Designed to cut, shape and trim materials like wood and plastics, there are many different types of router bit circulating the woodworking and production industries. Among the most common and popularly used router bits is a sub-group referred to as edge-forming bits. As that name indicates, these bits are almost singularly used to create an ornamental shape on the edge of a workpiece. Particularly popular in cabinetry and carpentry edge forming bits are designed with a huge variety of profiles and can be fabricated to match virtually any profile conceivable. The profile of a router bit, then, is the shape of its business end (or, the cutter) and of the design or edge it then produces by cutting that shape/profile into a workpiece.

Edge forming bits can be anywhere from common to complex and often boast intricate profiles that deliver an ornate and unique shape to a workpiece. Because these router bits are often used to produce the very final decorative elements on a workpiece, they are commonly used with a pilot bearing for guidance. Ultimately, designed to inject character and drama into projects like fine furniture, and with a nearly limitless array of profile shapes and dimensions, edge forming bits can carve lines to convey antique, vintage, traditional, modern or etc, themes to your work. They are the finishing touch and can subtly or exuberantly enhance your workpieces.

Like other router bits, edge forming bits can be found in varying qualities and constructions. HSS (high speed steel) bits are the least expensive and are, accordingly, the most brittle and breakable. Carbide tipped bits are the most commonly used type of bit as, although they are a bit more expensive than HSS bits, they are much more durable and better retain their cutting edge. Because of their high-quality cutters, these bits perform all applications reasonably if not extremely well. The most elite and expensive type of bit, then, is an entirely carbide bit. Although these bits offer the most exceptional cutting and durability, because they are so costly, they are usually used by only the most seasoned crafters.

The below list reflects the most common types of edge forming router bit and briefly discusses their profiles and specifications (if applicable):

COMMON TYPES OF EDGE FORMING ROUTER BIT:

Bead and Double Bead Router Bits:
Bead bits produce a convex (rounded, hump-like) quarter-round profile. Double bead bits (and so forth as you might encounter triple bead bits and etc) produce this quarter-round twice with one hump directly below the other.

Bullnose Router Bits:
Bullnose bits produce a full 180-degree (half-round) convex round over on the edge of a workpiece. Larger flats or fillets sit above and below the round over and are usually greater than the round over itself. These bits must be used with a fence or edge guide.

Chamfering Bits:
Chamfering bits create a very clean beveled cut. These bits are available in a variety of angles and produce a plain finished edge. Some chamfering bits also include a flat shoulder which allows users to add a flat formation at the top of the angled cut.

Classical Bead and Cove Router Bits:
Bead and cove bits combine a bead (convex – a hump) and and a cove (concave – a cave) formation where the bead sits atop the cove; they are separated and bracketed by single fillets.

Classical Cove and Bead Bits:
Cove and bead or cove and round over bits are essentially the exact opposite or “flip” of above profile combining a cove and bead (or round over) formation. The concave and hump designs fall in that sequence and are similarly separated and bracketed by single fillets.

Cove and Double Cove Router Bits:
Cove bits are used to create a concave quarter-round (a curved indent or cove/cave shape) into the edge of a material. Like double beading bits, double cove bits (and so forth) produce a profile where this cove shape doubles over itself stacking one cove atop another.

Edge Beading Router Bits:
Edge beading bits produce half-round (half-circle – 180-degree hump) profiles referred to as “beads.” The bead is usually bracketed by flats or fillets.

Handrail Router Bits:
Handrail bits are used to produce the under-cut segment of a handrail. Although they can be used with many edge forming bits, they are ordinarily used in conjunction with table edge bits to produce a workpiece that is profiled on the side and top. These bits should only be used with a router table.

Ogee Router Bits:
Ogee bits produce an “S” shaped profile on a workpiece and, accordingly, they are generally “S” shaped themselves. These ornamental edges have one convex hump and one concave cove (like an “S”) and are typically bracketed by fillets. This instills a more traditional or antique character to your workpiece. Like many other router bit types, the ogee bit has several variations that differ in slope and complexity. For example, Roman ogee bits traditionally include more fillets and stepped ogee bits offer a more gradual (or less steep) profile.

Rabbeting Router Bits:
Rabbets are essentially notches that are both vertically and horizontally straight. Rabbeting bits are used to create these notches, or, a generally step-shaped profile. These bits operate with a guiding pilot bearing that is situated at the top of the bit and guides it along the edge of the workpiece. These pilot bearings can be replaced with bearings of another diameter allowing users to create multiple sized rabbet cuts with the Casas De Apuestas extranjeras.

Round Over Router Bits:
Round over bits, as the name indicates, produce a perfectly rounded convex edge on a workpiece. These are commonly used in woodworking applications such as cabinet and furniture making.

Table Edge Bits:
Table edge bits are used, of course, to form the edges of a table top. They are often used in conjunction with handrail bits to create softened, finished handrails. In a variety of profiles, these bits produce an ornamental finish, they reduce the visual thickness of a workpiece, and they eliminate hard edges. These bits are also used in finishing desks, cabinets, other furniture, window sills and etc.