Router Bits
Any good woodworker knows - the right router bit makes all the difference. It can be the difference between a good project and great one. Woodworking is an art, and the router bit is an extension of the artists hand - the right bit is a must.
At Woodline USA we have over 200 different router bits - all with their own unique purposes. So how do you choose the right router bit?
Let's start by looking at the most common types of bits:
Joinery Bits - Available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes these allow you to join two seperate materials together. View our selection of joinery bits.
Straight Router Bits - A must for everyone working with a router this is a common bit used for creating grooves or just for simple straight down cuts. Of course, we have plenty of straight router bits.
Chamfer Router Bits - Used for cutting shapes and angles on the edges of materials, ideal for creating decorative pieces. Woodline carries a wide selection of chamfer bits.
Flush Trim Bits - The name tells the story here - if you need to create flush edges for two materials, here's your bit. And we've got a large selection of flush trim bits.
There are many other types of router bits but these basic 4 types will be enough for most projects and allow you to do excellent work.
Another factor in choosing the right bit is the shank diameter.
Shanks come in both 1/4" and 1/2" diameters, the larger of the two will most commonly give you smoother cuts while minimizing vibration and are much sturdier. But for basic woodworking projects a 1/4" shank will serve you well but when you're ready to move toward more detailed and complicated projects 1/2" bits are usually a better option.
A few tips for improving your woodworking skills
* Make shallow passes - it's tempting to make your cuts with one pass but taking the time to make multiple shallow cuts slowly will result in much better results.
* Wet your hardwoods - working with many hardwoods will result in chipping and splintering of the wood. The easy solution is to wet down your wood, this will make it a bit softer and you'll find your cuts will be smoother.
Woodworking is a fine craft that takes time to perfect. Part of this process is learning more about what router bits you prefer to work with and which ones meet your needs on a project by project basis. If you have any questions the experts at Woodline USA are always happy to help - just contact us.
