A router bits set is absolutely essential for any serious woodworker or enthusiast about diy projects. But firstly what is a router?
A router proper is a woodworking tool used to hollow out or rout an area on wood stock. Wood stock is simply wood that hasn’t been made into anything else yet. Routers are also used to make custom rounded surfaces and with the proper attachments, a router will do just about everything else, though hard core cutting might be a bit of a task.
Unfortunately the term router is used too often for a few tools that could not be called routers in a proper sense. This is due mainly to the various styles and options associated with routers. Typically routers come in three styles; plunge, D handled and two knobbed or two handled. If you have a router (and I’m betting you do) you no doubt have an idea of what kind of router you have.
If there are a dozen or so router styles then you have to realize that router bits come in hundreds of varieties. With these bits you can create either decorative effects or use as joinery aids. The type of bit you use will depend on the job, more bits means more options.
Router bit-HSS or Carbide Tipped
You can classify router bits as either high-speed steel (HSS) or carbide-tipped. There are solid carbide bits but they are mostly used for specialized tasks.
What they are made of isn’t the only thing that classifies bit. They can be classified as edge bits or non-edge bits as well. Edge bits have a small wheel bearing to act as a guide or guard against the materiel being worked. These bearings can be changed by using a bearing kit, which will change the diameter of the cutting edge.
Non-edge bits require the use of a fence. This can be on a router table or attached to the work or even to the router it’s self. This is important for guide, finish and safety.
Anti-kickback bits employ added non-cutting bit material around the circumference of the bit’s top. What this does is limit how fast you can push the router through the material, or vice versa. By doing this the chances of a hard- or significant kickback are limited.
Router Bit Shank
The shank of the bit is another way in which bits differ. ½ inch, 12 mm, 10 mm, 3/8 inch, 8 mm and ¼ inch and 6 mm shanks are the most common size shank. Half-inch bits are more expensive but are thicker and vibrate les, producing a smoother cut. Another advantage of a thicker shank is the less the likelihood of the bit breaking. Shank size isn’t all about options though, remember that the bit shank and router collar sizes must match.
Many routers come with adjustable or removable collets for the popular shank sizes available on the market, however custom collets can be ordered or found online.
Typical speeds for routers range from 8,000 to 30,000 revolutions per minute (rpm). The RPMs of many modern routers can be adjusted and this is very advantageous to the user. A slower rotation allows bits of larger cutting diameter to be used safely without fear of ripping or chipping the materiel.
Custom Router Bits
Custom router bits can be bought to match nearly every surface that needs to be worked. This is incredibly beneficial to home restorers who often have to match handmade molding and wood pieces without the benefit of the years an artisan had to spend developing the skill needed for the original work.
Custom router bits are rarely needed by the home enthusiast, still it’s good to know that they are just a few clicks away on the internet. Having a lot of different router bits to choose from means having a lot of options for all your woodworking projects.
