[slade17]

what are some good brands when it comes to cost/life ratio for a small prototyping (occasional use) machine shop?

I know enough to stay away from harbor freight tools. MSC direct has interstate drills and end mills at a decent price. Are these a good choice, or also low quality?

[dstrittmatter]

I hope a few people respond to this as i have the same question. Im looking at these interstate end mills and wondering if they are any good. HSS 1/4 inch 2 flute double and single end for aluminum. Enco has them for 3.00 each.

[Al_The_Man]

In my experience I now stay away from any drill sets that are made in R.O.C.
You don't save any money whatsoever.
Al.

[Perfect Circle]

OSG has some really good and cost effective tools.

[dstrittmatter]

Thanks for the input. I have seen OSG and will try them. My order came today and I have some melin and atrax end mills that are ok but the interstates, sad to say they have "china" marked on them. I expect not good results from these even though they are for aluminum. Lesson learned and now I know.