A router is one of the most versatile power tools in any workshop, but it's only as good as the bit you put in it. The world of Router Cutters is vast, with each type designed for a specific task, finish, and material. Choosing the right one can be the difference between a rough, amateurish finish and a clean, professional result. This guide will walk you through the most common types of Router Cutters, explaining what they do, their advantages, and when you should use them.
As a brand founded by tradespeople, we at Key Blades & Fixings know that quality tools are essential for quality work. Our range of Router Cutters is engineered for durability and precision, ensuring you get the perfect cut every time.
Understanding the Basics of Router Cutters
Before we dive into specific types, let's cover a few fundamentals. Router Cutters are primarily defined by their shape and whether they have a pilot or bearing.
- Profile: The shape of the cutter determines the shape of the cut it makes. This can be a simple straight line, a decorative curve, or a functional joint.
- Bearing Guide: Many Router Cutters feature a small bearing at the top or bottom. This bearing rolls along the edge of your workpiece, guiding the cutter to create a uniform profile. These are essential for edge-forming and trimming tasks.
The Most Common Router Cutter Types
Here’s a breakdown of the essential Router Cutters you’ll find in most workshops and why you need them in your collection.
The Straight Router Cutter: The Workhorse of Your Kit
If you only have one router cutter, it should be a straight one. These are the most basic yet versatile bits available. They consist of one or more straight flutes designed to plunge and cut straight grooves or hollow out an area.
Pros:
- Extremely versatile for a wide range of tasks.
- Ideal for creating clean, square-bottomed grooves and joints.
- Available in a huge variety of diameters and cutting lengths.
Cons:
- Not suitable for decorative edge work on their own.
- Can cause tear-out in some materials if not used with care.
When to Use a Straight Router Cutter
Straight Router Cutters are the go-to for many fundamental woodworking tasks.
- Cutting Grooves and Dadoes: Perfect for creating channels for shelves in a bookcase or grooves for drawer bottoms. Our Key Blades Straight Router Cutter 1/4" X 12MM X 19MM is an excellent choice for this.
- Hollowing Out Areas: Use them for mortises, inlays, or any project that requires removing material from the middle of a workpiece.
- Rabbets: When used with a router fence, you can cut precise L-shaped grooves along the edge of a board, ideal for creating strong joints.
The Rounding-Over Cutter: For Soft Edges and a Clean Finish
A rounding-over cutter, or round-over bit, is a bearing-guided cutter designed to create a smooth, rounded edge on a workpiece. The radius of the curve is determined by the size of the cutter.
Pros:
- Creates a professional, finished look by softening sharp edges.
- The bearing guide ensures a consistent and even curve.
- Helps prevent splintering and makes finishes like paint and varnish apply more evenly.
Cons:
- Limited to creating one specific radius per bit.
- Requires a clean, smooth edge for the bearing to follow.
When to Use a Rounding-Over Cutter
These Router Cutters are primarily used for finishing touches that elevate the final product.
- Furniture Making: Soften the edges of tabletops, chair arms, and cabinet doors for a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing feel.
- Shelving and Picture Frames: A subtle rounded edge gives a more refined look than a sharp, square corner.
- Improving Durability: Rounded edges are less prone to chipping and damage than sharp corners, making your projects last longer.
The Chamfer Cutter: For Crisp, Bevelled Edges
A chamfer cutter creates an angled, flat edge, also known as a bevel or a chamfer. Like the round-over bit, it is typically bearing-guided and is used for edge treatments. The most common angle is 45 degrees, but they are available in other angles too.
Pros:
- Produces a clean, geometric, and modern look.
- Excellent for creating V-grooves when two chamfered edges meet.
- Can be used to remove sharp, dangerous corners.
Cons:
- The angle is fixed, so you need a different bit for a different bevel.
When to Use a Chamfer Cutter
Chamfer Router Cutters are great for adding subtle detail or creating strong joinery.
- Decorative Edges: Add a crisp, bevelled edge to countertops, table legs, and posts for a stylish finish.
- Joinery: Creating a 45-degree chamfer on the edges of two boards allows you to form a perfect mitre joint for boxes or frames.
- Surface Protection: A small chamfer can prevent the edges of plywood or MDF from mushrooming or flaking.
The Flush-Trim Cutter: For Perfect, Matching Edges
A flush-trim cutter is a straight bit with a bearing guide that is the same diameter as the cutting edge. This allows you to trim one piece of material so it is perfectly flush with another. The bearing can be at the top (near the shank) or the bottom of the cutter.
Pros:
- Essential for template routing and pattern work.
- Creates perfectly flush and smooth edges between two surfaces.
- Saves significant time compared to sanding or hand-planing.
Cons:
- Requires a steady hand to avoid gouging the template or master edge.
- The bearing must be clean to run smoothly.
When to Use a Flush-Trim Cutter
These Router Cutters are indispensable for cabinet makers, joiners, and anyone doing laminate or veneer work.
- Trimming Veneer and Laminate: After gluing down a sheet of laminate to a substrate like MDF, a flush-trim bit will cut it perfectly to size.
- Template Routing: Trace a template to create multiple identical parts. The bearing follows the template while the cutter shapes the workpiece.
- Cleaning Up Joints: Use it to make the edges of joined boards perfectly level and smooth.
Choosing the Right Router Cutter for Your Project
Selecting the correct cutter from the vast range of Router Cutters available is crucial for success. Here’s what to consider:
- Identify the Task: Are you cutting a groove, shaping an edge, or trimming material? Your goal determines the basic type of cutter you need (e.g., straight, rounding-over, flush-trim).
- Consider the Material: Hardwoods require sharp, durable carbide-tipped cutters to prevent burning and ensure a clean finish. Softwoods are more forgiving, but a quality cutter still reduces tear-out.
- Check Your Router's Collet Size: Router Cutters come with either a ¼″ or ½″ shank. Ensure your router's collet matches the shank size of the cutter you choose. ½″ shanks offer more stability and are generally preferred for larger cutters and heavier work.
- Think About the Finish: For a decorative profile, choose a round-over or chamfer bit. For functional joinery, a straight bit is your best friend. The desired outcome will always guide your choice.
By understanding the function of each primary type of router cutter, you can confidently select the right tool for any job. Investing in high-quality Router Cutters from a trusted source like Key Blades & Fixings ensures that your work will be precise, efficient, and professional.