Power Tool Buying Guide for Router Bits

What Are Router Bits?

Router bits are the cutting heads that give your router its purpose. Each bit is designed to perform a specific cut, grooves, edges, joinery, decorative profiles, and more. While the router spins the motor, it’s the bit doing all the work. Choosing the right bit, in the right size and material, is key to getting clean cuts and professional results.

Router bits come in dozens of shapes, but most jobs rely on just a handful. The rest are specialty options for unique tasks or designs.

History of Router Bits

As electric routers became more common in the early 20th century, the bit industry followed. The first widespread router bits were simple steel profiles for shaping edges. Over time, manufacturers like Freud, Whiteside, and CMT refined the carbide-tipping process, dramatically increasing durability and cut quality. Today’s bits can handle hardwoods, softwoods, plywood, plastic, and even soft metals with precision—if matched properly to the task.

What They’re Used For

Router bits are used in all types of woodworking applications, including:

  • Cutting grooves, dados, or rabbets for shelving and joinery
  • Shaping clean and decorative edges
  • Trimming laminate flush to a surface
  • Cutting inlays, mortises, or dovetails
  • Creating sign lettering or carving
  • Forming custom moldings and trims

What to Look for When Buying

Bit Shank Size

  • 1/4 inch: Common on compact routers
  • 1/2 inch: More stable, less chatter, preferred for larger routers
  • Look for routers that accept both

Carbide vs. Steel

  • Carbide-tipped: Lasts longer, stays sharper, better finish
  • High-speed steel: Cheaper, dulls faster, fine for light tasks

Quality of Construction

  • Look for smooth brazing at the joint
  • Balanced bits reduce vibration and heat
  • Cheap sets tend to dull fast or chip

Bearing Guide

  • Some bits include ball-bearing guides that follow the edge of material
  • Makes it easier to cut curves or follow templates

Coating

  • Non-stick or anti-friction coatings help reduce heat and sap buildup
  • Keeps cuts cleaner and extends life of the bit

Common Types of Router Bits

Straight Bit

  • Cuts grooves, dados, or square slots
  • Available in various widths

Flush Trim Bit

  • Follows a guide surface (usually with a bearing) to trim material evenly
  • Great for laminates or pattern routing

Roundover Bit

  • Rounds sharp corners for smooth edges
  • One of the most-used bits in trim work

Chamfer Bit

  • Cuts angled bevels on the edge of boards
  • Used for decorative corners or joint accents

Rabbeting Bit

  • Cuts a step-like edge along a board
  • Used for joinery or cabinet backs

Cove Bit

  • Creates a concave edge profile
  • Common for decorative molding

Ogee Bit

  • Produces an S-shaped profile
  • sed in classic trim and panel edges

Dovetail Bit

  • Cuts interlocking joints for boxes and drawers
  • Used with a dovetail jig

V-Groove Bit

  • Carves letters, signs, or decorative lines

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Wide range of profiles for endless projects
  • Carbide bits offer long life and clean cuts
  • Compatible with both hand-held and table-mounted routers
  • Upgrade your router's versatility without changing machines

Cons

  • High-quality bits are expensive
  • Cheap bits dull fast or chip
  • Some profiles require special jigs or setups
  • Can burn wood if speeds or feed rate are off

Safety and Maintenance Tips

  • Always wear eye protection
  • Secure your workpiece to prevent kickback
  • Match bit speed to material and bit size
  • Never use a dull or damaged bit
  • Clean pitch or resin buildup with a bit cleaner or denatured alcohol
  • Store bits in a case or rack to avoid dulling edges

Who This Is For

  • Homeowners building shelves, trim, or furniture
  • DIYers creating custom wood projects
  • Pros in cabinetry, finish carpentry, and millwork

If you’re using a router, having the right set of bits makes all the difference.

FAQ

Can I use 1/4 inch shank bits in any router?

Only if the router accepts 1/4 inch collets. Some routers accept both 1/4 and 1/2 inch; others don’t.

Are router bits universal?

Most are compatible with standard routers, but always match shank size and check depth settings.

Do router bits wear out?

Yes. Even carbide bits dull over time, especially with hardwoods or MDF. You’ll know when cuts start to burn or chatter.

Final Thoughts

Router bits are where precision meets creativity. A quality set will outlast cheaper versions by years and make every pass cleaner, faster, and safer. Start with the basics—straight, roundover, flush trim—and build from there as your projects grow. With the right bits, your router becomes a workshop workhorse that can shape, carve, and finish just about anything.