Choosing your Router Bits

A workshop wall can be covered with one hundred router bits with different profiles, shank sizes and tip types. To the untrained eye one router bit can look the same as the bit next to it. So how do you determine which router bit you need for your job?

Half Inch V Quarter Inch

The ¼ and ½ inch size you see on router bits refers to the shank size which is the cylinder that fits into the router collet. The ½ inch shank has four times the mass of ¼ inch shanks and provides greater stability when in use. The extra mass reduces vibrations and offers a solid cut. However, when you need to route a very thin profile, the ¼ inch is far more practical.

Profiles

There are 10 basic profiles that can be used singularly or in combination to achieve most basic and complex routing projects.

Beading Bit - provides a rounded shape to the edge of the stock with a square shoulder on the top and bottom edges of the roundover.

Chamfer Bit - a 45-degree angled cut on the square edge of a piece of stock.

Cove Bit - applies a concave, rounded profile on the stock.

Dado Straight Cutting Bit - a variety of straight cutting bits can be used to cut a square in the middle of a stock.

Dovetail Bit - this profile has a flat bottom with angled sides which are wider at the base.

Rabbet Bit - a right angle cut, like a dado on the edge of a piece of stock.

Round Nose Bit - similar to the cove bit, except the cut is made in the middle of a piece of stock.

Roundover Bit - creates a rounded profile on the square edge of a piece of stock.

V-Groove Bit - as the name suggests a V shape cut in the centre of the stock.

Ogee Bit - a compound S shaped profile.

Speed of your Router

Some router motors allow you to choose the speed to match the type of wood you are routing. A bit that is running too high an RPM can burn the wood while if it spins too slow it can leave a ragged rough cut. Remember, the general rule is the larger the bit, the slower the router speed.

Timbecon stock some of the highest quality router bit and accessories available.

Mouter Plunge Router Bits - If you have a recess that needs routing out then this is the ideal profile. Designed for maximum stock removal and chip injection, they can clear out any material. If you have multiple hinges to do, pair the bit with a bearing guide for perfect repetition. These bits are available in several different shank sizes and cutting diametres.

CMT Router Bits - CMT Orange Tools are one of the preferred brands. Timbecon carries an extensive range of different router bits designed for different jobs. From Chamfer router bits to cabinet making and small arch door and box joint sets.

Torquata Router Bits - Quality made bits available in the shapes and sizes you need to get the job done. Made especially for Timbecon, Torquata even has Australia’s first triple-bladed bit for heavy duty applications. Torquata is available in jointing bits, mould and trim bits and router bit sets.

Milescraft - If it’s signmaking router bits you’re looking for, the Signpro can make professional horizontal and vertical signs.

Accessories

Router Bit Tidies - keep all of your bits in the one place and not get damaged with a tidy. Available for ½ inch and ¼ inch bits.

Bit Sharpener - a double-sided stainless steel sharpener with coarse 300 grit diamond grade for the edge and fine coarse 600 grit diamond grade for honing the primary edge.

Router Bit Lock Rings, Screws and Washers - high quality long life hardware that can be used on Torquata, CMT, Carbitool and other brands of router bits.