Best Overall
Freud 91-100 13-Piece Super Bit Set
Best Bang For The Buck
LU&MA 24-Piece Carbide-Tipped Router Bit Set
Best for Beginners
Whiteside Machine Company 401 Basic Router Bit Set
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A router can be one of the most valuable peter for woodworking projection , but not without a bent of high - quality router mo . Different type of act let you utilise a router tool for joinery , boundary forming , decorative grooving , and much more . With hundred of router bit type to select from and score of manufacturers producing them , research and shopping could take up an inordinate amount of time that would be well spend create things . That ’s why we pass a week testing 77 router bits from seven of the best tool manufacturer in the business . In this template , we will explain the research and shopping considerations we used to narrow our list and apportion our observations from testing .
Our darling is theFreud 13 - Piece Super Bit Setbecause it curb an categorisation of the most commonly used routine profiles for grooving , joinery , and bound shaping . The bits feature premium carbide cutters for an extended working life-time and ½-inch shanks that fit firmly into most router . But that kit may not be right for your special needs , which is why we tested a mixed bag of options . Be sure to check out the full inclination to receive the best router bits for your workshop .
Our Top Picks
After sifting through scores of router bits from top creature makers , we drop several 24-hour interval prove our pickaxe . In the revaluation onward , we lay out our case for each excerpt , including the strengths and weaknesses we uncovered during examination . We trust you will use these observations as you decide which of these may be the proficient router bit for your shop .
Our Ratings : Cut Quality5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value5/5
Thebest woodwind routerneeds a mixture of router bits . you’re able to either buy one at a time to avoid squander money on second you ’ll never use or start with a general - purpose router bit put and add on as take . If you corrupt into the 2nd pick , as we do , then the Freud 13 - piece Super Bit exercise set is an excellent pick . This bent offer a mix of 13 high - quality ½-inch router scrap for rifling , jointing , trim back , and shaping . Considering that this solidification includes a variety of full-strength , mortising , orotund nose , cove , roundover , Roman ogee , chamfer , rabbet , dovetail joint , flush trim , and v - groove bits , it ’s a purchase that will also save quite a bit of money compared to buy each one severally .
The Freud router bit readiness come box in an indexed shadow box case that can be hung on a bulwark or mounted on a peter bench . The mo are suitable for cutting all composition material , including softwoods , hardwoods , and plyboard . The cutter ’ perma - shield nonstick covering reduces leaf blade drag and protects them from rake buildup and corrosion . They work with schematic handheld and board routers .
To be fair , all of the ½-inch wood router bits we tested did a fantastic job in our tests . The Freud bits produced smooth , sporty cuts and low trembling in router table and hand-held applications . It was difficult to discern operative difference between Freud , Amana , and Whiteside router bit in the same profiles to rank one above the others . Still , we selected this kit for the top spot for two reasons . First , it includes the expert mix of bit profiles for founding father who are just starting out or for experts who have bust out some of their most ordinarily used router bit . second , the $ 14.08 average Mary Leontyne Price per act was the best we could find for professional - quality ½-inch waist router bit .
Get the Freud 91 - 100 router moment atAmazon , Rockler , orWoodCraft .
LU&MA 24-Piece Carbide-Tipped Router Bit
Our rating : Cut Quality5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value5/5
The LU&MA carbide - slant router mo set includes a good variety of pinnace for edging , rifling , and trimming for the depleted price - per - spot of our entire test group . This low-cost tungsten - carbide router bit set comes tamp in an index case for easy bit identification and organization . The ¼-inch waist bits work with conventional and summary routers , while the machine - sharpen tungsten carbide - fee edges will help keep the bit sharper longer . When they dull , the bits can be resharpened to extend their working sprightliness even longer .
This readiness provides an unbelievable turn of bits for the toll . The average price of $ 1.58 per bit might be a red masthead for pros , but periodic users will most belike be totally satisfied . In our test with a hand-held trimness router , the flake do well . They grow minimal yakety-yak and dainty , clean cuts . However , we noted a variance from the Cartesian product description : The carry case was made of Al and plastic instead of wood . The case indexing include the bit name , sizing in fraction , an image of the slice outcome , and a profile image of the bit . But it was printed on paper and glue into the case , so you might regard supervene upon it with something more durable before the current one wears out .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Get the LU&MA router bits atAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Best For Beginners
Our evaluation : Cut Quality5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4.7/5
Forwood router beginnerswho are still learninghow to employ a router , a compact readiness of high - quality router bits could make the most sense . They will allow you to get well-heeled , take in confidence , recognize your pauperization , and add more bits as needed . This small stage set of Whiteside router bits admit only seven bits , but the quality of the bits more than justifies the price . Each of the seven ½-inch shank bits is made of solid carbide instead of a carbide tip . There is no need to worry about a connecter to a thin carbide tip that will eventually wear out . The entire bit can be relied on to cut swimmingly and cleanly for a foresighted time .
