Best CNC Router Bits for a Hassle-Free Woodworking Project

Best CNC Router Bits Buying Guide

Choosing the best router bits isn’t difficult, but there are a few things to consider before making a purchase. If you’re a beginner, you’ll probably need a lot of help before purchasing long lasting router bits. The general shape, sizes, and purpose of the bits are the most important factors to consider before purchasing a router bit. We have scoured this detailed guide to help you select router that gives superior smooth quality cuts. 

What Are the Different Types of CNC Router Bits?

Router bits are designed to create custom moldings in cabinets, other forms of furniture, and other types of trimming work for home accessories. Beads, coves, chamfers, and ogees are just a few of the bits available. When selecting a bit, keep in mind that the bit profile is the polar opposite of the wood profile.

Straights and slotting

It’s a common question whether the straight and slotting bits have the same job. Yes, technically, but the processes for both are different. Straight router bits trim in a perpendicular pattern, whereas slotting bits generally cut parallel to the router base. For example, if you’re trying to cut a groove in a door rail to make a curved panel, you’ll need a slotting bit with a guided bearing.

A slotting bit, on the other hand, will not be able to trim dadoes in order to build shelves in a bookcase, thus a straight bit will be required in that scenario. One of the most crucial tools for a professional craftsman to have is straight and slotting bits.

Joinery bits 

Joinery parts are some of the best router bits available. These are used to curve fine joinery, which can be accomplished with a router and a precise bit. These are available for box joints, finger joints, and other joints.

Matched bits

These are paired bits that are used to manufacture cabinet doors by cutting mating joints such as stile and rail or tongue and groove profiles. More popular sets of matched bits can be found online. One of the nicest aspects of these fantastic router bits is that they can adapt to the smaller ply of today’s times by adjusting to it.

Flush trim and pattern bits

When it comes to production efficiency, CNC router bits are the most effective ones. These enhance production more than all other types of router bits in terms of quantity. Although it seems to be a straight bit at first glance, a flush trim contains a guided bearing at the tool’s end. The pattern bit is made out of a shank that contains bearings. In order to make an adequate replica, both router bits usually have a pattern.

This video from Rockler Woodworking and Hardware will teach you more about the different kinds of CNC router bits for obtaining superior smooth quality cuts:

What Are Some Common CNC Router Bits of Material To Choose From?

High-speed steel (HSS)

This is a heat-resistant, wear-resistant, and hardene tool steel bit. It outperforms carbon steel when it comes to cutting tools and drill bits, and it’s very useful for cutting foams. HSS is made from raw ore that is heated until it melts, then different elements and minerals are added to improve the internal structure. When compared to carbide, the tool life of HSS is shorter.

Solid carbide (SC) steel

This is a tough, wear-resistant, long lasting material. SC bits are available in different types, ranging from low-cost to high-quality, high-priced options. If you’re looking for SC bits, you need to be especially cautious or you’ll end up with a knock-off. Carbide comes in a variety of shapes and sizes (tungsten carbide, beryllium carbide, silicon carbide, etc.). Please keep in mind that some pieces are brittle and should be handled with caution.

Carbide-tipped

Large-diameter CNC router bits feature pieces of carbide brazed to a steel body because carbide is expensive. The durability of carbide is combined with the reduced cost of a steel core.

Solid tungsten carbide bits

Solid tungsten carbide bits are manufactured from strong tungsten carbide particles linked together with metallic cobalt. Because these bits are so tough and long lasting, they stay sharper for far longer than HSS bits.

Polycrystalline diamond (PCD) 

These CNC router bits are comprised of diamond particles sintered together with a binder. To make an exceptionally hard and abrasion-resistant bit, the diamond is mixed with a carbide substrate.

What Are the Major Cut Types of CNC Router Bits?

Spiral bits are versatile tools that may be used in a variety of applications, but you must first establish the cut direction, which will be influenced by the material type and other factors. 

Cut up 

Chips (and the material) are pulled up by cut-up bits. Your material will need to be properly held down when utilizing them. If you want to clean chips from your cuts and avoid overheating the bits, cut-up bits are the way to go. They’re excellent for slicing through the material. 

Cut down

Chips and material are pushed back into the cut using downcutting tools. Their down shear movement is ideal for protecting your material’s top surface. These bits are perfect for cutting thin, flexible materials, but they aren’t ideal for drilling holes because chips will push the bottom layer of the workpiece away from the bit. The top of the workpiece is cleanly cut using down cut pieces, while the bottom edge may tear.

Compression cut

Up-down bits (compression bits) combine the advantages of both up and down chopped bits. Although the bit is a down cutter, the tip is an up cutter. Because the top is pushed down while the bottom is pulled up, you’ll get a clean edge on both sides while cutting materials like plywood. Chipping is eliminated and the risk of harming the workpiece is reduced by combining the two geometries.