Router Bits

Router bits turn a wood router into a precision tool for shaping, trimming, and joinery. Whether you’re building cabinets, furniture, or signs, the right profile delivers clean edges, tight fits, and repeatable results. From quick edge rounding to detailed moldings, these power tool accessories cut rabbets, dadoes, grooves, and decorative profiles with speed and accuracy. Use them in a handheld router for on-site work or in a router table for maximum control. For CNC routing, choose bits engineered for clean chip evacuation and long life.

Materials and build matter. Carbide-tipped and solid carbide bits stay sharp longer than HSS, especially in plywood, MDF, and laminates. Common shank sizes are 1/4 in. and 1/2 in.; larger shanks reduce vibration and chatter. Bearing‑guided cutters follow an edge or template for pattern routing, while non‑bearing bits run against a fence. Spiral upcut, downcut, and compression bits manage tear‑out and chip flow in hardwoods and sheet goods. Match bit diameter and profile to the project, and follow the marked RPM limits.

Popular types and uses:
- Straight and spiral: dados, grooves, mortises.
- Flush trim: template routing and laminate trimming.
- Round-over and chamfer: soften edges and break corners.
- Rabbeting: step joints and casework.
- Cove, ogee, and molding: decorative edges and millwork.
- Dovetail and box-joint: mechanical joinery with jigs.
- V-groove and engraving: lettering, sign-making, inlays.
- Panel-raising and stile-and-rail: classic cabinet doors.

Choose quality cutters with balanced bodies, anti-kickback geometry, and replaceable bearings. A compact starter set covers common tasks; add specialty profiles as needs grow. Keep bits clean with pitch remover, protect cutting edges in storage, and sharpen or replace as performance drops. For safety and surface quality, seat the shank properly, tighten the collet, set depth in small increments, and take light passes. Use dust collection, eye and hearing protection, and make test cuts on scrap. Explore router bits for woodworking, CNC router bits, and router cutters to upgrade your shop’s accuracy and finish.