Although it only arrest 7 bits , the Whiteside router fleck lay admit options for canonic shaping , jointing , pattern cutting , and grooving project . Because of the limited telephone number , we examine all but one of the bits for direct comparing against matching bits from Amana and Freud . The results were outstanding . The chip held securely in the collet without slipping , produced no undesirable palpitation or yak , and slew exceptionally well . We also liked the inflexible plastic carrying case , but since the suit indexing only included a picture and moment exemplar numeral , we add the bit profile name and attribute .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Get the Whiteside Machine Company 401 router bits atAmazon , Holbren Precision Cutting Tools , orSkywayTools.com .
Best Professional
Amana Tool AMS-211 9-Piece Carbide-Tipped Router Set
To be considered professional quality , router bit have to work well out of the corner and continue doing so long after the purchase ; when the cutter finally dull , they must be resharpenable . The Amana Tool router turn sport thick , in high spirits - quality torpedo - micrograin and micrograin carbide cutters that allow for multiple resharpenings . The bit shaft and trunk are made from a unmarried piece of solid bar stock , manufactured in a single clamping for superscript symmetry , balance , preciseness , and centricity . The cutting tip is attached to the bit physical structure using silver evocation brazing that provides maximal carbide soldering forcefulness . in the end , the shank are laser etched with size , maximum revolutions per minute , and clamp depth .
The Amana router bits performed beautifully with tranquil , balanced rotation ; no chatter ; and precise cutting . In our tests of six matching snatch each , we were unable to verify a clean functioning winner among Amana , Whiteside , and Freud router scrap . We named Amana best for professionals because of the cloth and construction particular , which indicate a longer expected working life sentence after recapitulate resharpenings . In a surprising minor disappointment , these bits , with arguably the skillful overall form quality , have a confusing nominate conventionalism . The model issue and the product name indicate an “ 11 - piece ” set , but there are only nine bit in the circle . Also , the nice wooden shadow box typesetter’s case has no index to indicate the second visibility shapes or dimensions , so we added those for our convenience .
Get the Amana Tool AMS-211 router bits atAmazon , Tools Today , orUS Tool and Fastener .
Photo: Amazon
Best For Trim Router
Bosch 15-Piece Mixed Router Bit Set
Compact trim routers and cordless routers command bits with smaller ¼-inch shanks , and Bosch makes some of the best . This set of 15 carbide - tipped router routine offers the benefits of precision cutting and durability . They feature premium micrograin carbide tips that have been heat - treat for an extra - fine finish and amend wear impedance . in full hardened tempered steel shanks offer outstanding durability . These bits are design with an anti - friction covering that minimizes residue buildup while exercise with softwoods , hardwoods , and Sir Henry Joseph Wood complex .
In a side - by - side comparison with the other ¼-inch bits in our tryout group , the Bosch 15 - piece mixed router bit set surpass . These bits offered the smoothest press cutting power and the least quiver of the grouping , both in handheld app and when used in the router table . The cuts were systematically clean , and the chip balk drop away in the ferrule .
Get the Bosch router bits atAmazonorLowe ’s .
Photo: Amazon
Best For Flattening Slabs
SpeTool Spoilboard Surfacing Shank Router Bit
Our Ratings : Cut Quality4.7/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4.3/5
flatten innate wood slab and CNC spoil add-in requires a sharp , tough bit . Router bits like the SpeTool spoilboard surfacing waist router piece give woodworkers a absolved path to systematically clean-living cuts and more precise flattening over the life of the bit . The 2½-inch diameter 4 - wing bit is also perfect for trimming and rifling . This act is equipped with four replaceable carbide pinnace , each quantify 12 millimetre marvellous by 12 millimeters spacious by 2.2 mm thick . Because all four edges are sharp , the ship’s boat can be rotated four meter for freshly penetrating swerve edges . Once dulled after the fourth rotation , only instal a new exercise set of cutter inset . The universal bit work on hardwood , softwood , plywood , medium - density particle board ( MDF ) , low - density fiberboard ( LDF ) , fibreboard , and plastic .
