Router bits are a key component in the tool box of any woodworker, either professional or enthusiastic amateur. This page will answer many of the most common questions about router bits. So lets get started..
Parts of A Router Bit
What are the parts of a router bit is a common question so..the parts of a router bit are
1. The shank
2. The length of the router bit
3. Cutting length
4. Diameter
5. Ball bearing(also known as pilots)
6. Radius
7. Collet (the sleeve that grips the shank on a router bit)
The ball bearing ensures that the cutting edge of the bit at a predetermined distance from the edge of the wood. Bits which are piloted do not need an edge guide to keep them in place while cutting.
Types of Router Bits
Router bits generally come in two broad categories-high speed steel or carbide tipped bits. You can also get solid carbide bits which are the most expensive but are brittle and can break quite easily; the advantages of carbide tipped router bits is that they are heat resistant, hence they last longer and keep their edge longer than steel tipped router bits.
Router Bits Generally
To install your router bit correctly you never insert it in the whole way-you need to just ensure that the shank of the router bit is in total contact with the collet jaws.
Router bit shanks are generally ½ inch or ¼ inch in diameter and ½ inch shanks are safer as they are more stable and less likely to break. You will find that large bits tend to be only available in ½ inch diameters for this reason. A lot of large routers come equipped with two collets which allows them to accept either the ½ inch or ¼ inch shank.
You can get all sorts of routers for your woodworking jobs, the most popular being either plunge routers or fixed base routers which keeps the bit in a fixed vertical spot whilst working. The plunge router is a router which is used at the start of the cutting operation and with the power on has a safe vertical bit movement.
Solid Carbide Router Bits
Solid carbide router bits are ideal for making plunge cuts and are similar to drill bits but they are more expensive than the more commonly available carbide tipped bits. A carbide tipped bit is a bit which is essentially made of hardened steel with a carbide bit and this combination ensures the best combination of workability, safety and longevity. Solid carbide does allow the manufacture of more bit profiles and patterns though so it does have it’s benefits.
Caring for your router bits
Caring for your router bits will involve some common sense tips such as
- Keep them clean-use lacquer thinner or white spirits or oven cleaner. Don’t however soak the bearing in a cleaning agent as this can result in the removal of the lubricant in the ball bearing guides
- Pack them away safely and a good router bit case is ideal for this (carbide is very easy to scratch or damage
- Use a light spray lubricant such as oil to your router bits every now and again as this provides some protection for them.
Using your router bits
What speed you should run your router bits at is a common question and generally you need to strike the best balance between speed and feed rate. Anything up to 2 inches in diameter you can run at full speed; thereafter this will give you a good guide-
4 inch-11,000 rpm
3.5 inches-12,500 rpm
3 inches-14,500 rpm
2.5 inches- 17,500 rpm
Leading Router Bit Brands
Leading router bit brands include Whiteside, Amana, Dremel, Bosch, Porter Cable, CMT, Freud and Skil. You can check out reviews of router bits from these companies elsewhere on this site.
