Straight router bits are more than just double-flute straight bits. There are different types of straight router bits for various woodworking applications, including creating grooves and dadoes, making mortises, cleaning the bottom, etc. In this article, we’ll explain these types in detail.

Single-flute straight router bits

(Amana Tool)

When fast cut speed is more important than a precise cut, single-flute straight bits should be used because performing a single cut per revolution is a faster process than performing two or three cuts. Thanks to the excellent ability to remove wood chips, single-flute straight bits are frequently used for creating deep grooves or rebates, where chips are easily built up around the bit.

Double-flute straight router bits

Double-flute straight bits are perfect for grooving, edge-routing, and other routing jobs. Compared with single-flute straight router bits, double-flute straight bits allow for cleaner and smoother finish cuts due to more flutes. More flutes result in cleaner cuts but require relatively slower cut speed than single-flute straight bits. Tips are made from tungsten carbide, featuring outstanding wear resistance and ensuring smooth finish cuts.

Extra-long straight router bits

As the name suggests, extra-long straight router bits are designed to be longer than standard straight bits, allowing for deeper cuts. They are specifically used for creating deep grooves, dadoes, and mortises in natural wood and composites. Extra-long straight bits can be mounted on hand-held routers, router tables, or CNC machines.

Mortising router bits

Mortising bits are used for creating precise and clean mortises in natural wood and composite materials. With the design of down shear flutes, mortising router bits are capable of delivering perfect door hinges without splintering. Tungsten carbide tips can guarantee flawless cutting performance. Mortising router bits can be used with a plunge router for plunging mortises. In addition, they can also be mounted on a router table with a mortising jig.

Bottom cleaning router bits

Bottom cleaning router bits are intended for wide, flat, and shallow bottom cuts, such as stair tread routing. Equipped with a similar function to standard straight router bits, plus bottom cleaning properties, bottom cleaning bits can leave perfectly cleaned surfaces. When large surfaces need clearing, this type of bit is really helpful. Besides, this bit can clean out grooves and dadoes that were cut earlier. Shear-angled flutes improve chip removal efficiency, creating an extremely smooth surface.

Staggertooth plunge router bits

(Amana Tool)

As the name suggests, staggertooth bits contain two staggered cutting edges, featuring fast cut speed like single-flute straight bits and excellent chip clearance like double-flute straight bits. One cutting tooth is opposite to the other, and one is higher than the other. Staggertooth plunge bits are ideal for cutting double-sided panels like laminates and melamine, and dense materials, such as solid surfaces. Staggertooth bits are highly recommended for hand-held routers instead of router tables and CNC machines.

Panel pilot router bits

(Amana Tool, CMT)

Panel pilot router bits are designed for creating openings in various panels, including laminates, veneers, and plasterboard. They are mostly used in producing door and window cutouts. As we can see from the picture, a panel pilot router bit comprises a pointed end, a pilot, and one or two cutting edge(s). The pointed end operates like a drill that pierces the workpiece. The pilot is a guide, allowing the bit to follow a template that is placed under the panel. Single-flute panel pilot bits feature one cutting edge, resulting in a faster cut speed. Double-flute panel pilot bits have two cutting edges, leaving a better finish. These bits are typically used in hand-held routers.

Konetool supplies a full range of straight router bits for various applications. We have rich experience in B2B sales of router bits. If you’re looking for a reliable router bit supplier for your business, please do not hesitate to contact us at: [email protected].