In our tests , the SpeTool spoilboard flatten bit did a heavy job resurface several test boards , and it was easy to keep . Because the extra - wide bit diameter made it dangerous and ineffective to use on the router table , we used a router sled for examination . After removing about ⅜ inch of weather pallet wood surface , the result was smooth and ready for sand . Although the cutters had not dulled noticeably , we rotated them for another cutting and got similar final result . The cutters hold securely on the bit , and the bit held securely in the router . This router cutting flake offers excellent performance for a fraction of the toll of similar bits from other mark .
Photo: Amazon
Get the SpeTool spoilboard router bit atAmazonorSpeTool .
Best For Cutting Circles
Whiteside Machine Company RU5150 Up Cut Spiral Bit
When router cut a roofy in instinctive wood , as opposed to MDF or plywood , the spot cuts with the grain , across the caryopsis , and against the grain in the same operation . That is the ideal scenario for the shear - cutting natural process of a spiral router bit , which makes the clean cut with the least risk of tearing . The Whiteside Machine Company up - cut helical bit cuts clean and fluid in any focal point to the food grain and has the add up advantage of withdraw cow dung from the groove , like a drill fleck .
The solid carbide Whiteside bit made quick body of work of circle patterns we marked on oak , pine , and plywood bit . The first three cuts were exceedingly clean-living around all of the edges and on the bottom surface . Then we launch it through the bottom of the true pine , which would have been unsufferable with a unbowed scrap , and cut around again for a terminated cutout . Again , the edge were super clean and neat . We appreciate the nimble lightness , fast cutting , and repeatability this bit provided , even if it was a bit more expensive than other less adequate to options , such as a two - flute consecutive fleck .
Get the Whiteside Machine Company RU5150 router bit atAmazon , Woodcraft , orHolbren Precision Cutting Tools .
Photo: Amazon
Best For Jointing
Amana Tool 45441 Carbide-Tipped Straight Plunge Bit
The strongesttypes of forest jointsrequire an sharpness with two savourless faces at 90 - academic degree slant . When using the router table as a jointing plane , a unbowed bit does the job nicely . The Amana Tool carbide - bung straight plunge router bit features a two - fluted design for outstandingly unclouded sharpness cut and a plunge summit that allow you to seamlessly flip from bound joint to edit out mortice and tenon joints . The ¾-inch diameter and 2 - inch cutting summit make it a suitable pick for use with aplunge router or a restore - baserouter in most project using hardwood , deal , MDF , or plywood .
In our tests , the Amana Tool straightplunge routerbit made perfect edges and clean groove underside in all of the trial material . The ½-inch cannon prevented slide in the collet chuck , while the cutter quickly hog out the textile . As with the bits in the Amana bit set that we tested , this one made full , effective economic consumption of the 2.5 H.P. router we used for examination . It act upon fast and clean without slipshod chatter or quivering . Since most buyers probably have a storage system , this one comes in a round-eyed throw - away plastic sleeve . If you are just getting geared up , the want of a storage and trade protection solution could be problematic . That could be a good next woodworking project .
Get the Amana Tool 45441 router bit atAmazon , ToolsToday , orBallewSaw.com .
Photo: Amazon
Best Flush Trim
SpeTool Carbide Compression Flush Trim Router Bit
Our Ratings : Cut Quality5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4.3/5
One of the popular applications of flush clipping router bit is cutting material to equalize a templet . The SpeTool carbide compression flush - trimming router snatch includes several design features that make it an ideal choice for the job , whether the templet is above or below the workpiece . The ¼-inch cannon fit heavyset and established routers , while the ½-inch by 1 - inch cutter is suitable for most projects using nominal 1 - inch - thick cloth . Bearings at the top and bottom of the cutter provide maximum work flexibility .
One of the most unique benefits is the compression - pattern carbide cutting surface . The alone design cut downward at the top and upwards at the bottom , forcing chip toward the inside so that the upper and lower aerofoil come up out utterly without splinters or fraying . This is particularly helpful when dilute laminated pieces .
Photo: Amazon
We went back to our circle cuts to test this bit . Where the former cut made with the up - voluted bite was quite clear , it had a shear slant matching the wick of that turn . We wanted to feather the bound to the surfaces . The risk of using a straight bit for the undertaking is breakage upon encountering woodgrain running counter to the router ’s direction . Using a trimness router and a circle template ⅛ inch larger than the exist cut , in both top- and bottom - mount constellation , the SpeTool compaction flush trim mo delivered staring answer .
Get the SpeTool compaction router bit atAmazonorSpeTool .
Best Roundover
Freud 89-152 5-Piece Round Over Router Bit Set
round out over is one of the most pop edging applications in woodworking , but unlike labor property call for big or smaller profile diameters . The Freud five - piece round over router bit lay has you traverse . It let in five bits in ⅛-inch , ¼-inch , ⅜-inch , ½-inch , and ¾-inch cutting spoke to undertake most small and midsize project need .
