Best Router Bits In [year]

There are plenty router bits out there but we have sorted out some of the best router bits by testing and researching. Almost all of them are offered by big manufacturers of woodworking tools. Our favorite is Hitlex 10100 Tungsten Carbide Router Bits. It is a complete case that fulfills most of your bit requirements.  Beyond this one bit, let’s look at what are other top options.

Best Router Bits

 

1. Hitlex 10100 Tungsten Carbide Router Bits

The Hitlex 10100 is a set of router bits that are made from the tungsten-carbide steel. Each of the packs contains 15 components. The set consists of a 1/8” and ¼” straight bit, a ½” straight bit and 5/8” straight bit, an R1/4″ cove box kit, an R1/4″ cove tail, an R1/8″ Cove box bit, a 90° ‘V’ grooming bit, ½” mortising bit, a 3/8” Round corner, a ½” Dovetail, a 5/32” Roman ogee, a 45° inclined 1-1/4” chamfer, a ¼” panel pilot, and a ½” flush trim. On Unboxing the entire case, we found the accessories to be organized and disciplined. Even a beginner level worker can fix these with perfection and ease.

The performance test was carried out at different levels on the same testing medium. We selected a wooden slab of dimensions 12”× 8”×3”. The YG8 tungsten steel provides a clean cut that shapes the wood smoothly without any complexities. However, we noticed some stiffness in fixing the 90° ‘V’ grooving bit. The bit gets loose even after a tight-fitting. This might led you to fix the holder after regular intervals of time.

When it comes to durability, all bits are coated with an extra layer of powder to ensure maximum protection. This initiative taken by the company makes the product to be more heat-resistant. Moreover, proper maintenance plays a vital role in extending the durability. We recommend you to tighten the bits before revving the router. Doing this, will lessen the wear, and sharpen the cut. Also if you are specifically looking for a router bit for Dremel tools, it is the best router bits for Dremel.

Bottom Line

The durability factor makes the Hitlex 10100 to reign on the list. It is one of the best router bits fine woodworking.

2. Kowood Router Bits Sets 24a Pieces

The Kowood Router bits sets come with 24 A pieces of craft. It earned our respect during Unboxing, as the packaging is top-notch. Each pack contains a Mortising bit, a Combination bevel, two Dovetails, a 90° ‘V’ grooving bit, two round noses, a trimming panel pilot, and 4 straight cut bits. Over 24 handles, we also found an ¼” collet. On inspecting the weight, we found it to be of 2.55 pounds, that’s quite genuine.  However, the thickness remains to be of a decent measurement of 2.2 inches. Being a regular variant, the bits are made of an alloy blade material, resistant to trust.

The performance test was done to check every discipline. We had to check all the 24 bits, so sacrificed a lot of hardwood in the process. The bits are easy to fit, and we found it to be quite reliable. Due to its low vibrations, it has a full rating for sheerness. However, there was some stiffness issue with the combination bevel and the Dovetails. The fittings would become loose, and it came out at the first try.

When it comes to durability, this Kowood Router Bit set lacks it. For mid-range performances, this set is a boon. Due to its low heat resistant property, it might catch rust soon. Therefore, you must keep a careful eye on high revving the router. You can say it is the Best Router Bits for sign making.

Bottom Line

The overall impression of this Kowood was quite decent, and it’s a value for money product. It is something that you can consider best router bits for dados.

3. Yonico 17702 70-Bit Router Bit Set

The Yonico 17702 comes with a 72-bit set. On Unboxing we found the items to be of 2 keyhole bits, 3 Dado bits, 3 beadings bits, 3 slot bits, 4 chamfer bits, 5 Dovetails, 5 profile groove bits, 5 ‘V’ groove bits, 6 trim bits, 6 core box bits, 6 round neck bits, and 7 profile edging bits. The entire set is embedded in a wooden case that gives it a premium look. Bits are yellow, and an inner bluster package is used as a sealant for better organization. On inspecting the weight, we found it to be 14 pounds. For experienced carpenters, this set brings a wider collection relative to its rivals.

We carried out a performance test by taking wood as the testing medium. Cast from 3 micro-grain tungsten carbide steel, the blades are sharp and precise. Unlike its other rivals, it doesn’t eject unnecessarily on high revving. The shanks are relatively longer and are ½” thick. However, the ball bearings are reported to be loose for the chamfer bits and the trim bits. Safety hazards just me met at any cost, as you can’t compromise craft with safety.

When it comes durability, these set of 72-bit are durable beyond your expectations. However, proper maintenance is what we recommend. This factor will increase the durability to a few more years. Coming to the usability, we used these in a table-mount and a hand-held router. It didn’t take much time to carve out wood with accuracy and precision.

