WHAT IS A ROUTER BIT?

A router bit is a chopping instrument used with a router to rout out (or hole out) areas within the floor of a usually arduous workpiece. Though routers and router bits are extra generally utilized in woodworking purposes like cabinetry and carpentry, these chopping instruments may also carry out in metals, plastics and varied different supplies. Primarily, although, these cutters are used to create joinery aids (like a dovetail joint) or to decorate work items with ornamental or ornate results (like shaped edges, intricate inlays or floor work). With the best router bit, customers can reduce, trim, and form workpieces with staggering versatility; these bits can be found in quite a few profiles and may be customized fabricated to create nearly any profile conceivable.

TYPES OF ROUTER BIT

After all, there are numerous several types of router bit and though all of them serve the identical basic goal, they every do various things and obtain completely different outcomes. An excellent router bit, although, needs to be sharp, ought to retain its sharp edge, and needs to be effectively balanced; this produces a bit that may last more and can “chatter” or vibrate much less throughout use. Conversely, bits of lesser high quality are inclined to put on quicker, chip simpler, and chatter extra aggressively. The next, then, is a primary breakdown of how router bits are mostly categorized and their respective routing purposes.

Cutter Sort:

For probably the most half, router bits may be divided into three main varieties: fluted cutters, profile cutters and helical cutters. Fluted cutters are used for edging and trimming, profile cutters are used for trimming and shaping, and helical cutters, whereas principally utilized in extra simply machined (softer) supplies, are designed for trimming, shaping and drilling. After all, inside these three teams, bits may be (and are) extra particularly categorized – this might be mirrored in larger element beneath.

Building:

Equally, drill bits are normally fabricated with one among three compositions: strong high-speed metal (HSS), carbide ideas, or strong carbide. HSS bits are the least costly; they uninteresting extra shortly and, accordingly, are used primarily to trim laminate or for work in softer workpieces. Carbide tipped bits are probably the most common bit kind as they’re extra sturdy and carry out (at the least) fairly effectively in all purposes. After all, these are costlier than HSS bits, however they’re equip to handle more durable supplies and so they retain their sharp edges for longer intervals. Stable carbide bits, as one would assume, are the most costly and highest-performing bit kind. Whereas some would possibly argue that their strong carbide development is superfluous, they’re sturdy and ship stunning outcomes. Due to their price, although, strong carbide bits are usually utilized by solely probably the most practiced woodworkers.

Router bits will also be categorized as edge bits, non-edge bits, or anti-kickback bits. Edge bits embrace a small wheel bearing which acts as a fence in opposition to every workpiece; these wheel bearings may be modified to change the diameter of the innovative. Non-edge bits don’t have this wheel bearing and due to this fact a fence (both connected to the workpiece, the router itself or to the router table) have to be used with these bits. Anti-kickback bits, on one other hand, characteristic non-cutting materials surrounding the bit’s “shoulders.” This extra girth across the bit limits the fabric feed charge which, in flip, protects the workpiece from over-eager bit progress. This reduces the chance of kickback which happens when a bit bites and catches the fabric it is chopping. That is normally the results of materials feeding too shortly. The girth of ant-kickback bits additionally permits the bit to remain cooler which reduces the chance of burnishing and permits the bit to higher retain its sharpness.

Shank:

Router bits are additionally differentiated by the diameter of their shank or the portion of the bit that matches into the router collet. Shank sizes generally vary from about 1/2″ to about 3/8.” Though 1/2″ shank bits are usually costlier, they’re additionally the preferred because the thickness of their shank lends sturdiness (of their stiffness) and in addition much less vibration throughout use. Bits of a smaller shank diameter are usually much less sturdy and extra chattery. Altogether, a 1/2″ shank bit will normally ship the smoothest cuts and as a consequence of their larger rigidity, many bigger profile bits are solely obtainable with this 1/2″ shank. Equally, some smaller or extra specialised bits are solely obtainable with a 1/4″ shank.

The shank of a router bit and a router collet will need to have the identical diameter for use collectively. After all, collets of various diameters can be found for buy and are ceaselessly included with the router itself. Adapters may be bought to assist completely different bit shank sizes match extra comfortably.

Pace:

With a view to reduce, trim, and form effectively, router bits spin at very excessive speeds (starting from roughly 8,000 RPM to 30,000 RPM). As a result of router bits are formed and sized in another way, although, all router bits can’t / shouldn’t spin on the similar speeds. For instance, as a result of bigger bits have extra girth and weight spinning about, in addition they have a a lot larger potential to vibrate or be, in another capability, uncontrolled. Bigger bits, then, needs to be used at decrease speeds. Equally, bits that spin too slowly can burnish and injury your supplies. Accordingly, producer tips ought to all the time be reviewed and applied earlier than participating a bit.

