Routers are without a doubt one of the most important tools for woodworking.
But without router bits, a router is as useless as a shovel without a handle.
With the vast number of bits on the market, choosing the right router bits can be quite overwhelming.
If this is your first experience with routers, a good starter base of router bits (depending on your needs) would include 8 basic bits that we have divided in two groups: Technical and Decorative Molding TECHNICAL: These are the types used for tenons, mortises, grooves, furrows, slots, etc.
The straight 1/4" bit is very useful for trimming furrows for hinges...
as an example.
The reduced diameter of this bit allows for easy control of the router.
This straight bit is the most useful of basics when you want to work in the center of a piece...
whether it be for grooving and even for engraving.
With time you will add larger diameters to your set of straight router bits.
The next technical bits which are a must for anyone wanting to build furniture, and more specifically for creating mortises in your basic set are: The straight 1/2" diameter, and the 1/2" mortise.
Note that the mortise bit is better suited to get rid of shavings.
Also keep in mind that mortises in furniture building are usually 1/2" in width.
Also realize that you can still create 1/2" mortises with a very standard drill bit.
Another technical bit which should be part of your basic arsenal, and is indispensable when creating grooves, furrows, or slots, is the one shown in the image.
This router bit has three chiseling knives of 1/4" in width, by 1 1/2" in diameter.
This one does not come in a basic set.
It usually has to be purchased individually.
If your going to be doing any melamine work, as part of your basic router bits, you will need two basic trimming bits.
The straight trimming bit used to trim edges, and the 7 degree angle to 15 degree angle bit used for trimming corners.
MOLDING BITS: The most common of all molding bits is the "quarter round" bit for the purpose of making a variety of 1/4" designs on any piece of wood.
There's also the 3/8" width "quarter round" which should be part of your basic router bits.
To see the images accompanying this article you need to visit Router Bits Explained.
But without router bits, a router is as useless as a shovel without a handle.
With the vast number of bits on the market, choosing the right router bits can be quite overwhelming.
If this is your first experience with routers, a good starter base of router bits (depending on your needs) would include 8 basic bits that we have divided in two groups: Technical and Decorative Molding TECHNICAL: These are the types used for tenons, mortises, grooves, furrows, slots, etc.
The straight 1/4" bit is very useful for trimming furrows for hinges...
as an example.
The reduced diameter of this bit allows for easy control of the router.
This straight bit is the most useful of basics when you want to work in the center of a piece...
whether it be for grooving and even for engraving.
With time you will add larger diameters to your set of straight router bits.
The next technical bits which are a must for anyone wanting to build furniture, and more specifically for creating mortises in your basic set are: The straight 1/2" diameter, and the 1/2" mortise.
Note that the mortise bit is better suited to get rid of shavings.
Also keep in mind that mortises in furniture building are usually 1/2" in width.
Also realize that you can still create 1/2" mortises with a very standard drill bit.
Another technical bit which should be part of your basic arsenal, and is indispensable when creating grooves, furrows, or slots, is the one shown in the image.
This router bit has three chiseling knives of 1/4" in width, by 1 1/2" in diameter.
This one does not come in a basic set.
It usually has to be purchased individually.
If your going to be doing any melamine work, as part of your basic router bits, you will need two basic trimming bits.
The straight trimming bit used to trim edges, and the 7 degree angle to 15 degree angle bit used for trimming corners.
MOLDING BITS: The most common of all molding bits is the "quarter round" bit for the purpose of making a variety of 1/4" designs on any piece of wood.
There's also the 3/8" width "quarter round" which should be part of your basic router bits.
To see the images accompanying this article you need to visit Router Bits Explained.
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