A router is a powered cutting tool that uses different bits to cut various grooves, angles, and shapes into wood. These handy tools are excellent for woodworking projects, including cabinet making, cutting molding, and furniture design.
However, a router is useless without a great set of router bits. You want to be sure that you have a variety of options for all the applications you plan to tackle, with the best router bits being made out of durable types of material, like tungsten carbide.
The router bits below are some of the best in their respective categories and would be excellent additions to any tool box.
- BEST OVERALL: Hiltex 10108 Tungsten Carbide Router Bit Set
- HONORABLE MENTION: EDMBG 35 Router Bit Set
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: LU&MN Carbide Tipped Router Bits
- UPGRADE PICK: Whiteside Router Bits
- BEST FOR BEGINNERS: KOWOOD Router Bit Set
- BEST FOR PROS: Yonico 17702 70 Bit Router Bit Set
Common Types of Router Bits
Routers use a large number of different bits that are each intended for a specific purpose. The most common types of router bits include straight, flush-trim, rabbeting, chamfer, edge-forming, molding, stile and rail, raised panel, and joinery bits. The best choice for you will depend on how you plan to use the router and the material you need to drill through.
Straight Router Bits
The straight router bit is one of the most frequently used of all bits, and it’s available in a variety of diameters from 3/16-inch to 1 ½-inch. A straight bit is primarily used to make a groove or dado straight down into the material. It can also be used to hollow out an area of the material for a mortise or inlay.
Flush-Trim Router Bits
Flush-trim router bits have a pilot bearing that guides the bit during cutting. The pilot bearing is the same size as the bit’s cutting radius so that flush-trim bits can be used to trim the edge of one material so that it is flush with that of another. Examples of this bit in use include trimming a veneered surface to sit flush with an underlying layer or to trim shelf edging.
Rabbeting Router Bits
Rabbeting router bits are used specifically to cut a rabbet (notch or shoulder) into the edge of a material. These bits use a pilot bearing to guide them along the material’s side so that the rabbets produced are accurately and equally cut. Most router bit sets will have a range of pilot bearings so that one rabbet bit can cut a variety of rabbet sizes.
Chamfer Router Bits
Chamfer router bits make angled cuts across a corner to remove a 90-degree edge and create an attractive design or to remove a banged up edge and return the material to a straight edge cut. Chamfer router bits can also form a beveled edge for use in joinery.
Edge-Forming Router Bits
Edge-forming router bits come in a variety of profiles, each designed to cut a decorative edge into a material. Popular edge forming bits include:
- Round over bits have a specific radius that is used to cut a rounded form into the surface.
- Ogee bits cut an ‘S’-shaped profile and are most commonly seen in the Roman Ogee style.
- Edge beading bits cut a ¼-inch or ½-inch bead into an edge or corner. The bead resembles a half-circle profile once it has been cut into the material.
- Cove router bits cut a concave quarter-circle profile into the side of a material.
Molding Router Bits
Molding router bits are a larger version of the edge-forming router bits. They are used to create architectural molding profiles and may incorporate multiple edge-forming profiles into a single bit. Due to their size, they are best used with a table router.
Stile and Rail Bits
Stile and rail router bits are primarily used for frame and panel construction. The bits feature a decorative edge profile and a straight profile for cutting a slot in the stile (or vertical piece of the frame). They also make a corresponding cut at the end of the rail or horizontal piece of the frame so that the rail can slot into the stile. These bits are sold as a pair to complete both cuts or as a single bit that can be used for both cuts.
Raised Panel Bits
Raised panel bits are frequently used with stile and rail bits to create a profiled edge on a door panel. These bits come in either vertical-use or horizontal-use.
- Vertical-use raised panel bits are considered safer because they have a smaller diameter and are easier to use. With the material on its edge, the bit forms a new, decorative profile.
- Horizontal-use raised panel bits should be used with a table router due to their large diameter. To cut the material, it must be laying flat on the table, giving these bits their orientation-based names.
