Click for Reference Library & Industry Guidelines
 
ROUTER BITS 101
Click here for suggestions
on Safe Routing Practices.

ROUTER BIT SELECTION

Wood Tech
offers only the highest quality router bits for serious woodworkers. Of the hundreds of router bit lines available, only a select few make the Wood Tech “CUT!” We are proud to recently have added both CMT and Freud products to our expanding selection. CMT has been producing quality products for over 40 years; and Freud been doing it for over 50 years! Their experience pays off for you!

In this #101 section, weʼll cover router bit technical information, terminology and the manufacturing differences that go into making the best router bits on the market.

First is a diagram showing router bit dimensions to help you in determining what bit fits your particular application.

Router Bit Diagram

D = Cutting Diameter        S = Shank Diameter
H = Cutting Depth            I = Cutting Length
R = Radius

Next is a chart with suggested router bit speeds. IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not exceeed the maximum speed marked on the bit!

Suggested Router Speeds:

Cutting Diameter (D) Max. RPM
Up to 1" (25.4 mm) 24,000
1" (25.4 mm) to 1-1/4" (31.75 mm) 18,000
1-1/4" (31.75 mm) to 2-1/4" (57.15 mm) 16,000
2-1/4" (57.15 mm) to 3-1/2" (88.9 mm) 12,000


How Quality Router Bits are Produced

Building the best tools starts with using the best raw materials. CMT & Freud excel at adhering to this time honored tradition. Here are just a few of the features that separate them from the rest:

ISO Standards Assure Quality and Consistency:
Both Freud(ISO 9002) and CMT (ISO 9001) apply ISO Common Market Directives and are independently audited for quality control.

Heat Forged Steels:
CMT uses Fatigue Proof® that offers superior strength, uniformity and resistance to fatigue and abrasion. It is chosen by both Porsche and Ferrari to make their engines! Freud utilizes heat forged steel for maximum strength and durability—the same process again used in the automobile industry to produce crank shafts. In comparison, most other manufacturers either turn down cold steel or use die casting. This lower cost method results in a weaker, less durable bit that is prone to breakage.

Superior Grades of Carbide Provide Longer Life and Maximize Finish:
Both CMT & Freud demand only the highest grade Micro- Grain carbides designed specifically for woodworking. Most manufacturers use standard off-the-shelf carbide, which is normally formulated for metal cutting. These carbides dull quickly.

Protective Coatings:
Coatings not only make these bits easily recognizable, they reduce friction and heat build up. Freud uses their exclusive red Perma-Shield™ and CMT their trademark orange PTFE coatings that also prevent adhesion of resins, and protects the bit from corrosion.

Anti-Kickback Design Promotes Safety:
In response to one of the most dangerous hazards in woodworking, both Freud and CMT are leaders in innovative and safe tool design that contribute to a safer working environment. Kickback reducing shoulders reduce overfeeding.

Shear & Hook Angles:
CMT & Freud engineer their bits to “slice” through the wood. This is extremely important when cutting across the grain. Proper shear and hook angles improve the finish and reduce sanding.

If you need more information about a particular bit, call us today at 1-800-TOOLING.


 

To reach a friendly voice, call during our hours of operation:
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST
(Eastern Standard Time)

Wood Tech Enterprises
Our website: www.woodtechtooling.com

P.O. Box 2226
Fairview, NC 28730 USA

1-800-TOOLING (866-5464)
Phone: 828-628-4414
Fax: 828-628-4490

Shipping Address:
15 Khristy Scott Lane
Fairview, NC 28730 USA

Copyright © 1998-2011 Wood Tech Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Wood Tech is not responsible for typographical errors. Prices are subject to change. All prices are in U.S. Dollars.