It can be difficult to find the right router bits or set of router bits. Not only is the router intimidating (especially for beginners), but there are a lot of bits available, making it hard to know which bits you need and which you don’t.
The difference between router bits ultimately comes down to the different profiles they cut out, and there are thousands of different varieties.
We will break it down into small pieces and then recommend some of the top router bits and router set to help you get started with any profile or style you desire.
These bits include the most commonly used bits as well as more specific varieties that will add a new dimension to your woodworking and router capabilities.
Common Types Of Router Bits
Straight Router Bit
Straight router bits are one of the most frequently used bits. You can choose from a variety shank sizes, from 3/41 cm up to 1 inch. Straight bits can be used to create a dado in any material. You can also use them to hollow out an area of material for inlay and mortise.
Flush-Trim Router Bit
The pilot bearing guides the router bits during flush-trim cutting. The pilot bearing is the same size as the bits cutting radius so that it can be used to trim the edge of the material so that said material is flush with another.
Rabbeting Router Bit
A rabbeting router bit is used to cut a rabbet into a material’s edge. A rabbeting bit uses a pilot bearing to guide them along the materials side, this is so the rabbets produced are equally and accurately cut.
Chamfer Router Bit
Chamfer router bits can be used to make angled cuts in corners to remove a 90 degree edge. This can create a beautiful design or remove a ragged edge. These bits can also form a beveled edge for use in joinery.
Rail And Stile Bit
Rail and Stile bits are primarily used for panel and frame construction. They feature a straight profile for cutting a slot in the stile and a decorative edge profile. They also make a corresponding cut at the end of the rail or horizontal piece of the frame so that the rail can slot into the stile.
Raised Panel Bit
Raised panel bits are frequently used with rail and stile bits to create a profiled edge on a door panel. These bits come in either vertical-use or horizontal-use.
- Vertical-useare considered safer. This is because they are easier to use and have a smaller diameter. With the material on the edge, the bit forms a new, decorative profile.
- Horizontal-use have a large diameter so it should be used with a table router. These bits are orient-based and must be laid flat on the table in order to cut material.
Joinery Bit
Joinery router bits were made specifically to produce a precision joint that can easily attach two types of material. The joints of a drawer or coffee table can be an example. Specialized joinery bits include drawer lock router bits, dovetail router bits, and lock miter bits.
Product Summaries: Best Router Sets
The MLCS 8000 Series 15 and 30-piece router bit sets represent the best value for those beginners looking to get their first starter set.
These all-purpose sets provide a few of the best router bits. These include the most popular straight, round-over, rabbeting and chamfering bits. You can rest assured that you will have everything you need, no matter what you do with your router.
In terms of pure quality, the Freud 91-100 13-piece TiCo set represents the finest professional-quality router bits, in our opinion.
These are fantastic woodworking bits that produce a fine, professional-quality finish, and are the perfect step up in quality for DIYers looking to perhaps move on from their entry-level set.
Lastly, for those looking for the most wide-ranging, do-it-all set, the Neiko 10115A 80-piece tungsten kit is a quality pick that you can be sure will provide you with a solution for every router situation you might find yourself in.
If youre trying to save yourself the headache of making sure youve got this specific style bit or that one, the Neiko is a great one-stop option.
Best Router Bit Set For Beginners
MLCS 8377 15-piece Carbide-tipped Router Bit Set
Although you might not find a set such as this in Carter Oosterhouses‘ woodshop, it is a great choice for beginners who are looking for the best starter set.
- 4 straight bits
- round-over bit
- cove bit
- Ogee bit
- chamfer bit
- Flush trim bit
- rabbeting bit
- dovetail bit
- V-groove bit
- mortising bit
- panel pilot bit
- round nose bit
- 1bearing is used to convert the round-over piece to a beading part
Although we are not claiming that these routerbits are the best on the planet, many reviewers and professionals have noted how beautiful the finish is.
The bits will dull out and wear down over time more quickly than better-quality bits, but for the novice who doesnt use their router all too often, this is the perfect economical starter set.
Things we liked
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It is an economical option to get a full-featured router bit set.
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All the standard bits you’ll need, including straight, ogee and roundover.
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It comes with a wood storage box
Things we didn’t like
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Overall quality leaves a little to be desired these will dull out fairly quickly with continued use
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Only one size bearing is available. It is convenient to have multiple bearings with different diameters.
Best Router Bit Set For Beginners
MLCS 8369 30-piece Shank Bit Set
These are the exact same bits as the 15-piece MLCS 8377 Set, but there are more.
Again, the 8000 Series represents the best entry-level bits in terms of value for the price, and this is a good option if you want a larger range of bits to choose from than the 15-piece, and are willing to spend a few more bucks.
You get the 15-piece set with the same profile bits, but the set has a few more options.
Things we liked
- Quality at a great price
- Gives a lot more variety than the 15-piece set, for not that much more money
- Includes 6 roundover and 5 straight bits (these are by far the most common profile bits youll be using)
- Wood storage box
Things we didn’t like
- Again, not the best router bits in the world
- Only one size of bearing
Best Pro-quality Woodworking Router Bit Set
Freud 91-100 13 piece TiCo High Density Carbide
Although the MLCS 8000 series bits are great for beginners, they don’t offer professional-quality router bits and should be avoided by skilled woodworkers.