Joinery Bits
Joinery router bits are specialized to produce a precision joint that can easily attach two types of material, such as the joints in a drawer or coffee table. Specialized joinery bits include dovetail router bits, drawer lock router bits, finger joint bits, and lock miter bits.
What to Consider When Buying Router Bits
Before investing in a new product, educate yourself on the essential features. The considerations below will help you decide what router bits are best for you.
Project Type
The type of project that you’re working on is always going to indicate the kind of bit required. Whether you are building a door frame or giving a new profile to the edge of a wooden table, the bit that you need will either be a stile and rail router bit or an edge-forming router bit.
The type of material will also help determine the bit you need. You can easily tackle softwoods with a high-speed steel or carbide-tipped router bit, but some hardwoods and metals may require a solid carbide bit to provide a clean finish.
For beginners that are new to using a router, expect that you will break your first router bit relatively quickly. The proper pressure to apply will come with experience, but if this is the case, then the project may matter less than the price. Beginners should first try an inexpensive router bit until they become more proficient with the tool.
Material
In general, almost all router bits feature either high-speed steel (HSS) or carbide.
- HSS router bits are made from carbon steel and have a high heat resistance, which keeps them from breaking during extended use. These bits are more affordable and are an excellent option for infrequent router use or beginners that are likely to make mistakes. They can also withstand more impact damage than carbide router bits, without losing their edge, making them ideal for a cluttered workshop.
- Carbide router bits can be completely coated in carbide or only tipped in carbide, and they have a longer lifespan than HSS bits. The harder material allows the bits to last with frequent use and to keep their edge longer than an HSS bit, allowing you to spend less time sharpening or replacing the bits and more time using them. Keep in mind that carbide router bits are more expensive and more susceptible to impact damage. While this won’t interfere with their use in a router, dropping them or treating them poorly will dull, nick, or break the edge of a carbide router bit in a hurry.
Shank Size
The shank on a router bit is the cylindrical part of the bit that goes into the collet of the router. All router bits come with either a ¼-inch shank or a ½-inch shank, and most routers have interchangeable collets to accept both sizes, though some only accept ¼-inch shanks.
- ¼-inch shanks are commonly accepted by most routers and get the job done effectively, but their smaller diameter can cause them to jump around more than the ½-inch shank, leading to more inadequate control and precision. However, router bits with ¼-inch shanks are more affordable than bits with ½-inch shanks, making them ideal for beginners who are bound to break a few bits.
- ½-inch shanks are stiffer and stronger than ¼-inch shanks, meaning that there is less vibration while using them, giving you a better degree of control. Router bits with ½-inch shanks cost more, but provide significantly higher stability and longevity, making them well worth it. Just make sure that your router collet is sized for ½-inch shanks, otherwise, you won’t be able to use these bits.
Sharpness
The sharpness of a router bit dictates the ability of the bit to cut through the material easily. A dull bit will reduce your router’s effectiveness, cause burns in the material, and leave you with a poor finish that you’ll need to smooth with sandpaper or a file. A sharp router bit cuts through quickly, operating at optimum efficiency, without leaving scorch marks behind.
All new router bits should be factory-sharpened, but this can be difficult to see when purchasing a new set. However, you can research router bits to find ones you can repeatedly sharpen to maintain a thin cutting edge. This will give you the ability to either sharpen yourself or take them to a professional so that your bits are always sharp and ready for your next project.
Number of Pieces Included
Before selecting any product, make sure you know what you are getting. The router bit set should identify the number of bits in the kit, the size of the bits, and the bit types included.
Knowing this information allows you to select a reasonably-priced set for the number of bits that come in the collection. You will also know whether a 24-piece set comes with 20 straight bits and four rabbeting bits, or if it includes a proper variety of router bits so that you can tackle your next project with confidence.
Our Top Picks
No matter what type of router bits you purchase, you want them to be high-quality products. These router bits are some of the best available, based on the above buying factors such as price, effectiveness, and reputation.
Photo: amazon.com
The Hiltex Tungsten Carbide Router Bit Set is excellent for various projects, including edging, trimming, veining, and grooving, making it perfect for door panels and picture frames. The ¼-inch shank bits are made from precisely machine-cut tungsten carbide that you can sharpen to maintain edges.
