WHAT IS A ROUTER BIT?
A router bit may be a cutting implement used with a router to rout out (or hollow out) areas within the surface of a usually onerous work. though routers and router bits ar additional ordinarily employed in woodwork applications like woodwork and trade, these cutting tools can even perform in metals, plastics and varied different materials. basically, though, these cutters ar accustomed produce joinery aids (like a dovetail joint) or to brighten work items with ornamental or ornate effects (like fashioned edges, knotty inlays or surface work). With the correct router bit, users will cut, trim, and form work pieces with staggering versatility; these bits ar offered in varied profiles and may be custom invented to form just about any profile conceivable.
TYPES OF ROUTER BIT
Of course, there ar many alternative sorts of router bit and though all of them serve identical general purpose, they every do various things and accomplish totally different results. a decent router bit, though, ought to be sharp, ought to retain its sharp edge, and will be balanced; this produces a small amount which will last longer and can "chatter" or vibrate less throughout use. Conversely, bits of lesser quality tend to wear quicker, chip easier, and chatter additional sharply. the subsequent, then, may be a basic breakdown of however router bits ar most typically classified and their several routing applications.
Cutter Type:
For the foremost half, router bits may be divided into 3 major types: fluted cutters, profile cutters and coiling cutters. Fluted cutters ar used for border and trimming, profile cutters ar used for trimming and shaping, and coiling cutters, whereas largely employed in additional simply machined (softer) materials, ar designed for trimming, shaping and drilling. Of course, among these 3 teams, bits may be (and are) additional specifically classified - this may be mirrored in larger detail below.
Construction:
Similarly, drill bits ar typically invented with one amongst 3 compositions: solid tool steel (HSS), inorganic compound tips, or solid inorganic compound. HSS bits ar the smallest amount expensive; they uninteresting additional quickly and, consequently, ar used primarily to trim laminate or for add softer workpieces. inorganic compound tipped bits ar the foremost universal bit sort as they're additional sturdy and perform (at least) moderately well all told applications. Of course, these ar dearer than HSS bits, however they're equip to manage more durable materials and that they retain their sharp edges for extended periods. Solid inorganic compound bits, mutually would assume, ar the foremost pricy and highest-performing bit sort. whereas some may argue that their solid inorganic compound construction is superfluous, they're sturdy and deliver stunning results. due to their price, though, solid inorganic compound bits ar usually employed by solely the foremost practiced woodworkers.
Router bits can even be classified as edge bits, non-edge bits, or anti-kickback bits. Edge bits embrace atiny low wheel bearing that acts as a fence against every workpiece; these wheel bearings may be modified to change the diameter of the leading edge. Non-edge bits don't have this wheel bearing and so a fence (either connected to the work, the router itself or to the router table) should be used with these bits. Anti-kickback bits, on another hand, feature non-cutting material close the bit's "shoulders." this extra girth round the bit limits the fabric feed rate that, in turn, protects the work from over-eager bit progress. This reduces the danger of bribe that happens once a small amount bites and catches the fabric it's cutting. this is often typically the results of material feeding too quickly. The girth of ant-kickback bits conjointly permits the bit to remain cooler that reduces the probability of burnishing and permits the bit to higher retain its sharpness.
Shank:
Router bits also are differentiated by the diameter of their shank or the portion of the bit that matches into the router collet. Shank sizes ordinarily vary from regarding 1/2" to regarding 3/8." though 1/2" shank bits ar usually dearer, they're conjointly the foremost common because the thickness of their shank lends sturdiness (in their stiffness) and conjointly less vibration throughout use. Bits of a smaller shank diameter tend to be less sturdy and additional chattery. Altogether, a 1/2" shank bit can typically deliver the smoothest cuts and because of their larger rigidity, several larger profile bits ar solely offered with this 1/2" shank. Similarly, some smaller or additional specialised bits ar solely offered with a 1/4" shank.
The shank of a router bit and a router collet should have identical diameter to be used along. Of course, collets of various diameters ar offered for purchase and ar often enclosed with the router itself. Adapters may additionally be purchased to assist totally different bit shank sizes match additional well.
Speed:
In order to chop, trim, and form with efficiency, router bits spin at terribly high speeds (ranging from around eight,000 rev to thirty,000 RPM). as a result of router bits ar formed and sized otherwise, though, all router bits can't / shouldn't spin at identical speeds. for instance, as a result of larger bits have additional girth and weight spinning regarding, they even have a way larger potential to vibrate or be, in another capability, out of management. Larger bits, then, ought to be used at lower speeds. Similarly, bits that spin too slowly will burnish and harm your materials. consequently, manufacturer pointers must always be reviewed and enforced before participating a small amount.
