Skil 6-Piece Carbide Router Bit Set

A compact set that covers the essentials

I keep a handful of router bits within easy reach, and this six-piece Skil set has earned a permanent spot in that group. It’s not the flashiest collection and it won’t replace a full cabinetmaker’s lineup, but for everyday profiles and basic joinery, it has been reliably capable. The wooden case holds three straight bits, a roundover, a Roman ogee, and a core box bit, plus a spare bearing and hex key. That combination covers a surprising amount of small-shop work without taking up much space.

What’s included and how it’s put together

The bits are carbide-tipped with 1/4-inch shanks, two flutes, and smooth-running bearings on the profile cutters. The shanks and bodies are heat-treated, and the cutters are ground cleanly; I didn’t see burrs or nicks on arrival. The profile bits have that slightly thicker shoulder you expect from an anti-kickback design, which limits how much material the edge can bite off in one go. On a router, that translates to a more controlled feed and less of that unnerving “self-feeding” sensation.

The case is basic wood with positive retention for each bit. It’s not shop jewelry, but it keeps the edges protected and makes it easy to see if something’s missing when you wrap up. I appreciate having the replacement bearing in the box—small details like that save a Saturday when a bearing feels a little gritty.

Setup and handling

I ran these in both a compact trim router and a mid-size router with a 1/4-inch collet. The shanks fit cleanly, and I didn’t detect wobble or visible runout. As with any 1/4-inch shank bit, I kept my insertion depth conservative—shank buried at least 3/4 inch—and avoided overhanging more than necessary.

For speed, I settled around 18,000–22,000 RPM for hardwoods and bumped a bit higher for softwoods with the smaller straight bits. With the bearing-guided profiles, I make it a habit to do a light climb cut on end grain (just a kiss to score fibers), then follow up with a standard-pass cut; this set responded well to that routine and left clean edges.

Performance: edges, grooves, and small details

• Straight bits: The three straight cutters handled dados, grooves, and shallow mortise work without drama. In construction plywood and MDF, they cut cleanly with only minor fuzz on the top veneer when I pushed too quickly. In oak and maple, I kept depth to about 1/8 inch per pass; the finish quality held up, and the bits didn’t complain. For deeper grooves, two or three passes made a world of difference in chatter and heat.

• Roundover: The roundover bit produced a crisp, even profile with a consistent land. The bearing rode smoothly along both a fence and workpiece edges. On pine, I could take a near-full profile in one pass; on hardwood, two lighter passes avoided burn marks and kept the cut crisp.

• Roman ogee: Ogee profiles can reveal a lot about a bit’s grind. On this one, the transitions were clean, and the bearing stayed true in curves and long runs. I saw no faceting, and a brief sanding with 220 grit was all it needed.

• Core box: I used the core box bit for fluting a set of drawer fronts and cutting cable reliefs in shop fixtures. It cut a smooth bottom without scalloping. Light passes helped minimize burn risk, which core box bits are prone to if you pause too long in one spot.

Across the set, chip evacuation was adequate for two-flute designs; dust collection at the fence made a noticeable difference, especially with straight bits in MDF. I didn’t hear much whining or feel vibration—a good sign that the bits are reasonably balanced.

Bearings and anti-kickback design

The two bearing-guided bits ran smoothly out of the box. I intentionally swapped in the spare bearing midway through a test just to try it; the included hex key fits correctly, and the bearing spun freely. A drop of light machine oil on the bearing after cleaning keeps them rolling and helps prevent scorching on long runs.

The anti-kickback shoulders deserve a nod. They’re not a substitute for good technique, but they do limit how much bite you can take and make the cut feel more controlled. If you’re new to routers, that margin of safety is genuinely helpful—and even if you’re experienced, it reduces surprises at the end of a board.

Durability and maintenance

Edge retention has been solid. After a handful of projects—shelving dados, a batch of edge profiles, and some shop jigs—the cutting edges still feel keen. Carbide bits shine when you keep them clean: a quick scrub with a dedicated blade-and-bit cleaner or Simple Green, then a dry and light oil on the bearings, keeps resin from building up and generating heat. I didn’t chip or snap any cutters, but I’d stress that 1/4-inch shanks reward restraint. Multiple shallow passes beat one aggressive pass every time, especially in knotty hardwoods or end-grain routing.

As with any small-diameter straight bit, avoid hidden metal. One staple is all it takes to ruin the edge or worse.

Where this set fits

This is a “do a lot with a little” kit. If you’re building boxes, simple cabinets, shelves, and small furniture, the straight bits handle grooves and dados; the roundover softens edges; the ogee dresses up face frames and trim; and the core box covers flutes and cable reliefs. Pair it with a straightedge guide or a fence and you’ll get repeatable, accurate work.

If you’re after flush-trimming with templates, raised panels, or heavy joinery cuts, you’ll want specialized bits with 1/2-inch shanks. This set isn’t trying to be that—nor should it. Think of it as a practical core for a trim router or as a dependable starter set for a mid-size router.

Limitations to keep in mind

• 1/4-inch shanks limit how much material you can remove per pass; plan on multiple passes for deep cuts.
• No flush-trim or chamfer bit in the assortment; you’ll need to add those if they’re part of your workflow.
• Straight bits are conventional two-flute cutters, not spirals; for ultra-clean plywood dados, a compression or upcut spiral is still king.
• Like any small set, sizes may not match every project thickness perfectly—you’ll sometimes sneak up on a fit with fence adjustments rather than one-and-done cuts.

None of these are deal-breakers, but it’s worth setting expectations: this is a versatile general-purpose set, not a specialized collection.

Tips for best results

• Take shallow passes—especially in hardwood—and let the anti-kickback shoulders do their work.
• Test on scrap of the same species and grain orientation. A 30-second test pass can save a board.
• Keep speeds moderate; if you see burn marks, slow your feed slightly and clean the bit.
• Use a backer on end grain and inside corners to avoid blowout.
• Clean resin buildup regularly; it’s the quickest way to extend bit life and cut quality.

Value and who it’s for

For anyone running a trim router or building out a first set of bits, this Skil set hits a nice balance: useful profiles, decent carbide, and thoughtful touches like the spare bearing in a protective case. Experienced woodworkers will still find it handy as a grab-and-go kit for small tasks or on-site work, while beginners get the must-have shapes without overspending on a big collection they won’t use.

Recommendation

I recommend this Skil 6-piece set as a practical starter or secondary kit for general woodworking and DIY projects. The bits are well-ground, the bearings run true, and the anti-kickback geometry keeps cuts predictable. Respect the limits of 1/4-inch shanks—light passes, steady feed—and you’ll get clean edges, accurate grooves, and consistent profiles. If your work leans toward heavy joinery, template routing, or production runs in hardwood, step up to larger 1/2-inch shank bits and a few specialized cutters. For everyone else, this set covers the essentials with confidence and good manners.