Bottom Line

With better maintenance, the Yonico 17702 has a life long servitude.

4. Stalwart 24pc. Bit Set

On receiving the Stalwart 24pc. Bit set, our team was quite impressed. As the name says, it consists of 24-bits that comes embedded in a wooden box. Each pack consists of  ½” mortising bit, ½” combination bevel bit, 3/8” dovetail bit, ½” dovetail bit, ½” 90-degree V-groove bit, 3/8” round nose bit, ½” round nose bit, 3/8” trimming bit, ¼” panel pilot bit, ¼” straight bit, 3/8” straight bit, ½” straight bit, ¾” straight bit, ½” flush-trim bit, 1/8” radius round-over bit, 3/16” radius round-over bit, ¼” radius round-over bit, 3/8” radius round-over bit, ¼” cove bit, 3/8” cove bit, ½” 45° chamfer bit, ¼” Roman Ogee bit, ¼” slot cutter bit, and a ½” rabbeting bit. The entire weight was found to be 1 pound on inspection.

Coming to the performance test, we selected the wood as the testing medium. The cuttings were precise but there were vibrations. On hand-held mode, you’ll have to provide an extra effort to control the stiffness. Besides, the bits perform best on a table-mount. Fit and finish impressions are neat and appreciable as we expected. The 0.25” and 0.5″ cutting diameters cover even the remote edges with ease.

When it comes to durability, there is a lot of negative feedback from the customers. The bearings are of poor quality and wear off easily. Therefore, these bits lack longevity too. Unsuitable for the long run, these bits are reported to be brittle and break on high revving. On mid-range works, these bits serve to be an ideal cutting tool.

Bottom Line

Nevertheless, the Stalwart 24pc bit set is a value for money product. Overalla, it is best router bits for cabinate door.

5. Freud 13pc Bit Set

The Freud router bit set comes embedded in a shadow wooden box. You can hang it on a wall, or mount it on a bench. The bits come in 13 unique pieces with ½” thick shanks. Each pack consists of 3 double flute straight bit, 1 Mortising bit, 1 Round nose bit, 1 ‘V’ groove bit, 1 dovetail bit, 1 Cove bit, 1 rabbeting bit, 1 rounding over a bit, 1 Roman ogee bit, 1 chamfer bit, and 1 bearing flush brim bit. The weight is similar to the previous product, weighing just a pound. Being a beginner-friendly product, any craftsman can install them easily.

Since the company claims its vast versatility, we’ve taken several testing mediums. Plywood, hardwood, and softwood are taken of dimensions 12”×8”×3” respectively. On inspecting, our team didn’t find any sort of vibrations or stiffness. It slices all the wooden mediums with ease, except for the hardwood. You’ll need to put an extra effort to slice of hardwood, as the cuttings are not too precise. For that, we recommend you to operate by mounting it on a table-top.

The Freud 13pc bit set is known for its durability and longevity. We didn’t find any negative feedback from the masses, as the quality is top-notch. This product is used on a large scale where it never fails to stand on the expectations of the masses. On detailed research, we found that many carpenter prefer to use them mounted on a table. Due to stability, it can perform all mid-range tasks with ease.

The Freud 13pc bit set remains as an affordable option that places it on the list.

6. EDMBG 35pc Router Bit Set

This EDMBG product comes with 35 distinct and unique bit pieces. The packaging is top-notch, where the bits are embedded in a deluxe aluminum carry case. Each pack consists of 2 Core box bits, a 90° ‘V’ grooving bit, 1 Round nose bit, 1 Mortising bit, 5 straight bits, 1-panel pilot bit, 5 flush trim bits, a 45° chamfer bit, 2 Cove bits, 3 Rabbiting bits, 1 classical cove bit, 1 Mave Edge bit, 1 beading bit, 2 double Roman bits, 2 Roman ogee bits, and 3 Rounder over bits. Each bit has a shack thickness of ¼” just like its rivals. However, our team found its weight to be 4 pounds of pure carbide material.

The performance test was carried out similarly to the previous product. Unlike its former rival, it sharpens hardwood with ease. The bits were sheer without even a minuscule of stiffness in the fittings. Cuttings were precise and accurate without any unevenness. However, the fittings might get loose on high revving the router.

Coming to durability, these bits might not be good at it. Due to the absence of tungsten amalgamation, it lacks durability and longevity. This is the reason behind the tough competition it faces from its rivals. The homogeneous metal fails to be a heat-resistant product, which remains as a disadvantage. Therefore, you can’t rely upon it for high-range cutting and curving.

Bottom Line

With so much to offer, this EDMBG set is worth your payment.