Although, as a generality, quicker speeds ar additional advantageous whereas operating with router bits (they normally yield a way sander cut), speed is not the solely issue that contributes to the standard of your cutting results. The sharpness and composition of any given bit, the fabric being cut, the sort of router being employed, feed rate, and varied different factors play into the results created by your bits. consequently, it'll conform to you to run bits at applicable speeds before forward the quicker you spin them the sander your results are.
ROUTER BIT PROFILES AND APPLICATIONS:
As aforesaid, there ar varied bit styles and, per that profile, every bit contains a totally different specialization. the subsequent, then, in short sums-up (in alphabetical order) the foremost common bit sorts and therefore the things those bits do best.
Ball finish Router Bits:
As the name indicates, ball finish bits have a ball or sphere formed formation at their bottom that routs out channels for pipes and cables.
Bullnose Router Bits:
Bullnose bits ar designed to form a (convex) rounded edge on the front fringe of a work.
Chamfering Router Bits:
Chamfering bits manufacture a clean angulate bevel cut. These ar ordinarily employed in joinery for hid joints and beveled edges in constructions with multiple sides. Chamfer bits also are accustomed produce an ornamental (albeit plain) angulate edge.
Combination Router Bits:
Combination bits ar primarily employed in trimming to trim softer materials and, notably, veneers.
Core Box or spherical Nose Router Bits:
Core box or spherical nose bits manufacture a half-round groove or a groove or cove with a rounded bottom. they're ordinarily used for channel and reeding.
Corner spherical Router Bits:
Corner spherical bits ar designed to form a rounded corner on a work (usually furniture).
Drawer Lip Router Bits:
Drawer lip bits ar accustomed produce the acting pull-handle on the fronts of pull-handle drawers and cupboards.
Edge Forming Router Bits:
Edge forming bits (like a position beading bit) ar used primarily to form an ornamental edge on a work. These bits usually embrace a pilot bearing for steering and ar normally accustomed produce a final ornamental feature. as a result of these bits ar nearly singularly used for embellishment and may take-on just about any profile conceivable, there ar many alternative sorts offered. to call some of the foremost common edge forming bit sorts, one can ordinarily encounter edge beading bits, cove bits, ogee (or Roman ogee) bits and spherical over bits.
- Bead and Double Bead Router Bits:
Bead bits produce an ornamental quarter-round hogged profile. Double bead bits therefore this double with one quarter-round running directly below the opposite.
- Cove Router Bits:
Cove bits ar accustomed produce a planoconcave (or indented) quarter-round into the sting of a cloth.
- Edge Beading Router Bits:
Edge beading bits ar accustomed cut ornamental half-round profiles known as "beads" into the sting or corner of a work. This edge usually options atiny low lip or fillet at the highest and bottom of the hogged half-circle cut.
- Ogee Router Bits:
Ogee bits have Associate in Nursing "S" formed profile Associate in Nursingd manufacture an "S" formed edge on a work. These ornamental edges have one hogged hump Associate in Nursingd one planoconcave cove (like an "S") and frequently have atiny low fillet at the highest and bottom of the cut. This delivers a additional ancient or "antique" end.
- spherical Over Router Bits:
Round over bits manufacture a superbly rounded edge on a work. These ar ordinarily employed in cupboard and article of furniture creating.
Finger Grip Router Bits:
Finger grip bits form the drawer pull handles on the front edges of some drawers and cupboards.
Flush Trim Router Bits:
As the name implies, flush trim router bits ar accustomed trim the sting of 1 material to be flush with the sting of another material. they're usually accustomed flush veneers or to provide identical shapes in multiple workpieces. These bits ar used with a pilot bearing which will be positioned at the highest of the bit or at the bottom of the leading edge.
Fluting Router Bits:
Fluting bits ar accustomed carve flutes (or a planoconcave profile) into a work (usually molding).
Joinery Router Bits:
Joinery bits ar accustomed manufacture a specialised variety of groove for a preciseness joint. These, then, ar employed in just about all sorts of construction wherever one work should be joined to a different. the foremost common joinery bits ar dovetail bits, drawer lock bits, finger joint bits, lock miter bits and tongue-and-groove bits.
- Dovetail Router Bits:
Dovetail bits ar accustomed produce a powerful joint between materials and ar normally employed in woodwork, frames and shelving. they're offered during large type of angles and involve carving interlocking mortises and tenons (usually fan-shaped) into an contiguous work.
- Drawer Lock Router Bits:
Drawer lock bits ar designed specifically for the connection of perpendicular items (like the connection of drawer sides to drawer fronts) and will forever be used with a router table. They produce a wedge-shaped projection.
