| There is a bit for every routing task, from simple | | | | rout decorative profiles in the edges of a workpiece |
| grooves to intricate moldings. In fact, there are | | | | or cut one or both halves of an interlockng joint. |
| hundreds of cutters available in a variety of profiles | | | | Edge-forming bits generally have a ball-bearing pilot |
| and widths. | | | | located below the cutter that rides along the edge of |
| A typical router bit consists of a steel body with one | | | | the workpiece to guide the bit and precisely control |
| or more cutting edges and a shank that fits into the | | | | the width of the cut. As their name implies, grooving |
| router's collet. Most bits are made from either | | | | bits are designed to cut grooves and dadoes, and |
| high-speed steel (HSS) or high-speed steel with | | | | work best in a plunge router. The bits are larger than |
| carbide cutting edges. Although HSS bits are | | | | standard bits and should be used with the router |
| adequate for cutting softwood, they will not stand | | | | mounted in a router table. |
| up to repeated use in dense hardwood. | | | | Many router bits are expensive, so store them |
| Carbide-tipped bits, while more expensive and prone | | | | carefully and use a clean cloth to wipe off pitch, dust, |
| to chipping, stay sharp longer and cut more easily | | | | and dirt after each use. Keep the cutting edges sharp |
| through harder wood. | | | | and avoid using bits that are dirty, rusted, or |
| Router bits can be divided into three groups | | | | damaged. |
| according to their size and function. Edge-forming bits | | | | |