The router is one of the most versatile tools in the modern shop. With the correct bits you can form edges, mill stock for joints, add decorative veining or inlays and even make raised panel doors. Practice is the key to successful routing. However, the right bit is just as important. Use this guide to ensure you have the bits you need.

Router Bit Materials
The materials from which bits are manufactured play a big role in the life and performance of the bit. Router bits are available in:

High-Speed Steel (HSS): Relatively inexpensive and good for general routing in softwood and light plastics.
Carbide-Tipped: More expensive than HSS, but they stay sharp much longer and are a better choice for hardwood and other hard materials.
Solid Carbide: Normally the most expensive bits. They're usually small and designed for specific applications such as mortising, laminate trimming or pattern cutting.

Router Bits Types & Uses:

Type	Uses
Straight	Cutting dados and grooves
Spiral	Characterized by sharply twisted flutes for quick chip removal Available in upcut or downcut versions Use upcut bits for mortising Use downcut bits for cutting completely through stock
Dovetail	Cutting tails and pins for dovetail joints Cutting the groove and tongue in sliding dovetail joints Manufactured in different degrees of slope for joining different wood species
Flush Trim	Usually used to trim laminate on countertops Higher quality bits have ball-bearing pilots
Door Pull	Making door pull grooves in blocks for handles
Veining	Cutting "V" grooves and decorative patterns
Slotting	Cutting slots for "T" molding or receiving splines Most have ball-bearing pilots and three wings (cutting surfaces)
Panel Raising	Forming the panel edge in a raised panel
Stile Cutter	Cutting the inside groove and beading on stiles and rails in frame and frame and panel construction Most have ball-bearing pilots
Rabbeting	Cutting rabbets in flat stock Most have ball-bearing pilots
Coping Bit (Sticking Bit)	Cutting/coping the ends of rails in frame and panel construction Most have ball-bearing pilots
Molding Cutter	Cutting multiple molding profiles Use only in table-mounted routers, molding bits are too large to operate safely in handheld routers
Edge Forming	Cutting edge profiles Higher quality bits have ball-bearing pilots
Cabinet Door Set	Set of at least three bits for frame and panel construction Purchasing sets is usually less expensive than buying individual bits