Do Fachmann router bits pay off?

IGM Fachmann router bits

Router bits are a great tool for alteration of hard and soft wood, plywood, laminated glued materials and plexiglass or other plastics. What is the difference between Fachmann bits and bits you can buy in any hardware store for a couple of euros? Are they a good deal?

Let's examine the bit construction in more detail. Let's compare the Fachmann bit with a "non-brand" router bit sold in cheap sets or the one that comes supplied as standard with a hobby router.

Strong and hard enough cutting edges

Choice of material for the teeth, their geometry and dimensions are one of the most important factors having an influence on how well or badly the bit cuts. The Fachmann cutter is made of a high-quality micro-grain carbide otherwise called tungsten carbide, designed for woodworking and cutting tools for soft and hardwood. The thickness of the new tooth (leaf) is usually 2 mm (depending on the type of cutter) so the bit can be sharpened a number of times. We suggest leaving the cutter for sharpening in a professional grinding shop where they should only remove 0,1 mm, or maximum 0,3 mm and that only when the bit is extremely blunt. Common cheaper bits usually have a thinner and softer edge, low life and are more prone to cracking. You won't save any money that way.

Are the geometry and shape important?

The correct edge geometry provides special properties like a burr-free cut, no burn, light feed through the material, easy plunging when grooving and longer life. The geometry of Fachmann bits is ideally designed. In addition, they are precisely sharpened from production. The bits are sharpened on highly precise CNC grinders. The result is a precise tool with excellent cutting properties and long life.

What is the anti-kick design?

The Fachmann cutters are construed to avoid kickback when routing. That may happen if you move the bit or material into the cut manually or unreasonably quickly. The tool can throw the router your way. All Fachmann bits are equipped with anti-kick design and thus comply with demanding safety criteria and European standards EN 847.

Teflon coating not only on a frying pan

fachmann bit, teflon coating

The Fachmann routers are coated with PTFE Teflon which minimizes corrosion and resists gather of chips at higher temperatures. This Teflon is similar to that used in pots and frying pans. The cutter stays clean and sharp far longer than a common bit. Some types of routers are blued instead of dyed. This, however, doesn't protect the tool from heat and usually only helps to avoid rust for a short time.

Clear labelling

Fachmann clear labeling

The Fachmann bits are clearly labelled on the shank. The mark designates proper insertion into the collet. If you insert the shank insufficiently, you risk bending or breaking the tool. This may also lead to insufficient hold and consecutive vibration. And that is why there's a clearly visible lase mark telling you how to properly insert the tool into the collet. There's also a product code, cutting diameter, cutting length, shank diameter and the recommended speed. Everything is perfectly clear.

Safe packing

IGM fachmann router bits, handy container

I presume you won't use a router bit only once but will work with it on more projects as well. The Fachmann router bits are packed in handy boxes that provide protection for the tool against external influences. Help maintain order in storage. The transparent cover is fitted with a euro hole for simple hanging in your workshop. The shank is firmly secured in the packing in a collet style lock. You can simply use the packing to safely transport a router bit for sharpening and back.

Conclusion

Let's first summarize the pros and cons of both products.

router bit	IGM Fachmann		Common bit
Edge thickness	+	2,1 mm	-	1,13 mm
geometry	+	large chip removal, front grinding	-	small chip removal, lacks front grinding
surface of the body	+	Teflon	-	colour
mark on a shank	+	mark and description	-	nothing or just diameter
packaging	+	handy container	-	in sets or without container
regular price	-	359.-	+	50,- only in sets or 250,- individually

Do you require router bits that work efficiently, last longer, are fun to work with and are at a reasonable price? Then IGM Fachmann bits are the right tools for you. They are clearly the best choice for craftsmen and DIY enthusiasts that want to use tools repeatedly and want to achieve excellent results.