to afford the best quality sure it will last you a lifetime with proper care...I have bought cheap bits to use when I was installing furniture on location...they will do a lot before they are worn out but for the shop I used good bits and was usually pleased with their lifespan.

I generally opt for the better cutters, particularly if they tell you what grade of carbide they use. Another factor: Clean the cutter after using it on softer woods that tend to coat the edges. Oven cleaner works if you have nothing better.

What's the "something better" for cleaning gum off router bits and bearings?

woodcraft brand resin remover, mixes up with water, no caustics that can mess the carbide bond.
ront

Thanks.

and, what are the grades of carbide?