A beginner’s guide to choosing router bits

You’ve finally got that new router, and you’re eager to use it. High-tech as it is,
though, it’s toothless without router bits. But which should you buy? If you haven’t
used a router much, the options can be dizzying. Here’s what you need to know.

First, router bits come in many profiles. That’s Chamfer bits: These
the term for the shape of the cutting edge. Here are bits cut a bevel of a
some of the most common: particular angle to ease
or decorate the edges
Straight bits: of a surface. They
A workshop staple, these also can create the
Chamfer
bits make cuts straight beveled edges needed
bits
into a material to form a to join multi-sided
groove or dado (a groove constructions.
across the wood grain)
or to hollow out an area Edge-forming bits:
for a mortise or inlay. Straight bit As the name suggests,
They come in a variety of edge-forming bits are
diameters and lengths. most often used to cut
a decorative edge. For
Rabbeting bits: Guided by example, round-over
a spinning pilot bearing bits cut a rounded edge
at the tip, these bits are of a particular radius
designed specifically to (such as 1/8" or 1/4");
cut a rabbet (shoulder) in ogee bits cut variations
the edge of a workpiece of an S-shaped profile;
often used to join pieces. edge-beading bits cut a
They can be purchased in a quarter- or half-circle
set that includes bearings profile (called a bead); Round-over/
of different diameters, Rabbeting and cove bits cut a beading bit
allowing a single bit bit concave quarter-circle.
to produce rabbets of Many edge-forming bits include a pilot bearing. In
different sizes. most cases, these bits are used for final decoration of
a project where edges have already been established
Flush-trim bits: As the and can serve as guides for the bit.
name suggests, these bits
are used to trim the edge Specialized bits: This category includes bits
of one material flush dedicated to specific tasks. Examples are molding
with the edge of another bits, which incorporate multiple edge-forming
– for example, trimming profiles into a single bit; stile-and-rail bits, which are
a veneered surface used to shape the frame pieces in frame-and-panel
flush with a substrate or constructions such as cabinet doors; and raised-panel
using a pattern to create Flush-trim bits, which shape the edges of a door panel to fit into
multiple identical pieces. bit the corresponding slot in the frame’s stiles and rails.
They usually are guided These bits are somewhat large and can be used safely
by a pilot bearing that’s the same diameter as the only in a table-mounted router. Other specialized bits
cutter. The bearing may be at the tip of the bit or at include dovetail bits, drawer-lock bits, finger-joint
the base. bits and lock-miter bits. 
 Second, there are two
common sizes of router
bit shanks: 1/4" and 1/2".
Many routers come with
interchangeable 1/4" and 1/2"
collets so that either size bit
can be used, but some accept
only 1/4" shank bits. Whenever
possible, use bits with 1/2"
shanks. They provide better
stability with less vibration,
and they typically produce a
smoother cut and have longer cutter life. Except
for very small and very large profiles, router bits
typically are available in both shank diameters. Rockler’s boxed 5-piece starter set (#29047)

Third, most router bits have solid-carbide or set, consider buying a couple of straight bits (maybe
carbide-tipped cutting edges. Most of the profile bits 1/4", 1/2" and 3/4"); a few round-over bits (1/8" and
will have carbide cutters, which are harder than steel 1/4"); a rabbeting bit with interchangeable bearings
and will hold an edge longer – 10 to 25 times longer of different sizes; a 45° chamfer bit; and an ogee bit.
– but also are more brittle. So while carbide-tipped A convenient and economical option is to buy
bits are preferable, you must handle and store them a set, such as Rockler’s five-piece carbide-tipped
carefully to avoid chipping the cutters. starter bit set (Item #29047). It includes a rabbeting
bit with four bearings to cut 1/2", 7/16", 3/8" and
Fourth, there are visible signs of quality. 5/16" rabbets; a 3/4" x
While you can’t assess some factors by eye – such 1" long straight bit; a
as the hardness and quality of the carbide or the 3/8" radius x 5/8" high
bit’s overall balance, there are things you can look round-over bit; a 45° x
for. High-quality router bits have carbide cutters 1/2" chamfer bit; and
that have been sharpened to a fine edge and that a 5/32" radius x 15/32"
are thick enough to allow for multiple regrindings. Roman ogee bit.  All have
The brazing that joins the carbide tip to the bit will 1/2" shanks to reduce
appear even.  And high-quality bits will incorporate chatter and provide
a design that minimizes the risk of workpiece maximum performance.
kickback. These anti-kickback bits have more body Rockler’s round-over/ Rockler also offers
mass, and their enlarged bodies prevent the bits from beading bit set (#60683) sets of carbide-tipped
biting too deeply and catching on the material. The straight bits in the
greater body mass also helps to dissipate heat and most popular diameters (Item #20064 and #60579)
keep the bits sharp longer. and a set of undersized plywood bits matched to the
Finally, price can be an indicator of quality. The actual thickness of 1/4", 1/2" and 3/4" plywood (Item
old saw applies: In general, you get what you pay for. #60788), as well as sets of rabbeting bits (Item #91595
Here at Rockler, we offer our own line of router bits and #91584) and round-over/beading bits (Item
designed for the serious woodworker. Rockler bits #60683) with interchangeable bearings of different
are made with thicker, high-quality carbide and are sizes.
sharpened with fine diamond abrasives. They also
are precision-balanced and designed for superior Another consideration is whether you will be
chip ejection. We’re confident that our router bits mounting your router in a table for some operations
will provide safe and smooth cutting for a long time. or exclusively making handheld cuts. Some bits can
That’s why we offer an unconditional guarantee. be safely operated only in a table-mounted router
with a variable-speed feature. So, for example, if
Now that you know the basics, there are a few you want to make a cabinet with frame-and-panel
more things to think about in choosing router bits. construction, you’ll need to buy or build a router
table before you can safely use the stile-and-rail bits
Ask yourself a few questions: Are you buying and panel-raising bits required for such a project.
with a specific project in mind? Or are you just trying
to assemble a starter set? For each bit, are you likely Finally, be sure to match the shank size of the
to use it only occasionally, or will it get a workout bit to the collet size of your router. If your router
every day? How much do you have or want to spend? will accept either size, go with 1/2" shanks for
If you have a project in mind, choose the bit that increased safety and performance. If not, buy the
is best suited to the job. If you’re assembling a starter size that fits your router.