If you are new to using a router or only have limited experience choosing the right router bit for the job can be a bit (no pun here) confusing. At first the overwhelming selection of router bits available can bewilder and frustrate the most committed aspiring woodworker. Do not be discouraged help is on the way.
Here’s a simple listing of common router bits complete with descriptions, definitions, and suggestions for their proper use.
First, let’s look at a few definitions and the anatomy of the router bit. Router bits come in many shapes and sizes with each one dedicated to a specific, and sometimes based on the height at which the router bit is set, multiple outcomes.
Shank
The cylindrical shaft of the bit is called the shank. The length of the shank can vary but will always allow ample length for insertion and securing in the router via a pressure fastener called a collet. The two most common widths are ¼” and ½”.
Body
The body is a hardened piece of steel attached to the end of the shaft where the blade is mounted. The body provides support and strength to the blade.
Cutting Edge
The cutting edge, also called the blade, is welded to the body and is the actual “tip of the sword”, the only part that comes in contact with wood cutting the fibers. The unique shape of the cutting edge is called the profile.
Bearing Guide
Not included on all router bits the bearing guide route the bit to a precise pattern. Router bits may come with or be adaptable to bearings of varying sizes allowing you to easily and accurately control the depth of cut.
Straight Router Bit
As the title may suggest the straight router bit is used to cut flat/straight grooves, dadoes, and rabbets or to hollow out an area for a mortise or inlay.
Rabbeting Router Bits
The rabbeting router bit is used to cut a shoulder, called a rabbet. They differ from the straight bit in that the rabbeting router bit will have and be guided by a mounted pilot bearing.
Flush Trim Router Bit
The flush trim router bit is used to trim the edge of one material, such as Formica, even with the edge of a substrate such as a table top. The bit can also be used with a pattern to create multiple identical parts.
Chamfer Router Bits
Used to cut a bevel of a specific angle, such 45 degrees, on surfaces edges. This provides a decorative easing of the wood.
Edge Forming Router Bits
Similar to the chamfer bit in function the edge forming bits are used to produce decorative edges but without the specific angle. They include the ogee bit, used to cut variations of a S-shaped profile and the round over bit used to cut a specific radius. Cove bits also fall into this category cutting a concave partial circle in the material. As with the rabbeting router bit the edge forming bits may incorporate the use of a bearing.
Specialized and Joinery Bits
Raised panel bits, finger joint bits, dovetail bits, drawer lock bits, lock miter, and molding bits are specialized bits dedicated to a specific task. Most are large and must be used only on a table mounted router. The complexity of profile and usage falls outside the purview of a beginners guide. Beginners should focus on the basic essential router bits becoming familiar with their use and results. Both the Basic and Specialized Router Bits are covered in separate articles.
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