Router Bits For Every Shop

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There are router bits that I use day in and day out in many of my projects. However, there are probably not as many as you might expect. I find myself using some unique bits for most of my trades and find that there are only a few profiles I have in my shop that I enjoy using.

I buy high quality router bits and I don’t have one sharpened or retouched yet. When the tip goes dull, I replace that profile with a matching design. The router bits are not that expensive. Also, I don’t have the manufacturer’s loyalty, although I have to repeat that I only buy high-quality bits.

Here is a list of some of my most used router bits – the brief description of uses is just the tip of the iceberg:

3⁄4 “Top Mount Bearing Pattern Bit

This is the most used router tip in my shop. I use it with a square platform mask for dados and for shaping delicate curves. Find them on Amazon

1⁄2 “Bottom Mount Bearing Pattern Bit

This router tip has a number of uses, including shaping complex parts from plywood patterns and flush front bezels for enclosures. Find them on Amazon

3⁄16 ″ rounded tip

This is the profile I use on most drawer fronts with lips. I try to make the lip a little thicker than 1⁄4 inch. So, with a light fillet, I almost get a full rounded profile. Find them on Amazon

Cutter for cutter

It is not possible to build furniture without this bit. This is the bit I use for all my daily batting operations. Find on Amazon

1⁄16 “straight tip

This is my main inlay router tip. I don’t feel the need to venture below this size to string. Find on Amazon

3⁄4 “diameter 14o dovetail tip

I use this bit for drawer divider sockets. Sees use on most of my house pieces. (Use this drill with a 3⁄4 “OD Drive Bushing.) Find on Amazon

5⁄32 ″ Classic Ogee Bit

I like this design, so I find myself using it in most of my work unless I’m trying to match a certain molding profile. Find on Amazon

1⁄4 “three-wing cutter

I use this tip on a router table to cut the grooves for the drawer bottoms. You can adjust the depth of cut with bearings or simply use a stop. Find on Amazon

Product Recommendations

Here are some supplies and tools that we believe are essential in our daily shop work. We may receive a commission from sales reported by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality.