Router bits is used in conjunction with a router to cut specific shape into the wood. Router bits come in different shape as different shape will produce different type of cuts. You must choose the correct bit for the desired cut as the wrong bit will produce incorrect result.
The most basic router bit are the straight and spiral bits. Straight bits has a flat cutting edge and are used to cut groove in the wood. Spiral bits have flutes on the bit that are shaped like a screw.
Types of Router Bits and How to Use Them
There is up-cut spiral bits and down-cut spiral bits. Up-cut spiral bits will pull the chips of the cut piece of wood upwards thus these bit are used when plunging into deep piece of wood. Down-cut spiral bits will push the chips of the cut piece of wood downwards thus these bits are used when you wish to avoid splintering of the cut wood.
A compression bit are a bit that acts as both an up-cut and down-cut bit. The bit will pull the sawdust up in the center of the cut but push the chips of the cut wood down at the top and bottom of the cut thus preventing splintering of both side of the wood, such as plywood. Edge-forming bits are used to change the shape of the edge of the wood.
Roundover bits are used to change the sharp edge of the wood piece to a rounded edge. The radius of the roundover bit can vary to allow for different degree of roundness of the cut edge. A chamfer bit is used to cut the edge of the wood piece at a 45-degree angle to create a flat angled edge.
A cove bit will cut a concave shape into the edge of the wood. An ogee bit will create an S-shaped curve along the edge of the wood piece. The radius of the edge-forming bits should match the power of the router.
If the router dont have enough power to perform the cut with the bit, the router may chatter and burn the edge of the wood piece. Joinery bits are used to create connection between pieces of wood. Dovetail bits are used to create a joint between two piece of wood that features a trapezoid shape.
These bits are often used in hardwoods. Lock miter bits are used to create the corner of boxes that need to be glued together. A finger joint bit is used to cut interlocking joint in the edge of the wood pieces.
A rail-and-stile set bit is used to shape door frame. A slot cutter bit will create slots in the wood that will receive biscuits or splines to allow two pieces of wood to be aligned together. Always perform a test cut on a piece of scrap wood when using joinery bits.
The angle and direction of the grain of the wood can affect how well the bit fit into the piece. Template bits are used to copy the shape of a template onto a piece of wood. A flush-trim bit with a top bearing uses a bearing on the bit to follow the template to ensure the flush-trim bit creates the same shape as the template.
A flush-trim bit with a bottom bearing use a bearing on the bit to follow the bottom of the wood piece. Pattern bits have two bearing to allow the bit to reach deeper into the wood piece. The collet of the router must not be wobbly as this will cause the pattern bit to lose precision with the cut.
Large profile bits, such as raised panel bits, require a significant amount of power from the router to function. Bits such as horizontal and vertical bits can be used with routers of any size. Router bits with half-inch shank are used for heavy profile.
The half-inch shank of the bit will be stiffer than a quarter-inch shanks and will produce less vibration of the bit thus allowing it to last longer. The speed at which the router spins the bit is also important. Larger diameter bit should be spun at a slower rate than small diameter bits.
When spinning the bits at too high of a speed, the carbide tips will shatter. If the bit is spun too slow, the bit may drag along the wood piece and scorch it. Carbide tips are often used for router bits as they will stay sharp longer than bits with high-speed steel tip.
Router bits can be maintained by sharpening the spiral bits with diamond file and storing the router bits in foam. This will help prevent the router bits from chip. When using a router bit, always make shallow cut.
Always move the bit from left to right against the wood grain. When following these maintenance and cutting technique, it is certain that wood piece will have clean cut made with the router bits. It’s important to keep tools in good condition so they can absorbs the stress of the work.
You should of checked teh bit for wear. Most people dont realise how much a dull bit can affect the final result, its a common mistake. If you want to recieve the best results, you’re going to need to be careful with how you use them.
Alot of people forget to clean the bits after use, but its necessary for long term use. Actually, keeping them clean is better than just sharpening them. Youll find that the more you practice, the more comfortabley you will work.
The router’s power is important, and the size of the bits matter to the task at hand. Each bit has its own way of working, and you should listen to what the machine is telling you. If you use a moddern router, it might feel different than older models.
You must be careful with there power levels too. Using the wrong bit is different than just being careless, its a real problem for beginners. Just make sure you use the right tool for teh job.
