Router bits is used in the process of woodworking to change the shape of the edges of a wood. A person use router bits to create specific profiles with the wood, as well as to modify the surface of the wood with these tool. Using a profile chart is one of the most helpful tools in the workshop for saws and router bits, as the profile chart allow a person to visually see the different shapes that can be cut with various router bits, and to select the correct bit for a specific project.
Roundover bits are router bits that change the sharp edges of the wood that naturaly occurs at 90-degree angles into smooth quarter circle curves. These bits are especially helpful when cutting tabletops or shelves, as they allow the wood to be rounded over the edges to allow for easy and comfortly gripping of the wood. Small roundover bits are used for delicate trim work on pieces of furniture, while large roundover bits are used for working on large surface, like bench tops.
Router Bits: Types, Uses and Safety Tips
Many woodworkers use roundover bits due to their ability to hide any imperfection in the wood surface. Chamfer bits are bits that cut a flat, angled edge into the wood. A person often use chamfer bits on wood box projects or projects that include miters.
When working with hardwoods, a person should of use the chamfer bit in multiple pass to ensure that the wood does not scorch during use of the bit. Using a chamfer bit in a single pass may lead to scorching of the wood. Cove bits are bits that carve into the wood to form a concave shape.
These concave shapes are often used in projects to create shadow on the wood, such as on drawer fronts or the edges of countertops. A person can use a cove bit alone to perform this carving, or a person can use a cove bit in conjunction with a roundover bit to create seamless joint in the wood. Cove bits add depth to flat panels of wood.
Compound profiles include a variety of router bits that are used to create decorative profiles on the wood. For instance, Roman ogee bits are compound router bits that create a series of S-curves into the wood. Bullnose bits are router bits that create a half-round shape into the wood.
Bullnose bits are often used on the treads of stairs. Finally, beading bits are router bits that create a series of small lines into the trim of an object. Beyond compound profiles are various utility router bits that serve specific functions on the woodworking projects.
For instance, v-groove bits are used to carve line into the wood for projects like signs or shiplap. Keyhole bits are used to carve slots into the wood for item like picture hangers. Raised panel bits are used to cut the edges of cabinet door.
Finally, joinery bits are used for various woodworking tasks, such as creating dados, rabbets, or dovetails. Additionally, there are other difference in router bits, such as bearing-guided bits versus unguided bits. Bearing-guided bits have a bearing that allows the bit to remain on the edge of the piece of wood, while unguided bits require a fence to guide the bit along the desired edge.
Another difference between router bits is the material out of which they are made. For instance, carbide-tipped bits will last the router bit more longer than high-speed steel bits, especially in projects that use abrasive woods. Additionally, the number of flutes on a router bit may also have an impact upon the projects that can use that bit.
Single-flute bits are often used for cutting plastics; two-flute bits are used for hardwood projects; and spiral bits are used for cutting laminates. Finally, compression spiral bits are used for plywood projects, as they will clean both faces of the plywood at once. Another difference in the bits is the size of the shank of each bit.
For instance, thinner shanks are used with trim routers, while thicker shanks are used with larger routers. Additionally, at least three-quarters of the shank of the bit should be inserted into the router, and the bit should be backed out slightly from the router to allow for the proper tightening of the bit into the router. Finally, it is necessary to ensure the safety of the woodworker in relation to the router bits.
For example, large diameter router bits should be set to lower RPMs in the router than small diameter bits. Each router bit has a specified maximum RPM at which the bit should be used. Additionally, each time that a router bit is used, the person using the bit should wear eye and ear protection.
Furthermore, the person should always move the router bit in light passes to allow heat to escape from the wood; this will also ensure the edges of the wood remain true.