7. Kowood Tounge And Groove Set

This Kowood product contains a set of two tongue and groove set along with 2 adjustable shims. These shims come with two variable thicknesses of 0.2mm and 0.5mm respectively. On Unboxing, we found the bits to be yellow, and so will you. Blade thickness is about 2.36”, and the shank is about ¼” thick. We observed closely and found the bits to contain 3 teeth for sharp cutting. Being user-friendly, any skilled craftsman can operate these bits.

Coming to the performance test, this Kowood product passed it with any difficulty. Our testing medium was an MDF (compare it with MOF), particleboard, plywood, and a hardwood. The vibrations are low even on high revving. However, we wouldn’t recommend you to rev above 18,000 RPM. Our team observed that short clamping bends the bit. Therefore, we pushed the bit slowly to operate at its full potential.

Coming to durability, the lacks a bit of it. However, there is enough longevity for high-range works. The product works best in table-top routers where it becomes more stable. On hand-held routers, these bits might turn to be unstable.

Bottom Line

Being a Kowood product, it a product that won’t let you complain about the quality.

8. Bosch Rbs010 Carbide-Tipped Professional All-Purpose Router Bit

It is a 10-piece professional router bit set by Bosch. At the same time, they are highly effective carbide-tipped with ½-inches to 1/4-inches shank. These high profile bits are made to cut through every kind of wooden surface and transform a valuable cut. Carbide-tipped bits are also known for durable life while also providing sharp cuttings. Ultimately, you will get the smoothly finished tasks. Their micro-grain carbide tip ensures fast and clean cutting on various kinds of wooden surfaces. We have tested using them for almost job applications such as milling, groove cutting, board surfacing, drilling, and sign making.

Well, we have mostly used ½-inch shank bits for high profile and hard wooden surfaces. It is recommended to use ¼-inch shank bits for thin surfaces that are quite easy to handle. We are also impressed by the quantity as well as quality given in the kit. It contains all types of router bits you will need in the present and other upcoming projects. There is a kind of hardness uniformity present in every bit’s shank. Overall, the body is sturdy enough to resist the accidental and other sorts of breakage.

Bosch has strategically made all the heavy bits to fit the base router very easily. We are happy with the provided plastic cover as a storage case. The cover further comes with a wooden base and plastic top. Every detail is kindly attended while using the bits in the router. Its shank bits also give a kind of LED vibration while working. However, the manufacture hasn’t mentioned any bit size in the dimensions, and we have also not measured yet. But, we can guarantee that it’s a multi-tasking professional router bits set by Bosch.

Bottom Line

We have used all the ten pieces of this professional router bit set that came out to be very flexible, smooth, and even worked on hard wooden surfaces as desired.

9. KOWOOD Pro Router 24Z Pieces Professional Bits Set

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KOWOOD presents us with a professional woodworking kit of ¼-inch shank bits. This professional setup comprises of 24Z pieces made of heavy-duty carbide. The unique thing about the bits set is that it applies to heat treatment as well. Furthermore, the carbide is nicely built to get that smooth and accurate trimming, grooving, or other wooden surface cutting tasks. What we like the most is the availability of every bit in the set. At the same time, they are all being provided in a wooden carry case and the application drawings. It is an ideal setting to consider, even if you are a beginner in the woodworking field.

Most of our carpentry is done via this heavy-duty set. They are pretty easy to fit in the router as well. We want to mention the reasonable cost of the set. As against the 24 pieces they offer, the rate is not that high and pretty affordable for every user. It’s the reason we highly suggest this kit for beginners. Generally, you get the plastic carry box, but the case is different with this set.

We can feel the sturdiness and overall quality of all the bits provided. It is a multi-purpose kit suitable for laminate, wood, plywood, particleboard, and compact panel, etc. However, all the bits are of ¼-inches shank, mostly soft wooden surfaces compared to hard surfaces. But the compatibility of the router is quite amazing with brands such as Bosch, Dewalt, Black & Decker, Skil, Ryobi, Porter & Cable, Makita, Milwaukee, and Kowood itself.

Bottom Line

At last, we must say that the set is ideal, especially when you are a beginner and work on softwood projects mostly. The quality and quantity of the product are worth considering.

10. ABN 24-Pieces Tungsten Carbide Router Bits Set

Now, we are going to review one of the best router bits set by Tungsten. It comes in a wooden case withdrawing of respective bits. This carbide tipped router bit comprises of 24 pieces each with ¼-inch shanks. It can be easily adjusted within any router and made of high-quality, sturdy material. Their specific tungsten carbide helps in getting those precise and sharp cuts over the suitable wooden surfaces. However, the ¼-inch shank bits are uniquely suited to soft wooden surfaces.

