The Best Router Bits | Top Picks

Router bits are an essential tool in woodworking, as they allow you to create a variety of different shapes and finishes on your wood pieces. There are many different types of router bits available, each designed for a specific purpose. In this article, we will be covering the top 5 router bits for woodworking and providing tips on how to choose the right router bit for your project.

The Top 5 Router Bits for Woodworking

1. Straight router bits: These are the most basic and commonly used router bits, and they are designed for creating straight cuts or edge profiles. They come in a variety of sizes and are great for cutting slots, dadoes, and grooves.
2. Flush trim router bits: These router bits are used for trimming the edges of wood pieces to be even with a reference surface. They have a bearing on the top that follows the reference surface and a cutting edge on the bottom that trims the wood.
3. Roundover router bits: These router bits are used for creating a rounded edge on wood pieces. They come in different radius sizes, so you can choose the size of the roundover that you want.
4. Dovetail router bits: These router bits are used for creating dovetail joints, which are a strong and attractive way to join two pieces of wood together. They come in various sizes to fit different joint sizes.
5. V-groove router bits: These router bits are used for creating a V-shaped groove in wood, which can be used for decorative purposes or for creating a channel for wire or cables to run through.

Factor to Consider before choosing the Right Router Bit for Your Project

The type of wood:

Different router bits work better with certain types of wood. For example, softer woods like pine may require router bits with a sharper edge to prevent tearing. Harder woods like oak may require router bits with a steeper angle to prevent burning.

The size of the project

Larger projects may require router bits with a longer cutting edge to reduce the number of passes needed. Smaller projects may require router bits with a shorter cutting edge to provide more control.

The desired finish:

Different router bits produce different finishes on the wood. For example, a roundover router bit will produce a softer, rounded edge, while a straight router bit will produce a sharper, more precise edge.

Maintaining Router Bits Proper maintenance of your router bits is important to ensure they stay sharp and in good working condition. Here are some tips for maintaining your router bits:

• Clean the router bit after each use: Use a brush or compressed air to remove any wood chips or debris from the router bit. This will help prevent the buildup of resin, which can dull the cutting edge.
• Store router bits properly: Router bits should be stored in a dry, dust-free environment to prevent rusting. They can be stored in a tool box or a router bit storage cabinet.
• Sharpen router bits as needed: Router bits will eventually become dull and will need to be sharpened. This can be done with a router bit sharpener or by taking them to a professional sharpening service.

Conclusion

router bits are an essential tool in woodworking and can be used to create a variety of different shapes and finishes on your wood pieces. By choosing the right router bit for your project and properly maintaining it, you can ensure that your router bits will last for a long time and produce high-quality results. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different router bits to find the ones that work best for you.