10 Router Bit Types (Most Commonly Used)

There are hundreds of types of router bits each designed to do a specific cut. Probably you are wondering which are the best and most useful router bits. In fact, you might feel overwhelmed as there are hundreds of different router bit profiles to choose from.

We've got you covered. Here's the list of the ten commonly used router bits types. Let's check them out -

Even though these bits are often overlooked, they are one of the most important router bits.

Straight cutter bits come in a range of sizes. Some of these bits have 1,2 or 3 flutes.

A center tip is essential for plunging into wood surfaces. These types of bits are great at cleaning up rough cuts.

The straight cut bit can also clean up circular saw cuts on materials such as melamine board. 

A variety of joints can be cut with a straight cutter, such as a lap joint, You can also trim 2 edges creating a butt joint. A narrow straight cutter can be used to make a corner joint.

Drill perfectly true holes with your router using a straight cutter and a guide bush.

Narrow straight cutters can be used to create edge grooves for loose tongues or hardwood lippings.

Straight cutters are suitable to use on hardwoods, softwoods, plastic, and manmade board like MDF. Also plywood and laminated chipboard. 

Some methods of using the straight cutter is to use guides and templates. Attachments include clamp guides for housing cuts, a side fence or a guide bush.  

It seems the options are endless when it comes to the straight cutter, one of the most versatile cutters around. With a wide range of applications the straight cutter can provide a solution for most problems.

A roundover bit creates a decorative edge profile.

You can take a roundover bit and make a 2x4 round and smooth.

To make a roundover edge profile, place the bit in your router flush to the guard or just 1mm above. The bearing glides along the wood while the bit cuts the profile edge.

You can also make a beaded roundover edge.

To create this profile adjust the base so the vertical part of the router bit is just below the base 1/16”. Router the edge. 

To make the roundover edge on both sides, just flip your board over. It’s that easy and will provide great results.

Another important router bit you should have in your inventory is the roman ogee bit. It is a common decorative bit that leaves a desirable profile.

You can use the roman ogee cut vertically or horizontally on your cut, depending on which decorative edge you desire.

The profile edge will have a sharp edge gradually rounding down.

Raising the guard or table a few millimeters will create a lip on the profile. The roman ogee bit is commonly used to add decorative finishes to the edge of a table or when building hutches.

A cove router bit can create mouldings to help make your project pop.

First use your router bit to cut a cove edge. You can also save time and make two cove profiles by flipping your piece of wood around and cutting a cove profile on the other side. 

Now use a table saw and cut the cove profile from your piece of wood. Repeat on the other side.

You have successfully made 2 pieces of moulding. These mouldings can be nailed underneath an edge or on a cabinet door, adding lots of charm.

A great addition to any router bit collection is the Rabbeting bit. It is a dado cut on the edge of a piece of stock. The rabbeting bit is often used to make square cuts. 

When using the rabbeting bit a great hint is to pay attention to the grain of the wood, as to not let it splinter.

First run a skim cut before using this bit. It will prevent a blowout on your project. After running the skim coat use the rabbeting bit to make your final cut. 

Flush trim bits come in all shapes and sizes. A flush trim bit that has the blade at a bit of a vertical angle may be more expensive but will cut more precise.

There is a whole family of flush trim bits. You can seek out the bits that will suit your work projects best.

Flush trim bits are great for laminate or any fine trimming on hardwood. This bit cleans up any of your projects making a clear sharp edge.

Also, by using the flush trim bit with any template you can create the same pattern easily. 

A chamfer bit gives you a profile cut of 45 degrees. There are a variety of chamfer bits that come in a range of sizes.

Chamfer bits are typically used for making wainscotting or chairails.

They leave an angle profile, making it easy to connect stock.

Using the chamfer router bit you can make shapes of hexagon or octagon projects when glued together. 

The Slot cutting bit is a bit that is self explanatory.

These bits cut slots. There are over 25 different sizes and they come in a range from 2mm to 6 ½ mm.

You can buy slot cutters with additional thread to stack these slot cutters on top of each other to reach the thickness you are trying to obtain. 

Some of the more common uses for the slot cutter bits are using them in a similar way as you would a biscuit cutter. The slot cutter also comes in handy when wanting to insert glass or other materials into a piece of stock. 

An important bit for making furniture is the dovetail bit.

Using this bit will leave a tail profile. These profiles fit into each other to join two pieces of stock.

When making joints for drawers this router bit will create sturdy notches that not only hold together very well but they will make your project beautiful and seem like you took a lot of time to make it. This project can pitch the sign of superb quality craftsmanship. 

The 90 degree V groove bit is best known for cutting letters or inlay work. The V groove bit is compared to the chamfer bit only it has 2 sides, giving it a 90 degree angle. 

When used with a template or stencil you can create letters or numbers on your piece of stock.

The V groove is also great for fluting or making a decorative groove. Colonial designs often contain V groove inlay.

This bit is all about dramatic style, so let your creative juices flow.  

Final words...

Now that you know about the top router bits profile to have, you are going to need a router bit storage case to hold all your router bits. 

Preserving your investment is important. It is also a safe way to protect your router bits from getting damaged. You can check this FREE router bit storage plans.

You could purchase one or design your own and use all your new router bits to create the perfect case!