Selecting A Router Bit Set

The Router Bits every wood worker should own

The best way to get started with your router is to buy a basic set of bits. This will provide the basic bits that are most commonly used in the shop. The router bit set should have a variety of profiles so you can perform a wide range of cuts. Look for both profiling bits with a guide bearing such as a round over or chamfer bit. Also look for bits that can cut in the middle of the board, bits like a straight cutting bit and dovetail bit.

I recommend seven bits in a set. These are going to be the bits that allow you the most variety. As you learn and want to start building more complex projects you can buy bits to perform specific tasks. Below are descriptions of those seven bits and their basic functions.

Straight Cutting or Mortising Bit

This type of bit comes in several sizes starting around 1/2" and ranging up to 1-1/4". 3/4" is very common and will work for most purposes. Use this router bit when mortising out hinges for doors or when cutting dados. A straight cutting bit leaves a smooth flat bottom which makes it a poor choice for plunge cutting. A spiral cutting bit is better suited for plunge cuts.

Dovetail Router Bit

Dovetail bits are primarily for cutting joints. Use with a dovetail jig to cut perfect dovetail corners for chests and drawers. This bit is available in several different angles and a variety of sizes.

Round Over Bit

This profiling bit cuts a rounded profile onto the edge of a piece of stock. Available in a number of sizes this router bit also has a bearing on the bottom to guide it around the perimeter of a board. This is a very common profile for table and desk tops.

Cove Bit

A cove bit does the opposite of a round over bit. It cuts a smooth concave cove into your stock. A cove bit also uses a bearing to follow the contours of the stock. Available in a variety of sizes, cove bits can add a nice decorative feature to desk tops and chair legs. When using larger size cove bits make successive passes gradually taking more wood off until the desired profile is reached.

Chamfering Bits

A chamfer is an angled profile. Chamfer bits are available in several angles with 45° being the most common. This profiling bits has a guide bearing to follow the edge of the piece being cut and is commonly used on laminate countertops and cabinets.

Ogee Bits

An ogee is a cove and a round over. This bit makes a wonderful decorative feature for a wide variety of projects. This bit has a guide bearing and can be used effectively freehand or with a router table.

Beading Bit

This bit cuts a bead with a small bevel above and below it. A beading bit take a bit of testing before making your final cut. Adjusting the height of the bit will help equal the size of the upper bevel with the lower bevel. This is an ideal router bit for shelves, casing and trim.

These seven router bits will do almost any cut you will need when starting out with a router.

It is better to try and get router bits with a 1/2" shank rather than a 1/4". If you are buying a larger bit that removes a lot of wood then a 1/2" shank if almost mandatory. This larger shank size will provide more strength to the bit and reduce vibrations, this results in a smoother cut.

Always get router bits that have a carbide cutting surface. Carbide is much harder then the alternative, steel, and will hold its edge longer. Steel starts out cutting well but will loose their edge quicker then carbide.