| A router bit is a tool for woodworking giving a | | | | stores are carbide (short for tungsten carbide) |
| quality finish to woodwork. It cuts wood providing | | | | tipped. These router bits are made of a very |
| a way to give a clean and even a decorative | | | | hard material that stays sharp longer than steel |
| edge to woodwork. The following is some basic | | | | and is resistant to heat. However, this type of |
| information about router bits to get you started in | | | | router bit can chip and is very expensive (this is |
| your woodworking efforts. | | | | why most of the bits are tipped and not made |
| The Parts of a Router Bit | | | | completely of carbide). |
| Here are the there main parts of a router bit: | | | | High Speed Steel (HSS) bits have been around |
| 1) The shank- the part of the router bit that is | | | | longer but are not as readily available as the |
| inserted into the collet (the sleeve of the router). | | | | carbide bits. An HSS router bit is not as expensive |
| 2) The cutting edge- this part cuts and removes | | | | but will dull fairly quickly. The HSS router bit is |
| the wood. They are available in several sizes and | | | | more suited for occasional work while a carbide |
| shapes. | | | | router bit is meant for greater use, lasting 20 |
| 3) The pilot- the guide for the router in order to | | | | times longer than the HSS router bit. |
| make a correct cut. It can be an extension of the | | | | How to Take Care of Router Bits |
| shank or a ball bearing attachment. | | | | To keep your router bit set in good shape, you |
| The Different Kinds of Router Bits | | | | will want to do small amountsof cutting at a time. |
| While there are over 50 router bit profiles, here | | | | This not only keeps you away from overheating, |
| are the four basic types of router bits: | | | | but will also extend the life of the router bit. |
| 1) Grooving Bits- These bits make a groove in | | | | Always use the shortest and widest bit possible |
| the piece of wood. This type of bit is commonly | | | | for your project. This will again prevent |
| used for street address signs for homes. | | | | overheating and will also avoid chattering. |
| Different types of grooving bits include the | | | | Always keep your router bits clean and free from |
| V-Groove, the Round-Nose and the Straight Bits. | | | | pitch and in good condition to avoid dulling. |
| 2) Joinery Bits- Router bits that help make | | | | Remove any pitch and tar from the router bit (if |
| several different types of joints. This type of | | | | not removed, it will cause the bit to unevenly |
| router bit includes the Finger Joint, the Drawer | | | | bounce on the surface). Commercial bit cleaner |
| Lock, the Rile and Stile, and Dovetail Bits. | | | | can be used to remove pitch and tar; however, a |
| 3) Edge Bits- Bits used to create different-shaped | | | | scrap piece of wood will usually do the trick. This |
| edges in woodwork. Examples of these types of | | | | will help keep your router bits in good working |
| bits include the Beading, Flush, and Round-over | | | | order. |
| bits. | | | | The parts of a router bit, the types of bits, the |
| 4) Specialized Bits- These bits do not fit into one | | | | difference between HSS bits and carbide bits, and |
| of the above categories and have more | | | | the proper care of router bits are all important |
| specialized purposes including the Key Hole, Raised | | | | concepts to understand when selecting your own |
| Panel, and T-Slot bits. | | | | router bit set. This basic knowledge willhelp you |
| Carbide versus HSS bits | | | | know what you need in a router bit set and how |
| Most of the bits you will find available in hardware | | | | to use it properly. |