Compared with traditional straight bits, spiral router bits have a longer service life, create much cleaner cuts, and are more efficient when it comes to cutting challenging workpieces like plywood, composites, or plastics. The higher prices of spiral bits may drive customers away, but in the long run, spiral bits are definitely cost-effective. There are three types of spiral router bits: upcut, downcut, and compression. What are these spiral bits used for? What are their features? What are their pros and cons? Now, we will explain everything about spiral router bits you should know before bringing them to your workshop.

What are spiral router bits used for?

Designed with helical flutes, spiral bits work well with both handheld routers and CNC routers. They are best for trimming and plunging, such as edge cutting, and creating grooves, dadoes, rabbets, and mortises.

Advantages of spiral router bits

1. Efficient chip removal

Thanks to the shearing action during routing, spiral bits evacuate chips more efficiently. As a result, they can handle a faster feed rate than conventional straight bits.

2. Better accuracy and performance

The flute design of the spiral bits results in nicer, smoother, and cleaner cuts, especially when cutting expensive materials where finish quality is important.

3. Durability

Made from solid carbide, spiral router bits are much more durable than straight bits.

Straight bits vs. Spiral bits

Spiral router bits are capable of creating extremely clean and smooth cuts. When using a spiral bit, there is less vibration during the cutting process and also less tear and wear on the router. Besides, spiral bits perform better than straight bits in plunging. However, when selecting spiral router bits, sizes are limited, and using a spiral bit is more dangerous.

Straight router bits are generally less expensive than spiral bits and have more size options. However, straight bits are not suitable for plunge cutting and are less durable than spiral bits. Due to their cutting angle, the rotation of a straight bit causes more vibration, leading to less precision.

Types of spiral router bits

There are three types of spiral bits: upcut, downcut, and compression.

Upcut spiral router bits remove wood chips upwards, so the top surface of the workpiece is rough and the bottom area is clean. If you require a nice and perfect top surface when routing a veneered, composite, or laminated panel, use a downcut bit. Downcut spiral bits evacuate wood chips downwards, leaving a perfect top surface. However, employing a downcut bit may cause heat buildup due to wood chips accumulated in the bottom of the slot.

Compression bits combine the upcut and downcut, thus ideal for cutting boards like laminated on both sides. Downcut is located on the upper area of the bit and upcut is on the lower part. Wood chips are removed towards the middle, leaving a clean surface on both sides of the board.

Spiral router bits for roughing or finishing have chip breakers on the cutting edge, creating superior cuts than other types of spiral bits.

Konetool supplies outperformed spiral router bits: upcut, downcut, and compression. Contact us now if you’re looking for a reliable spiral bit supplier! Apart from spiral router bits, we offer other router bits, such as straight bits and flush trim bits. Request a quote for further information.