In prevent with the brand ’s reputation , this circle offers excellent note value . Each bit is computer balanced and precision ground for the smoothest possible cuts . The cutters are ready to work in round out over applications , and with the carbide cut edge extending ⅛ inch above and below the circular visibility , the included ⅜-inch bearing can be used to convince any of the morsel into a pearl profile . The set comes in an indexed shadow box pillowcase that can be mounted on a wall or bench for leisurely admittance .
put to work with eithera router tableor a hand-held router , we found that these second made clean , precise edges . They match firmly into the collet without slipping or tickle excessively , which made them well-situated to work with and easy to control . For an medium cost of $ 24.52 per bit , it was one of the best deals useable for a kit of this sort . We were happy to note that it exceeded our expectations .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Freud 89 - 152 router spot atAmazon , Rockler , Woodcraft , orToolNut .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Router Bits
We separated the ¼-inch mo from the ½-inch bits so as to create a middling comparing . For the ½-inch bits , we used a 14 - amp fixed / plunge combo router ; router table ; and scrap pieces of true pine , oak tree , and birch rod plyboard . We test the ¼-inch bits with a 5.5 - adenylic acid fixed - base trimming router , along with the lumber and plywood scraps . We tested the same six bits from each of the larger sets : straight , cove , roundover , chase , rabbeting , and affluent trim . later , we tested the unmarried bits and two bits from the roundover Seth . We used the examination bits to make four foresighted cuts in each of the different fabric and then noted our observations with regard to sharpness , balance , consistency , and relief of use . afterwards , we compiled our notes on a grading rubric .
What to Consider When Choosing Router Bits
A router is one of thebest rotary tooltypes for wood project when equipped with the good ship’s boat . While shopping for a raw set of scrap for your router tool , be sure to understand the dissimilar type , construction details , and essential features . The follow considerations will assist you decide which router bits you need .
Types of Router Bits
For general woodwork needs , a router with bit for grooving , jointing , formation , and pattern cutting is idealistic . router can use hundred of different bits , each of which is intended for a specific purpose . The most commontypes of router bitsinclude straight , fin - vallecula , rabbet , dovetail , flush trim , glue joint , rounding over , molding , romish ogee , cove , and chamfer bits . The good choice for you will bet on how you plan to use the router and the textile the bit needs to go through .
Straight Router Bits
The straight router bit is one of the most frequently used routine , and it ’s available in a kind of diam from 3/16 in to 1½ inches . A square bit is primarily used to make a groove or wainscot straight down into the material . It can also be used to hollow out an area of the textile for a mortise or inlay .
Photo: Amazon
Flush - trim router bits have a pilot film charge that guide the turn during cutting . The pilot armorial bearing is the same sizing as the bit ’s cutting wheel spoke so that flush - trimming bits can be used to trim the edge of one stuff to be affluent with that of another . Examples of this bit in use include trim a veneer surface to sit flush with an underlie layer or slue shelf edging to size .
Rabbeting Router Bits
Rabbeting router bits are used specifically to cut a rebate ( mountain pass or shoulder joint ) into the edge of a textile . These scrap use a pilot burner armorial bearing to point them along the material ’s side so that the rabbets produced are accurately and every bit cut . Most router mo sets will have a range of airplane pilot bearings so that one rebate bit can veer a sort of rabbet sizes .
Photo: Amazon
Chamfer bits make angled cut across a turning point to remove a 90 - level boundary and create an attractive design or to hit a banged - up edge and render the material to a straight bound cut . Chamfer router bits can also organise a beveled edge for employment in cabinetmaking .
boundary - form Router Bits
border - forming router number come in a mixed bag of profile , each designed to cut a decorative edge into a fabric . Popular edge - forming bits include the chase .
Photo: Amazon
Molding router bits are large versions of boundary - forming router bits . They are used to create architectural moulding profiles and may incorporate multiple edge - forming profiles into a individual bit . Due to their size , they are well used with a table router .
Stile and Rail Bits
Stile and track router bits are principally used for form and panel mental synthesis . The bits feature a decorative sharpness visibility and a square visibility for edit out a slot in the stile ( or erect piece of the frame ) . They also make a like cut at the remainder of the rail or horizontal piece of the frame so that the rail can slot into the stile . These bits are sell as a dyad to complete both cuts or as a unmarried bit that can be used for both cuts .
raise panel bits , which are either perpendicular or horizontal , are oft used with stile and track bits to create a profiled edge on a doorway jury .
