How do I set router speed?

By cutter diameter. As diameter grows so does rim speed, so slow down; too fast burns the cutter, darkens the surface and raises vibration.

What is the difference between 6, 8 and 12 mm shanks?

Rigidity. A thicker shank vibrates less and leaves a cleaner surface with large cutters. The shank must match the router's collet exactly.

HSS or carbide router bits?

Carbide (TCT) lasts far longer in abrasive materials such as MDF, laminate and chipboard. HSS is economical in solid timber and low-volume work.

What is a bearing-guided cutter for?

The bearing keeps the cutter at a constant depth along the edge, following a template or an existing edge to repeat the same profile. A seized bearing burns the work, so keep it clean and free.

Can a deep groove be cut in one pass?

It should not be. One deep pass overloads the cutter, spoils the surface and overheats the machine. Deepen the groove in stages.

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Router Bits

A router bit removes material as it turns, cutting a groove, a profile or an edge; its shank diameter decides which collet it fits and its cutting geometry decides what it does. The catalogue holds over 430 cutters.

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Types and what they do

Router bits divide by the job. Most work in timber, MDF and plywood; aluminium takes single-flute cutters with a geometry made for it.

Type	What it does	Typical job
Straight (groove)	Cuts a square-sided groove	Grooves, housings, jigs
Round-over	Rounds the edge to a radius	Furniture, worktop edges
Bearing guided	Follows the edge on a bearing	Trimming laminate, template work
V-groove	Cuts a V-section groove	Lettering, decorative carving
Profile cutter	Cuts a moulded edge	Doors, architrave, skirting
Joint cutters	Cuts joint housings	Timber joinery

Collet size and speed

Shank diameter must match the collet exactly: an 8 mm shank goes in an 8 mm collet, and reducers introduce play and vibration. 6, 8 and 12 mm shanks are the common sizes; 12 mm is stiffer and preferred for large profile cutters.

Speed follows cutter diameter: as diameter grows so does rim speed, so slow the router down. Too fast burns the cutter, darkens the surface and increases vibration. Deep grooves are cut in stages, never in one pass.

Shank diameter must match the collet exactly.
Large diameter cutter means lower speed.
Cut deep grooves in stages, not in one pass.
Keep guide bearings clean and free to turn.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set router speed?
By cutter diameter. As diameter grows so does rim speed, so slow down; too fast burns the cutter, darkens the surface and raises vibration.
What is the difference between 6, 8 and 12 mm shanks?
Rigidity. A thicker shank vibrates less and leaves a cleaner surface with large cutters. The shank must match the router's collet exactly.
HSS or carbide router bits?
Carbide (TCT) lasts far longer in abrasive materials such as MDF, laminate and chipboard. HSS is economical in solid timber and low-volume work.
What is a bearing-guided cutter for?
The bearing keeps the cutter at a constant depth along the edge, following a template or an existing edge to repeat the same profile. A seized bearing burns the work, so keep it clean and free.
Can a deep groove be cut in one pass?
It should not be. One deep pass overloads the cutter, spoils the surface and overheats the machine. Deepen the groove in stages.