When to Use Spiral vs. Straight Router Bits
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- Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
- What's the difference between an up cut router bit, down cut router bit and straight router bit? Nick shares his tips for when you would use each router bit.
#rockler #rocklerwoodworking #wood #woodworking #woodworker #woodshop #createwithconfidence #routerbit #router
I just purchased my first router ….. never used one in my life and know even less. I process all information, because, I’ve never used a router in my life!
Nothing wrong with learning as much as you can before hand. 🙌
different at remove the sawdust
And then there is the combo down and upcut router bit that will compress the fibers on both sides. Those can get pricy though.
Compression bits!
I tried using a straight pattern but on a cane handle, using a template. It was a violent explosion of wood. Took a big chunk out of the curved handle. Doesn’t work routing into the grain of a curved surface.
Oh no! Sorry to hear that. It is best to start on long grain with straight bits, and we also recommend using a starter pin when ever possible. This will help you ease into the cut, and help avoid the terrifying grab and pull. Also, remember to cut in the proper direction. When using a handheld router, think of it as - The Router drives in the Right Lane and the Lumber is passed in the Left Lane. It's the same on a router table, only upside down, so make contact with the bottom-right quadrant of the bit, and feed left to right.
Compression bits exist.
True. The blend of up and down cut.
So why is it not good to cut Melamine and MDF or rabbets / dados with an upcut bit?
An up cut bit will cause tear out at the top surface and chip or lift up the melamine and mdf layers.
I have a crafty project: cutting out silhouettes from 1/2" plywood, for haloween decorations that get painted black and back lit and placed against the house. Last year, I used a jigsaw. This year I was thinking of trying a router and bit. I came here to find info about the difference. But alas, still a bit confused. Would you recommend a Spiral (up cut or down cut) or a Straight bit to cut shapes (cutting completely through the wood) out of my 1/2" plywood? Thanks!
That depends on some factors. If you put another piece of material under the board while cutting, it would act a spoilboard and would help prevent tear out. This could be scrap plywood, mdf, just needs to be something that you can cut into a little bit. In that case a down cut bit will leave the top of the material clean, and the spoilbard being against the plywood will help prevent the bottom of the cut from tare out.
Another option would be to use a compression bit. It would need to be set to a height that the top surface of the plywood is being cut with the down cut section of the bit, and the bottom surface is being cut with the up cut section of the bit.
Using a plunge router would be recommended. Freehand routing with a trim router isn't easy and can be dangerous.
@@rockler Thank you so much for the reply! Yes, a lot of people I've asked say stick with the jigsaw, but it's hard to make some of the curves, and a Dremel was not strong or fast enough. I'd like to try the spoilboard and plunge router. Thanks again!
You're welcome!
@@rocklerin the first situation you described wouldn’t the chips have nowhere to go ?