The set is available in every profile you need as a beginner woodworker. You will get straight bits, 45-degree chamfer bits, round nose bits, grooving bits, roman ogee bits, flush trim bits, and so on. Thus, we were able to draw almost every kind of sharp cutting edge over the surface. They are securely fitted with required bearings. So, you won’t face any issue with regards to quality, material fit, and storage. Everything can be nicely organized within the box with a locking fit.

The most recognizable feature of the set is a one-year warranty. It ensures high-quality products by the manufacturer. Before buying any bits set, make sure your router accepts the bit mentioned’s specific shank size. All in all, the provided tungsten carbide tips are there for sharp and precise cuts. It also means that you need to handle them carefully. Don’t drop them and get severe injuries. Overall, we liked the organization and storage aspect of bits to be considered worth purchasing.

Bottom Line

Our final words for this bits set comes with a positive approach for buying. It’s an ideal set, especially for beginners who need to start woodworking with ¼-inch shank bits.

Buyer’s Guide- What To Consider While Buying Best Router Bits?

Buying the best quality router would take you a lot of effort, especially when you know nothing about its technical aspects. Being the experts, we know all the professional and general issues of router bits. They are provided in a variety of profiles and required to consider other factors as given below while buying.

1. Router Bits Shanks

The shank sizes of router bits are broadly classified into two sizes i.e., ¼-inch and 1/2-inch. The shank is generally the cylindrical and substantial part of the router bit that goes into the collect and ultimately determines the fit. Use ½-inch shank bits whenever possible. This is because ¼-inch shank bits are not acceptable by most routers. However, it doesn’t mean that ¼ shanks are useless. They are just specific for routers and mostly applicable to soft wooden surfaces. It is also said that beginners must start their journey with ¼ shank routers.

2. Quality Signs

There are sure signs of quality you need to look for while buying the best router bits. However, it’s not possible to determine the hardness of carbide tips just by seeing them. That is only possible after a practical experience like us. For the purpose, you can look for quality signs in descriptions such as ISO K20 or K10. On the other hand, carbide tips are sharpened and fine enough to do all the tasks efficiently. On our list Hitlex 10100 Tungsten Carbide Router Bits has the best package in terms of package.

3. Cutting Edges

The cutting edges of router bits are generally made from carbide or high-speed steel (HSS). And, most of them come with carbide cutters that work 10 to 20 times longer and better than HSS. This is the reason we always recommend to go with carbide tipped router bits. They are comparatively sharper and precisely fulfill all the tasks. At the same time, you must handle them very carefully within the case itself.

4. Flute

Check for the number of flutes a bit has. A flute is the part of a bit that helps make various kinds of cuts over the surfaces. The higher the number of flutes, the greater the speed and cut. It also slows down the cut of bits and makes them even smoother.

5. Bearing Guide

Bearing guided bits allows the cutting of curved or straight edge without any need for a router fence. The references of the bit allow shaping the edges quite precisely. These guides are also useful with a template to follow. What you need to check are the bearing guides and the different shapes they can help you make.

6. Different Types Of Router Bits

Let’s discuss various kinds of router bits available in the market as follows.

• Straight Bits

Straight router bits are available in different shapes and sizes. They generally make consecutive cuts into the surface and helps in grooving or making dados. The following bits are used by almost every woodworker, whether it’s a beginner or commercial use.

• Flush-Trim Bits

The flush-trim bits are used to trim edges. The edges of one material are trimmed onto the sides of other material via these trim bits. For instance, veneered surfaces are decorated with the substrate or different patterns to make multiple identical pieces.

• Rabbeting Bits

Rabbeting bits are designed to cut rabbets at the edge of workpieces. They are generally covered by spinning pilot bearing on the tip. However, you can purchase them in different diameters allowing each bit to produce different size rabbets.

• Chamfer Router Bits

Chamfer bits cuts at edges which can be useful for decoration. They highly create the beveled edges to create multi-sided constructions. Chamfer bits are used to make waste-baskets, multi-sided boxes, decorative pieces, and planters.

• Specialized Bits

As the name suggests, specialized bits are there for particular tasks. You can make cabinet doors with raised-panel bits. Or, they can help you finely shape the edges of door panels. However, you must use these significant bits in table-mounted router quite safely. Other specialized bit consists of drawer-lock bits, dovetail bits, lock-miter bits, and finger-joint bits.

FAQs

Final Thought

All the best router bits that we have mentioned are offered by good brands. You won’t have to worry about the quality much. All you need to find out is your requirement. You must know what kind of work you want accomplish. This will help you narrow down specific bits. If we might have missed out some bits, do let us know in comments.