Though, as a generality, quicker speeds are extra advantageous whereas working with router bits (they ordinarily yield a a lot smoother reduce), velocity is not the one issue that contributes to the standard of your chopping outcomes. The sharpness and composition of any given bit, the fabric being reduce, the kind of router getting used, feed charge, and varied different components play into the outcomes produced by your bits. Accordingly, it would behoove you to run bits at acceptable speeds earlier than assuming the quicker you spin them the smoother your outcomes might be.

ROUTER BIT PROFILES AND APPLICATIONS:

As aforementioned, there are quite a few bit designs and, based on that profile, every bit has a unique specialization. The next, then, briefly sums-up (in alphabetical order) the commonest bit varieties and the issues these bits do finest.

Ball Finish Router Bits:

Because the title signifies, ball finish bits have a ball or sphere formed formation at their backside which routs out channels for pipes and cables.

Bullnose Router Bits:

Bullnose bits are designed to create a (convex) rounded edge on the entrance fringe of a workpiece.

Chamfering Router Bits:

Chamfering bits produce a clean angled bevel reduce. These are generally utilized in joinery for hid joints and beveled edges in constructions with a number of sides. Chamfer bits are additionally used to create an ornamental (albeit plain) angled edge.

Mixture Router Bits:

Mixture bits are primarily utilized in trimming to trim softer supplies and, notably, veneers.

Core Box or Spherical Nostril Router Bits:

Core box or spherical nostril bits produce a half-round groove or a groove or cove with a rounded backside. They’re generally used for fluting and reeding.

Nook Spherical Router Bits:

Nook spherical bits are designed to create a rounded nook on a workpiece (normally furnishings).

Drawer Lip Router Bits:

Drawer lip bits are used to create the appearing pull-handle on the fronts of pull-handle drawers and cupboards.

Edge Forming Router Bits:

Edge forming bits (like an edge beading bit) are used primarily to create an ornamental edge on a workpiece. These bits typically embrace a pilot bearing for steerage and are ordinarily used to create a closing ornamental characteristic. As a result of these bits are virtually singularly used for embellishment and might take-on nearly any profile conceivable, there are numerous differing kinds obtainable. To call a number of of the commonest edge forming bit varieties, one will generally encounter edge beading bits, cove bits, ogee (or Roman ogee) bits and spherical over bits.

– Bead and Double Bead Router Bits:

Bead bits create an ornamental quarter-round convex profile. Double bead bits so this twice with one quarter-round operating immediately beneath the opposite.

– Cove Router Bits:

Cove bits are used to create a concave (or indented) quarter-round into the sting of a cloth.

– Edge Beading Router Bits:

Edge beading bits are used to chop ornamental half-round profiles known as “beads” into the sting or nook of a workpiece. This edge usually contains a small lip or fillet on the prime and backside of the convex half-circle reduce.

– Ogee Router Bits:

Ogee bits have an “S” formed profile and produce an “S” formed edge on a workpiece. These ornamental edges have one convex hump and one concave cove (like an “S”) and normally have a small fillet on the prime and backside of the reduce. This delivers a extra conventional or “vintage” end.

– Spherical Over Router Bits:

Spherical over bits produce a superbly rounded edge on a workpiece. These are generally utilized in cupboard and furnishings making.

Finger Grip Router Bits:

Finger grip bits form the drawer pull handles on the entrance edges of some drawers and cupboards.

Flush Trim Router Bits:

Because the title implies, flush trim router bits are used to trim the sting of 1 materials to be flush with the sting of one other materials. They’re typically used to flush veneers or to supply similar shapes in a number of workpieces. These bits are used with a pilot bearing which may be positioned on the prime of the bit or on the base of the innovative.

Fluting Router Bits:

Fluting bits are used to carve flutes (or a concave profile) right into a workpiece (normally molding).

Joinery Router Bits:

Joinery bits are used to supply a specialised kind of groove for a precision joint. These, then, are utilized in nearly all sorts of development the place one workpiece have to be joined to a different. The most well-liked joinery bits are dovetail bits, drawer lock bits, finger joint bits, lock miter bits and tongue-and-groove bits.

– Dovetail Router Bits:

Dovetail bits are used to create a robust joint between supplies and are ordinarily utilized in cabinetry, frames and shelving. They’re obtainable in an enormous number of angles and contain carving interlocking mortises and tenons (normally fan-shaped) into an adjoining workpiece.

– Drawer Lock Router Bits:

Drawer lock bits are designed particularly for the becoming a member of of perpendicular items (just like the becoming a member of of drawer sides to drawer fronts) and may all the time be used with a router table. They create a wedge-shaped tenon.

