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Wood Router Bits Types | Complete Guide for Beginners
You need the right router bit for any woodworking work. For instance, different bit types are used in particular cuts, profiles, and finishes. Some of the most common wood router bits are flush trim router bits, straight router bits, and chamfer router bits. This guide shares fundamental knowledge of each router bit type and its applications.
What Are Router Bits?
Router bits are cutting tools that attach to wood routers. You insert them into the router’s collet system. They will spin at high speeds to cut, shape, and to make a profile of wood surfaces.
Subsequently, Router bits have sharp cutting edges. These are made from carbide and high speed steel. The cutting edges remove material as the bit rotates. You guide the router along your workpiece to create desired shapes.
Straight Router Bits
Straight bits are very common in router bit types. You use them for cutting grooves, dados, and rabbets. They have straight cutting edges parallel to the bit’s axis.
These bits come in various diameters from 1/8 inch to 1 1/2 inches. You can cut different groove widths by selecting the appropriate size. Clean edge cuts are also made with straight bits on plywood and hardwood.
You will have straight passages, with single and with two flutes. The bits of the double flute cut more rapidly, and leave a smoother finish. Single flute bits cut chips better in deep cuts.
Flush Trim Router Bits
Flush trim bits have a bearing guide at their end. You trim edge banding and laminate with them and over surfaces. The bearing is made in patterns and in existing edges.
These bits make ideal vertical cuts. The excess material can be shaved without harming the bottom surface. The bearing will make the bit not cut too deep.
Pattern bits are the same but with bearings on the shank. Pattern bits are used in cases where the template is below your workpiece. Both forms produce the same shapes by use of templates..
Chamfer Router Bits
Chamfer bits cut angled edges on wood surfaces. You create decorative bevels and remove sharp corners with these bits. Usually, they cut 15, 22.5, 30, and 45 degree angles.
These bits have angled cutting edges that match the desired bevel angle. You can adjust cutting depth to control bevel size. Chamfer bits work well on solid wood and plywood edges.
You will use chamfer bits for furniture edges, cabinet doors, and decorative molding. They create professional looking finished edges that feel smooth to touch.
Roundover Router Bits
Roundover bits create rounded edges on wood surfaces. You use them to soften sharp corners and create comfortable grip areas. These bits come in various radius sizes.
Common roundover radii include 1/8, 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch. Larger radii create more pronounced curves. You can make partial roundovers by adjusting the cutting depth.
These bits often include bearing guides for consistent results. The function of this bearing is to allow the edge while the cutting surface creates the curve. As a result, you get uniform roundovers along entire edges.
Roman Ogee Router Bits
Roman ogee bits create S shaped profiles with convex and concave curves. You use them for traditional furniture edges and architectural molding. They combine roundover and cove shapes in one cut.
These bits create classic furniture profiles found on table edges and cabinet doors. The double curve adds visual interest to plain wood surfaces. Roman ogee profiles work well with traditional and colonial furniture styles.
You can vary the profile depth by adjusting the router’s cutting depth. Shallow cuts create subtle curves while deeper cuts make dramatic profiles.
Edge Forming Router Bits
Edge forming bits create decorative profiles along wood edges. You shape cabinet doors, furniture, and trim pieces with these specialized bits. They include ogee, thumbnail, and complex molding profiles.
These bits often have bearing guides for consistent results. You follow the wood edge while the bit cuts the desired profile. Multiple passes may be needed for complex shapes.
Edge forming bits require sharp cutting edges for clean results. Dull bits cause tear out and burn marks on wood surfaces.
Rabbeting Router Bits
Rabbeting bits cut L shaped grooves along wood edges. You create joints for cabinet backs, picture frames, and box construction. These bits have cutting surfaces on both bottom and side edges.
Most rabbeting bits include interchangeable bearings for different rabbet depths. You change bearing sizes to adjust the rabbet width without changing bits. This saves time and provides versatility.
You will use rabbeting bits for door and window construction. They create recesses for glass panels and weather stripping. The clean cuts ensure tight fitting joints.
Dovetail Router Bits
Dovetail bits cut angled slots for strong woodworking joints. You create drawer joints, box corners, and decorative inlays with these bits. They cut expanding grooves that lock pieces together.
These bits require dovetail jigs for accurate cuts. The jig guides the router while the bit cuts both pins and tails. You get matching joint parts that fit together perfectly.
Dovetail joints provide exceptional strength for furniture construction. The interlocking design prevents joints from pulling apart under stress.
Core Box Router Bits
Core box bits cut rounded grooves in wood surfaces. You create fluting, reeding, and decorative channels with these bits. They have curved cutting edges that form half round shapes.
These bits work well for architectural columns and furniture details. You can create parallel grooves for visual texture. Variable spacing creates different decorative effects.
Core box bits require steady router control for consistent results. You should use edge guides and templates for straight, parallel cuts.
V Groove Router Bits
V groove bits cut triangular channels in wood surfaces. You create decorative lines, sign lettering, and architectural details with these bits. They have angled cutting edges that meet at a point.
Common V groove angles include 60, 90, and 120 degrees. Narrower angles create sharp, deep lines while wider angles make broader channels. You can vary cutting depth for different effects.
These bits work well with router templates for lettering and patterns. The sharp point creates clean, precise lines in both hardwood and softwood.
Keyhole Router Bits
Keyhole bits cut T shaped slots for hanging systems. You create hidden mounting solutions for cabinets, mirrors, and artwork. The bit cuts a narrow slot that opens into a wider recess.
These bits have a small diameter shaft with a larger cutting head. The shaft cuts the entry slot while the head creates the hanging recess. Subsequently, objects slide into the narrow slot and rest in the wider area.
You will use keyhole bits for French cleat systems and picture hanging. They provide secure mounting without visible hardware from the front.
Conclusion
You now understand the main router bit types and their applications. Choose bits based on your specific cutting needs and wood species. Quality bits with sharp edges produce the best results in your woodworking projects.
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