Router bit profiles cause some confusion for woodworking enthusiasts who are not quite sure of the full range of bit profiles available.
Lets take a look at the most common and popular router bit profiles commonly used and their purpose..
Firstly, what are routers?
Routers are used to hollow out areas on a piece of wood. In terms of a project, router bits are needed to create a different shape to a wood surface for decoration or stability. Depending on the style needed, a different bit may be recommended. Below are a collection of common router bit profiles and their uses.
Ogee Bit
An ogee bit creates a curved S shape cut along an outer edge. This look is often used to add elegance to furniture or other decorative wood projects. Ogee router bit profiles would include a few variations, some with pointed edges at the center and others with straight shoulders along the sides.
Round Nose Bit
The round nose bit is often used for decorative accents. This bit creates a curved groove along a flat surface. One note that should be made on all round nose router bit profiles is their engraving capability, often used to add lettering or symbols for personalization.
Straight Cutting Bit
The straight cutting bit, or dado bit, is used to form a squared off groove. Sizes may vary, depending on the depth and width needed. The dado is generally not as decorative and is often used to join pieces of wood together. Among router bit profiles, the straight cutting bit offers the most utilitarian appearance.
Cove Bit
The cove bit offers a plain, rounded edge to any wood surface. The sizes found in cove router bit profiles vary, but all create a smooth, curved edge. This bit is popular for use with drop leaf tables, forming half of the rule joint.
Rabbeting Bit
The rabbeting bit creates a groove very similar to the straight edge bit. The difference is the rabbet is created along the edge, leaving one side of the groove open. This type of groove is ideal for fitting objects or other pieces of wood snugly into the finished product. For example, a picture frame might use a rabbet to provide a seat that secures the photo inside the frame.
Chamfer Bit
Chamfer bits are used to carve a 45 degree angle along an edge. These can serve a number of purposes and also vary in size and depth. When shopping Chamfer router bit profiles, look for products that include a ball bearing guide. These can add accuracy to wood cutting and not all bits come with one.