– Finger Joint Router Bits:

Finger joint bits have a collection of skinny horizontal cutters that protrude from the bit (like fingers). When this profile is reduce into two separate items, the grooves/extensions interlock to create a robust finish or edge joint with a larger gluing floor space. Some finger joint bits characteristic adjustable cutters.

– Lock Miter Router Bits:

Lock miter bits have a popularity for being tough to make use of however create sturdy and (when used correctly) completely aligned miter joints with a big floor space for gluing.

– Tongue-and-Groove Router Bits:

Tongue-and-groove bits are utilized in pairs to create a tongue-and-groove joint in a workpiece. This joins workpieces collectively edge-to-edge (the place one piece has a skinny, deep ridge (tongue) and the opposite has a slot (groove); these items are pushed tightly collectively to type the joint).

Keyhole Router Bits or Keyhole Slotters:

Keyhole bits are used to chop the keyhole formed slots discovered on the backs of hanging workpieces like image frames. These slots, in fact, aide within the hanging of those items.

Molding Router Bits:

Molding bits are used to create complicated decorative profiles in architectural and furnishings moldings and are normally a lot bigger than a typical edge forming bit. They’ll incorporate a number of profiles onto one bit and produce ornate edging for molding items. As these bits are extra substantial, they’re virtually all the time used with a router table.

Mortise Router Bits:

Mortise bits are used to carve mortises (or sq. formed slots). These are used for joinery and for carving areas for {hardware} reminiscent of hinges and lock units.

Rabbeting Router Bit:

Rabbeting bits are used to create rabbets or notches within the fringe of a cloth. These cuts/notches are vertically and horizontally straight and create a step formed profile. Rabbeting bits make the most of a pilot bearing which is positioned on the prime of the bit and guides it alongside the sting of a workpiece. Utilizing pilot bearings of various diameters permits one rabbeting bit to supply cuts (rabbets) in a number of sizes.

Raised Panel Router Bit:

Raised panel bits can be found in each vertical and horizontal configurations and are usually used (with a stile and rail bit – see beneath) to create profiled, ornamental edges on a panel (i.e doorways). Horizontal raised panel bits reduce profiles whereas the panel being reduce is flat (horizontal) on a piece table. Vertical raised panel bits reduce profiles right into a panel whereas mentioned panel is on its edge, and, as a result of their radius is way smaller, are normally thought-about safer and easier to function.

Spiral Router Bits:

Spiral router bits are designed fairly like a spiral drill bit with flutes floor across the physique of the bit to type a pointy spiral profile. They’re obtainable in up-cut and down-cut configurations and, whereas best for plunge chopping, they’re additionally used for edge forming, chopping, and trimming in a wide range of supplies.

Stile and Rail Router Bits:

In body and panel development, stile and rail bits are designed to create decorative edges and panel slots within the fringe of a workpiece (mostly in raised panel doorways and customized cupboards). These ordinarily are available units of two matched bits however are additionally obtainable singularly.

Straight Router Bits:

Straight bits are available a wide range of chopping diameters and are designed to make straight cuts into a cloth to hollow-out an space or to supply a grove or dado in a workpiece (normally for a mortise or inlay). Straight bits are quite common and may be used for dado becoming a member of and for basic materials chopping router bit set B09TR8Z82F TOOLDO.

V-Groove Router Bits:

V-groove bits are used to carve a “V” formed groove right into a workpiece. Whereas best for miter folds, these bits are generally utilized in lettering and sign-making.

Veining Router Bits:

Veining bits are designed to create ornamental cut-in designs. They’re generally used for free-hand work and lettering.

TIPS FOR OPTIMIZING YOUR ROUTER BITS:

To conclude this journey via router bit fundamentals, the next are a number of ideas that will help you optimize your router bits and your expertise with them.

First, you must all the time retailer your router bits individually from each other (maybe even in their very own particular person cubbies). As a result of router bits are each heavy and fragile, you wish to decrease their contact with something they don’t seem to be presently chopping. Do not enable your bits to roll about bumping and knocking into different objects beneath which circumstance they may most actually chip.

Second, hold your router bits sharp. Uninteresting bits can injury your supplies and can produce usually poor cuts. Like many different cutters, router bits may be sharpened to maintain their edge.

Third, be cautious of the way you deal with your router. Each forcing a bit and transferring one too slowly could cause overheating in each the bit and the router. An overheated bit can injury workpieces and might lose mood (which diminishes the integrity of the bit) and an overheated instrument may end up in inner and someday irreparable injury. The sound your instrument makes as you narrow is normally a reasonably good indicator of whether or not or not you’re correctly paced.