Ball Noses---Larger diameter-Qualities?

[scottp55]

Morning, Just got my first large diameter(.5") Ball End last week and used it for the first time Monday. Impressed and thinking of using one more often in designs, but they are not cheap. Mine was mid to bottom of the price range.
My question is; Is there much difference in the cut quality and longevity between the brands? Only cutting solid wood(No ply) and fairly shallow passes at higher feeds- Any idea on linear feet on say maple before re-sharpening(and do they resharpen well?)? ER-20 collet so .5"shank. Any recommendations on 5/8 and 3/4" you've had good luck with? I'd like to get away from RH up's because of a finished edge though.
I'm seeing a couple of Chinese BN with straight flutes, Anybody used them?
Does anybody make a LH? Thanks all.

[bobmoore]

Cheap bits, especially larger ones are ussually not balanced well, not sharp, and don't hold an edge. They will shorten the life of your spindle bearings, produce a lot more tear out on hardwood, and in my opinion make the operator more careless with set up. When I am trying to save money with bits I won't use too often I try to find good used bits at auctions and have them sharpened by a good shop before I use them. Bob

[scottp55]

It wasn't cheap, just not top of the line and I had an order going in anyway so tossed it on.http://www.carbideplus.com/1_2_Carbide_2F_SE_REG_Ballnose_Uncoated_p/221-001110.htm

[Burkhardt]

If you watch eBay you can find a good surplus deal sometimes. I just bought two dusty but brand new double-ended 1/2" ballnose bits from SGS (a very reputable supplier) for $12 each. They are 4-fluted so I need to run them a little slower. But this way I got one ballnose end effectively for 6 bucks. Still looking for a deal with 1/2" end mills.

[blackhawk]

I have always used Centurion for my 1/8" and larger ball nose bits. I have been using the same 3/8" and 1/2" bit from them for about 6 years now.

[bobmoore]

Scott;
I was responding to your generic questions, not your specific purchase. Generally speaking cheaper bits have poor balance, lower quality carbide, and are not as sharp. Bob

[scottp55]

No problem Bob. Yeah Just got my first Centurions (.25 and .5" FEM LH) last week and only used the .5" so far for 2 pockets trying to dial it in, and liked the pocket quality. Big bits really speed things up but still not used to them:)