Which Router Bits Are The Best?

Common Types Of Router Bits

There are many bits used in routers. Each bit is designed for a specific purpose. There are many types of router bits, including straight, flush-trim and rabbeting. The best router bit for you will depend on the way you intend to use it and what material you are drilling through.

Straight Routing Bits

Straight router bits are one of the most commonly used bits. They come in various diameters, from 3/16-inch up to 1 1/2-inch. Straight bits are used to create a dado or groove in the material. You can also hollow out an area of material to make a mortise, or inlay.

Flush-Trim Router Bits

The pilot bearing guides the bit while it is cutting flush-trim router bits. Flush-trim router bits have a pilot bearing that is the same diameter as the bit’s radius. This allows them to trim the edges of different materials so they are flush with one another. This bit is used to trim the edge of a veneered surface so that it sits flush with an underlying layer, or to trim shelf edges.

The rabbeting router bits can be used to cut a rabbet into a material’s edge. The pilot bearing guides the bits along the material’s sides so that they produce rabbets that are equally accurate and equal. A majority of router bit sets have multiple pilot bearings, so one router bit can cut many different sizes of rabbets.

Chamfer Routing Bits

Chamfer router bits can be used to make angled cuts in corners to remove a 90 degree edge, create an attractive design, or remove a damaged edge and return it to a straight cut. Chamfer router bits are also able to form a beveled edge that can be used in joinery.

Edge Forming Router Bits

There are many profiles for edge-forming router bits. Each profile is designed to create a decorative edge in a material. These are some of the most popular edge-forming bits:

• Round-over bits have an exact radius that can be used to create a rounded shape in the surface.
• Ogee bits have a profile of an ‘S-shaped’ and are most often seen in the Roman Ogee style.
• Cut 1/4-inch or 1/2-inch bead in an edge or corner with Edge Beading Bits Once the bead has been cut into material, it will look like a half-circle shape.
• Cove router bits made a concave quarter circle profile in the material’s side.

Molding Router bits

The molder bits are a larger version than the edge-forming router bits. These bits are used to create architectural molding profiles. They may also incorporate multiple edge-forming profiles in one bit. They are best used with an electric table router due to their large size.

Rail Bits

Rail router bits and stile bits are used primarily for panel and frame construction. These bits have a decorative edge profile as well as a straight profile that can be used to cut a slot in the stile or vertical piece of the frame. The bits also make a matching cut at the rail’s end or horizontal section of the frame to allow the rail to fit into the stile. You can buy these bits as a pair or as a single piece that can be used to make both cuts.

Raised panel bits

Raised panel bits can be used in conjunction with stile or rail bits to create a profiled edge for a door panel. These bits are available in both vertical-use and horizontal-use.

• Vertical-use raised panels bits are safer as they are smaller in diameter and easier to use. The bit creates a new, decorative profile by putting the material along its edges.
• Horizontal use raised panel bits should only be used with a table router because of their large diameter. These bits are orient-based and must be laid flat on the table in order to cut the material.

Joinery Pieces

These joinery router bits can be used to create precision joints that can attach two types materials, such as coffee table or drawer joints. Dovetail router bits and drawer lock router bits are some of the special joinery bits. Finger joint bits, lock miter bits, and finger joint bits are also available.

Things to Consider When Buying Router bits

Be familiar with the key features before you invest in a product. These considerations will help you choose the right router bits for you.

Type

The type of project you are working on will always determine the type of bit that is required. You will need either an edge-forming router bit or a stile andrail router bit to build a door frame.

You will need the right bit for your material. Softwoods can be handled with a carbide-tipped or high-speed steel router bit. However, some metals and hardwoods will require a solid carbide bit for a smooth finish.

If you are a beginner in router use, it is likely that your first router bit will be broken quickly. Experience will teach you the right pressure to apply, but it is possible that the cost of the project might be less important than the price. Starters should start with a cheap router bit to learn the basics of the tool.

Material

Most router bits are either made of high-speed steel (HSS), or carbide.

• HSS router bits made of carbon steel. They are extremely heat resistant and won’t rust even after prolonged use. These bits are cheaper and are a great option for beginners who are likely to make mistakes. These bits can withstand greater impact damage than carbide router bit, and they won’t lose their edge. This makes them great for messy workshops.
• Carbide router bit can either be fully coated with carbide or tipped only in carbide. They have a longer life span than HSS bits. These bits are more durable than HSS bits, and can last longer than HSS bits. This allows you to spend less time sanding and replacing bits and more time enjoying them. Carbide router bits are more costly and more susceptible to damage from impact. Although this will not affect their use in routers, dropping them or treating them badly can dullen, nick or break the edges of carbide router bits in a hurry.

Shank

A router bit’s shank is the cylindrical portion of the bit that fits into the collet. Most router bits can accept either a 1/4-inch or 1/2-inch shank. However, some routers only accept 1/4-inch shanks.

• 1/4-inch shanks can be accepted by most routers. However, their smaller diameters can cause them more to jump than the 1/2-inch shank. This can lead to less control and precision. Router bits with 1/4-inch shanks can be more affordable than those with 1/2-inch shanks. This makes them great for beginners who may break a few bits.
• 1/2-inch shanks have a stiffer and more durable construction than 1/4-inch shanks. This means that they are easier to use and provide greater control. Although they are more expensive, router bits with 1/2-inch shanks offer greater stability and longer life. You will not be able to use these bits if your router collet doesn’t fit for 1/2-inch shanks.

Sharpness

A router bit’s sharpness determines its ability to cut through material. A dull bit can reduce the router’s efficiency, cause damage to the material and give you a poor finish. You will need to smoothen it with sandpaper, a file, or both. Sharp router bits cut through quickly and operate at maximum efficiency without leaving any scorch marks.

New router bits must be factory-sharpened. However, this can make it difficult to identify when buying a new set. You can search for router bits that you can sharpen repeatedly to keep a thin cutting edge. You can either sharpen your bits yourself or hire a professional to make sure they are ready for the next project.

Make sure that you understand what you’re buying before you buy any product. The router bit set should include information about the number of bits included, their sizes, and the types of bits.

This information will allow you to choose a set that is reasonable priced for the amount of bits included. This information will allow you to determine whether a 24-piece set includes 20 straight bits, four rabbeting pieces, or a variety of router bits. It will help you make informed decisions about your next project.

Our Top Choices

You want high-quality router bits, no matter the type. These router bits are among the most popular available. This is based on the following buying factors: price, effectiveness and reputation.