The 24-piece router bit set comes in a wooden case that labels and shows an image of each bit. Styles included without ball bearings are a mortising bit, combination bevel, dovetail, 90-degree “V” groove, round nose, panel pilot, and a straight bit. The styles with ball bearings include trimming, flush-trim, radius round over bit, cove, 45-degree chamfer, Roman Ogee, slot cutter, and rebating.
Product Specs
- Material: Tungsten carbide
- Shank Size: ¼ inches
- Pieces: 24
Pros
- Suitable for edging, trimming, veining, and grooving
- Bits can be sharpened
- Includes a wooden storage case with labels
Cons
- Some customer complaints about quality
Get the Hiltex 10108 router bits on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
This router bit set includes 35 different pieces that allows both beginners and experienced DIYers to benefit from the wide variety of router bits. The ½-inch shank bits are tungsten carbide tipped to hold their edge longer and can be sharpened multiple times so that you don’t need to replace them anytime soon.
The aluminum carrying case has a labeled place for each router bit, including ⅛-inch and ¼-inch core box bit, ½-inch 90-degree “V” groove, ¼-inch round nose, ½-inch mortising, ½-inch, and ¼-inch dovetail, ⅛-inch, ¼-inch, ½-inch, and ¾-inch straight bit, and many others to round out this high-value variety pack.
Product Specs
- Material: Tungsten carbide
- Shank Size: ½ inches
- Pieces: 35
Pros
- Can be sharpened
- High variety of bits
- Comes with an aluminum carrying case
Cons
- Some users reported that the bits arrived disorganized in the case
Get the EDMBG 35 router bits on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
This affordable router bit set comes packed in a wooden case with helpful index cards for easy bit identification and organization. The ¼-inch shank bits are ideal for new users while the machine-sharpened tungsten carbide-tipped edges will help keep the bits sharper longer. When they dull, take them to a professional sharpener or sharpen them yourself to return the edge to its former cutting ability.
The LU&MN Carbide Tipped Router Bits Set is great for edging, grooving, and trimming, and it comes with 15 different pieces. These include ½-inch, ¼-inch, ⅝-inch, and ⅛-inch straight bits, ⅛-inch and ¼-inch cover box bits, a ½-inch, 90-degree “V” groove bit, a ½-inch mortising bit, a ⅜-inch corner round bit, a ½-inch dovetail bit, a 1 ¼-inch, 45-degree chamfer bit, a ¼-inch panel pilot, a ¼-inch cove bit, a ½-inch flush-trim bit, and a 5/32-inch Roman ogee bit, for a wide variety of applications.
Product Specs
- Material: Tungsten carbide
- Shank Size: ¼ inches
- Pieces: 15
Pros
- Ideal for edging, grooving, and trimming
- Can be sharpened
- Wide variety of applications
- Comes with a wooden case
Cons
- Some complaints about quality
Get the LU&MN router bits on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
This small router bit set includes only seven bits, but the quality of the bits and the material they are made of make the premium price for this modest set well worth the money. The set contains a ¼-inch and ½-inch straight bits, a ⅜-inch radius round over, a ⅜-inch x ½-inch rabbet, a ⅜-inch radius cove, a 45-degree chamfer, and a ½-inch flush-trim bit in a durable plastic case.
Each of the seven ½-inch shank bits is made completely from carbide, so the edge’s sharpness and hardness of the cut is not based solely on the hardened tip. Instead, the entire bit can be relied on to cut smoothly and cleanly for a long time.
Product Specs
- Material: Carbide
- Shank Size: ½ inches
- Pieces: 7
Pros
- High-quality bits
- Entire bit cuts smoothly and cleanly
- Includes a plastic case
Cons
Get the Whiteside router bits on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
This router bit set is intended for beginners, using more affordable materials and the most common ¼-inch shank sizes to ensure that just about anyone could pick up a router for the first time and be able to rely on this set. The versatile router bits are great for grooving or trimming, and the high-speed steel keeps them free of impact damage if they are dropped or knocked around in your toolbox.