Joinery Bits
Joinery router bits are specialized to bring out a precision joint that can easy attach two materials , such as the marijuana cigarette in a drawer or java table . Specialized joinery bit include dovetail joint router bits , drawer lock chamber router bits , finger’s breadth joint bits , and lock mitre bits .
Project Type
The eccentric of task you ’re working on will argue the kind of turn require . Whether you are building a room access frame or giving the edge of a wooden table a new profile , you ’ll want a stile and rails router snatch or an edge - forming router bit .
The type of stuff will also help determine the flake you need . you could easy tackle deal with a eminent - speed brand or carbide - tip router bit , but some hardwoods and metals may expect a solid carbide bit to provide a uncontaminating stopping point .
Beginners who are new to using a router can expect the possibleness that they will separate the first router bite used relatively chop-chop . Better technique will fall with experience , but if this is the subject , then the project might matter less than the price . tyro will first want to try inexpensive router bits until they become more proficient with the dick .
Material
In general , almost all router bit feature article either gamy - speed blade ( HSS ) or carbide .
Shank Size
The cannon on a router scrap is the cylindric part that run short into the router ’s collet . All router bits come in with either a ¼-inch or a ½-inch stem , and many routers have interchangeable collets to accept both size , though some only accept ¼-inch shank .
Sharpness
The sharpness of a router bit order the turn ’s ability to cut through the stuff well . A dull chip will shrink a router ’s effectiveness , do burns in the material , and leave you with a poor stopping point that you ’ll require to smooth with sandpaper or a file . A sharp router act cuts through quickly , manoeuver optimally , without leaving scorch marks behind .
All new router bit should be factory sharpened , but this can be hard to see when purchase a Modern set . However , you’re able to research router bits to find ones you’re able to repeatedly taper to observe a thin cutting edge . This will give up you to either focalise them yourself or take them to a professional so that your bits are always needlelike and quick for your next undertaking .
Number of Pieces Included
Before selecting any Cartesian product , make certain you know what you are getting . The router bit set should place the identification number of bits in the outfit , their sizing , and the visibility types include .
Knowing this selective information provide you to choose a reasonably priced bent for the number of bits in the appeal . You will also do it whether a 24 - piece set comes with 20 straight moment and four rabbet fleck or if it includes a extensive potpourri of bit so you’re able to harness your next project with confidence .
FAQs
If you still call for help determining which router routine you need , check out these pop questions and their answers below .
To use a router bit , you ’ll want to properly attach it to a router and work on the fabric and project that the bit is intend for to control the best issue . Using a router requires preciseness and patience to adequately align the router and slowly course it through the textile , allowing the rotating router bit to operate at its optimum exponent . Forcing the router through the material may get the cut done faster , but you risk snap the router bit off due to inordinate force , and you are likely to char the textile and give it an odd sharpness that will want to be sanded or smoothed . or else , utilise shallow , wearisome passes to get the best cut , working your way deeper into the cloth with each base on balls .
Router morsel can quickly become coated in resin when working with wood that are course very resinous , like pine tree . Jack , dust , and other miscellaneous dust can also broil onto the bite , interfere with the router ’s operation and the woodwind ’s finish . Regular cleaning of the bits take care of this payoff . start by picking up a router bit and resin cleaner online or from your local hardware store . The solution should be in good order prepare according to the producer ’s passport and then spray or sweep generously all over the cutting edges of the router bits . permit the morsel stand for 10 to 15 minutes with this coating , then proceed to scrub the act clean with a toothbrush or plaque telegram brush under a stream of warm water . After washing , dry out the bits properly and consider using oil color to coat the bit and protect against erosion .
The cut edge will dull with usage . If you point out that the flake cut slower or requires more force per unit area than it did when it was novel , or if it make burn mark in the wood , it is softened .
Take router bits to a professional sharpener to give them the best edge for the job . They will maintain the proper cut of meat and shape of the morsel while returning it to like - new sharpness . However , if you’re able to not take the mo to a sharpener , you’re able to use baseball field hone to remove a thin bed from the cutting vane ’s two edges . lube the ball field hone with water and lay the flat side of the spot against it . Stroke the piece back and onward across the hone , removing thin layers of the number with each pass until the cutting edge is returned . To keep the bit balanced , be indisputable to stroke both sides of the bit an adequate number of times .
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a ware examiner and author with an blanket background in the nursery and landscaping industry . He kept his tool box well buy in so as to build or reanimate fences , walls , irrigation systems , and equipment on any given day . Now he quiz and writes reviews about the late hand tools , lawn - care ware , outdoor power equipment , and other outdoor - live goodness .
Additional research provided by Timothy Dale .
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