Router Bit Profiles: Choose the Shape That Saves Sanding
Woodworkers joke that good sanding hides a multitude of sins—but the right router bit profile means you’ll spend far less time with abrasive paper in the first place. This guide walks you through the most common profiles, the cuts they leave, and when to pick one shape over another.
Table of Contents
- Straight & Flush‑Trim Bits
- Round‑Over Bits
- Chamfer Bits
- Cove Bits
- Classical & Ogee Bits
- Rabbeting Bits
- Spiral (Up‑, Down‑ & Compression) Bits
- V‑Groove & Sign‑Making Bits
- Choosing the Right Shank & Collet
- FAQ
1. Straight & Flush‑Trim Bits
|
Best for |
Key benefit |
Typical sizes |
|
Dados, rabbets, shallow mortises |
Flat‑bottom grooves with no ridges |
1/4", 1/2", 12 mm |
Straight cutters are the bread‑and‑butter option for dadoes and mortises. When you need the edge of your pattern to be perfectly copied, switch to a flush‑trim bit with a top or bottom bearing.
Check our Solid Carbide Router Bits and Mortise Compression Router Bits Collections!
Speed tip: Take shallow passes (≤ 6 mm) to avoid burning in hardwoods.
2. Round‑Over Bits
Round‑overs soften sharp edges and reduce splintering. They’re sized by radius, so a 3/8‑in. bit leaves a 3/4‑in. diameter curve.
Ideal when a board will be handled frequently (tabletops, drawer fronts). The curve hides minor alignment issues and, yes—less sanding!
Check our Compression Router Bits Collection!
3. Chamfer Bits
Chamfers cut a flat bevel between two faces—often 45°. Use them to create a shadow line on cabinet doors or to ease edges of plywood shelving.
Pro move: Run a small 22.5° chamfer before edge‑banding plywood; glue squeeze‑out collects in the bevel instead of on the face.
4. Cove Bits
Coves create an inward curve—perfect for traditional baseboards and chair rails. Pair them with a round‑over on the opposite edge to craft a finger pull.
5. Classical & Ogee Bits
Featuring an S‑curve, ogee bits lend an instant “furniture‑grade” feel. To avoid burning, keep feed rates brisk and bits sharp.
6. Rabbeting Bits
A rabbeting bit removes a step (shoulder) along the board edge. Most kits include interchangeable bearings so you can cut multiple widths with one cutter.
7. Spiral Bits (Up‑Cut, Down‑Cut & Compression)
|
Style |
Chip direction |
Best use |
|
Up‑Cut |
Pulls chips upward |
Deep mortises, slotting where bottom finish matters |
|
Down‑Cut |
Pushes chips downward |
Veneered plywood & melamine – top surface stay clean |
|
Compression |
Down then up |
Panel processing on CNC – both faces splinter‑free |
Compression bits combine both flute directions, leaving a factory‑clean edge on laminated materials. They’re your go‑to for cabinet shops running nested‑based CNC programs.
Check our Up-Spiral Router Bit and Down‑Spiral Router Bits Collections!
8. V‑Groove & Sign‑Making Bits
V‑groove bits carve crisp lines for inlays and text. Shallower passes create delicate outlines; deeper passes form a wider trench. For CNC sign‑making, 60° and 90° bits are industry standards.
9. Choosing the Right Shank & Collet
A 1/2‑in. shank vibrates less than a 1/4‑in., but only if you pair it with a clean, concentric collet. Replace collets every 400‑600 hours of spindle time and keep them dust‑free.
Need a replacement? See our ER32 & ISO30 router collets or upgrade to an HSK63F tool holder for industrial spindles.
Check our CNC Routers Collets and Collet Chucks Collection!
10. FAQ
- Do I need a different bit for hardwood vs. softwood?
Hard maple and oak benefit from slower feed rates and freshly sharpened
carbide to prevent burning. Profile choice stays the same."
- Can I get away with a single round-over size?
A 1/4-in. radius works for most furniture edges, but having a 1/8-in. for small
boxes and a 3/8-in. for tabletops covers 90% of cases.
- Why does my cove bit burn the wood?
Excessive RPM, dull edges, or feeding too slowly. Clean the bit with blade/bit
cleaner and make lighter passes.
- How often should I sharpen router bits?
For carbide, every 2–3 hours of cumulative cutting in plywood; solid-carbide
spirals last longer but benefit from a touch-up at the first sign of fuzz.