The 24-piece set comes in a labeled wooden box and contains the most common machine-sharpened bits for a variety of beginner projects.
Product Specs
- Material: Steel
- Shank Size: ¼ inches
- Pieces: 24
Pros
- Ideal for grooving and trimming
- Versatile set for beginners
- Comes with labelled wood storage box
Cons
- Some complaints about quality
Get the KOWOOD router bits on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
The premium-grade micro-grain tungsten carbide bits will keep the cutting edge sharp throughout a long work week. They can be sharpened repeatedly to prevent material burns and rough finishes. The ½-inch shanks keep the bits from jumping around during use, allowing you to get a professional finish every time, and then you can pack them neatly into the labeled, wooden storage case.
The Yonico Router Bit Set comes with 70 bits, including eight straight bits, four flush-trim bits, a panel pilot bit, five dovetail bits, three round-nose bits, three mortising bits, six round over bits, six cove bits, four chamfer bits, three rabbeting bits, and more that can be viewed in detail here.
Product Specs
- Material: Tungsten carbide
- Shank Size: ½ inches
- Pieces: 70
Pros
- Premium micro-grain bits
- Comprehensive set
- Includes wood storage case
Cons
- Some reports of manufacturing defects
Get the Yonico router bits on Amazon and at Walmart.
Our Verdict
Suitable for edging, trimming, veining, and grooving, we recommend the 24-piece Hiltex 10108 router bits with ¼-inch shanks. If you’re on a budget, consider the affordable 35-piece LU&MN router bits with ¼-inch shanks.
How We Chose the Best Router Bits
We researched the best router bits in a variety of categories with high customer satisfaction. The list factors in material, shank size, number of pieces, and storage capabilities.
The top picks are constructed from tungsten carbide, carbide, and steel for durability and longevity. To accommodate different jobs, the chosen bit sets come with ½-inch and ¼-inch shanks. Each set comes with between 7 and 70 bits for grooving, trimming, edging, and more. The top picks also come with wooden or plastic storage cases to keep the bits organized.
FAQs
If you still aren’t entirely confident about which kind of router bits you need, take a look at these popular questions and their answers below.
Q: How do I use router bits?
To use a router bit, you need to properly attach it to a router and work on the material and project that the bit is intended for to ensure the best results. Using a router requires precision and patience to adequately align the router and slowly feed it through the material, allowing the rotating router bit to operate at its optimal power.
Forcing the router through the material may get the cut done faster, but you risk snapping the router bit off due to excessive force, and you are likely to char the material and give it an uneven edge that will need to be sanded or smoothed. Instead, use shallow, slow passes to get the best cut, working your way deeper into the material with each pass.
Q: How can I clean router bits?
Router bits can quickly become coated in resin when working with woods, like pine, that is naturally very resinous. You are also likely to get tar, dust, and other miscellaneous debris baked-on to the bits, interfering with the router’s operation and the finish on the wood.
Regular cleaning of the bits takes care of this issue. Begin by picking up a router bit and resin cleaner online or from your local hardware store. The solution should be properly prepared according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and then sprayed or brushed liberally all over the cutting edges of the router bits. Let the bit stand for 10 to 15 minutes with this coating, then proceed to scrub the bit clean with a toothbrush or brass wire brush under a stream of warm water. After washing, dry the bits properly and consider using oil to coat the bits and protect against corrosion.
Q: How do I sharpen router bits?
To give your router bits the best edge to get the job done, you should take them to a professional sharpener. They will be able to maintain the proper cut and shape of the bit while returning it to like-new sharpness.
However, if you cannot take the bit to a sharpener, you can use diamond hones to remove a thin layer from the cutting blade’s two edges. Lubricate the diamond hone with water and lay the flat side of the bit against it. Stroke the bit back and forth across the hone, removing thin layers of the bit with each pass until the cutting edge is returned. To keep the bit balanced, be sure to stroke both sides of the bit an equal number of times.