- Finger Joint Router Bits:
Finger joint bits have a series of skinny horizontal cutters that protrude from the bit (like fingers). once this profile is take away 2 separate items, the grooves/extensions interlock to form a powerful finish or edge joint with a larger gluing extent. Some finger joint bits feature adjustable cutters.
- Lock Miter Router Bits:
Lock miter bits have a name for being troublesome to use however produce sturdy and (when used properly) dead aligned miter joints with an oversized extent for gluing.
- Tongue-and-Groove Router Bits:
Tongue-and-groove bits ar employed in pairs to form a tongue-and-groove joint in a very work. This joins workpieces along edge-to-edge (where one piece contains a skinny, deep ridge (tongue) and therefore the different contains a slot (groove); these items ar pushed tightly along to make the joint).
Keyhole Router Bits or hole Slotters:
Keyhole bits ar accustomed cut the hole formed slots found on the backs of hanging workpieces like image frames. These slots, of course, aide within the hanging of those items.
Molding Router Bits:
Molding bits ar accustomed produce complicated decorative profiles in {architectural|discipline|subject|subject ara|subject field|field|field of study|study|bailiwick|branch of knowledge|fine arts|beaux arts} and article of furniture moldings and are typically abundant larger than a typical edge forming bit. they will incorporate multiple profiles onto one bit and manufacture ornate border for molding items. As these bits ar additional substantial, they're nearly always used with a router table.
Mortise Router Bits:
Mortise bits ar accustomed carve mortises (or sq. formed slots). These ar used for joinery and for carving areas for hardware admire hinges and lock sets.
Rabbeting Router Bit:
Rabbeting bits ar accustomed produce rabbets or notches within the fringe of a cloth. These cuts/notches ar vertically and horizontally straight and build a step formed profile. Rabbeting bits utilize a pilot bearing that is positioned at the highest of the bit and guides it on the sting of a work. exploitation pilot bearings of various diameters permits one rabbeting bit to provide cuts (rabbets) in multiple sizes.
Raised Panel Router Bit:
Raised panel bits ar offered in each vertical and horizontal configurations and ar usually used (with a vertical and rail bit - see below) to form profiled, ornamental edges on a panel (i.e doors). Horizontal raised panel bits cut profiles whereas the panel being cut is flat (horizontal) on a piece table. Vertical raised panel bits cut profiles into a panel whereas same panel is on its edge, and, as a result of their radius is way smaller, ar typically thought of safer and less complicated to work.
Spiral Router Bits:
Spiral router bits ar designed quite sort of a spiral drilling bit with flutes ground round the body of the bit to make a pointy spiral profile. they're offered in up-cut and down-cut configurations and, whereas ideal for plunge cutting, they're conjointly used for edge forming, cutting, and trimming in a very type of materials.
Stile and Rail Router Bits:
In frame and panel construction, vertical and rail bits ar designed to form decorative edges and panel slots within the fringe of a work (most ordinarily in raised panel doors and custom cabinets). These normally {come in|are offered|are available in} sets of 2 matched bits however also are available singularly.
Straight Router Bits:
Straight bits are available a spread of cutting diameters and ar designed to create straight cuts into a cloth to hollow-out a locality or to provide a grove or dado in a very work (usually for a mortise or inlay). Straight bits ar quite common and will even be used for dado connection and for general material cutting.
V-Groove Router Bits:
V-groove bits ar accustomed carve a "V" formed groove into a work. whereas ideal for miter folds, these bits ar ordinarily employed in inscription and sign-making.
Veining Router Bits:
Veining bits ar designed to form ornamental cut-in styles. they're ordinarily used for free-hand work and inscription.
TIPS FOR OPTIMIZING YOUR ROUTER BITS:
To conclude this journey through router bit basics, the subsequent ar some tips to assist you optimize your router bits and your expertise with them.
First, you ought to forever store your router bits singly from each other (perhaps even in their own individual cubbies). as a result of router bits ar each serious and fragile, you would like to reduce their contact with something they're not presently cutting. do not permit your bits to roll regarding bumping and sound into different objects below that circumstance they're going to most actually chip.
Second, keep your router bits sharp. uninteresting bits will harm your materials and can manufacture usually poor cuts. Like several different cutters, router bits may be sharpened to stay their edge.
Third, take care of however you handle your router. each forcing a small amount and moving one too slowly will cause warming in each the bit and therefore the router. Associate in Nursing hot bit will harm work pieces and may lose temper (which diminishes the integrity of the bit) Associate in Nursing an hot tool may end up in internal and someday irreparable harm. The sound your tool makes as you narrow is sometimes a reasonably sensible indicator of whether or not or not you're properly paced.
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