If youre a skilled hand at the router table, know what youre doing, and know that you can only get by with the absolute best quality router bits, you need something of fine quality like this Freud set.
Whats Up With The Price?
Sure, its expensive, but the best router bits are well-machined, finely-tuned tools that are constructed of only the finest quality materials drastically superior to anything else weve used.
For beginners, entry-level sets will be fine. However, once you become more proficient with the router and learn how to use it, you’ll be amazed at how much better quality bits, like these, perform.
Although the set does not include a lot of bits (only 13,), they ensured that at least one of the most used bits was included. In fact, the set by itself would serve just fine for 99% of DIYers needs thered be no need to go out and buy additional bits
Things we liked
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Best quality and best-reviewed bits weve seen on the market; TiCo construction is built for long life and a flawless finish
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It is ideal for woodworking, but can also be used with any composite material.
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Freuds PermaShield coating resists dulling from intense heat
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Comes with a padded, hangable or mountable storage box to keep bits safe and protected
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Limited Lifetime Guarantee
Things we didnt like
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These aren’t cheap, but they can be an investment.
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Does not come with extra bearings (6 of the 13 bits have included bearings)
Best All-Purpose Router Bits Set
Neiko 10115A Premium
The 80-piece Tungsten Tip Neiko set is not as high quality as the Freud set. However, if you are looking to increase your routers capabilities or play with unique profiles, this kit is a great buy.
Carbide router bits are made of machined YG8 tungsten caride tipped blades. They resist heat well and last long before they need to be sharpened.
The majority of buyers love the kit for the large number of solid carbide bits it contains. This is a great option if you want to significantly expand your routering abilities.
Things we liked
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80 bits with tons of different profiles to play around with
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Excellent price
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Storage box made of aluminum with padded quality
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Plenty of different bearing sizes
Things we didn’t like
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Warranty is not great (1-year limited, 90-day return guarantee plus restocking fee)
What Are The Most Common Router Bits That You’ll Use Most Often?
You are not the only one asking this question. The most important thing new router owners want is to know which bits they will be using the most and which ones to save money.
The Most Common Bits
There are thousands of router bit profiles, but the most popular are roundover and straight.
The straight bit is a woodworking staple. It is used to cut grooves, dados, mortices, and inlays of various depths.
A bearing guides roundover and rabbeting bits. It rolls along the edge and cuts a finished curve or shoulder into the wood for joinery.
Other popular bits include flush trim bits that are used to trim the edge of one material flush with another (like veneers glued onto a substrate), chamfering bits that are used to smooth or bevel 90-degree edges, and edge-forming bits that can be used to create elegant designs in a range of material (trim, molding, etc).
Most Common Sizes
Like we mentioned earlier, the most common router bit size is . bits are also common and popular, but inch shank is the more recommended size for standard use they provide much better stability, performance, and a lot less vibration which is crucial for obtaining desirable results.
If youre wondering what size bits your router takes, most all that we know of will accept both inch shank and inch shank. Inch shank bits are only recommended when you require a very slight or minimal edge.
Last Things To Consider
Consider the following before you make a decision about the router bit that is best for you.
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Look for carbide-tipped blades
These router bits will last 50% longer than standard HSS bits. This is because router bits are very susceptible to dulling due to heat and friction.
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Price is often the best indication of quality
Keeping this in mind, its very easy to find super cheap router bit sets online, or even in your local hardware store. Unfortunately, the hard truth is, the vast majority of them are garbage bits that are borderline useless.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Clean Router Bits?
To clean router bits, mix a generous amount of water and detergent together in a small container and soak the bits for 10 minutes. Once the 10 minutes are up, take the bits out and brush them with an old toothbrush to get rid of any debris. Dry them off with a rag and put them away.
Are Router Bits Interchangeable
There are two types of router bits: inch and inch. These router bits are interchangeable and can be changed out at any moment. However, some wood routers will only accept an inch shank.
How Do You Sharpen Router Bits?
Although sharpening router bits might seem simple, it may be difficult if you have to chip the cutting edges with materials such as diamond stones. When carving people will often apply water so excessive particles can be washed away. While you can sharpen your router bits by yourself, I suggest that you use a professional sharpening service. They have all the tools you need to professionally sharpen your bits. If you find that its difficult to sharpen your router bits, then consider buying new ones. Sharpening usually costs around half the price of new router bits.
What Is The Life Expectancy Of Router Bits?
It all depends. Most people have been able to use some bits for years while others have reported that theirs became dull within a few hours. Your bits‘ lifespan will depend on how they are used, what brand they are, and how fast you use them.
Questions To Ask Yourself
In this Ultimate Best Router Bits Guide, we made it a point to recommend only the best router bits available, that have consistently proven to perform well at an inexpensive price.
These are the questions you should ask.
- Do you have a specific job or woodworking projects in mind? Or are you just looking for an all-purpose set?
- Are you going to be using your router a lot, or only occasionally?
- Whats your budget? What are your spending limits?
These factors will help you choose the right router bits for you.
Best Router Bit Set: Whats The Bottom Line?
Bottom line is, if we had to recommend one all-purpose starter set containing some of the best router bits for beginners, wed go with the 30-piece MLCS 8369 kit.
This kit will set you up with every single profile that youll need at the router table, and it also has all the things youll want in a quality set thatll perform well and last long, including shank and carbide-tipped blades on all bits.
