Whether you're new to woodworking or a seasoned pro still relying solely on a straight bit, here’s how this selection of five must-have router bits can elevate your work:
- Straight Bit – a basic tool for creating grooves, dados, and joints
- Trimming Bit – essential for template work and producing identical parts
- Roundover Router Bit – perfect for softening sharp edges for both aesthetics and safety
- Chamfer Router Bit – useful for creating beveled edges and precise angled joints
- Rabbeting Bit – needed for creating clean rabbets and furniture joints
All types of router bits are available in several variants. You can choose from brazed, insert, spiral, or diamond router bits. If you’re not sure about the differences between them, check out our article Router Bits Guide: How to Choose and Use Them, where you’ll find all the detailed information about each type.
For beginner carpenters and DIY enthusiasts, we’ve also prepared a comprehensive guide on proper routing The Best Cutting Conditions For Woodworking, where you’ll learn how to achieve the best possible milling quality.
Straight Bit
Straight cutters are an essential staple for any woodworker, capable of handling virtually any job. They are likely to become your most-used tool for a wide range of woodworking tasks. As the name suggests, these bits are ideal for cutting straight or curved grooves, precise and clean mortises, rabbets, joints, or trimming operations along a template.
When you do not want to invest in a series of bits, focus on a straight cutter with a bearing on the shank. This makes an already versatile bit even more useful – allowing for template routing, serial production of identical pieces, and precise shape routing. This type of bit quickly becomes a truly universal tool for a wide range of applications.
With the IGM M112-16081 straight bit, you can easily create accurate grooves, cut mortises, and rout shapes. It’s a must-have all-purpose bit for any workshop.
Flush Trim Bit
The second essential addition to your collection should definitely be a flush trim bit. Unlike the straight bit mentioned above, this bit has the bearing mounted below the cutting edges, allowing for precise and stable trimming along a template.
Since the bearing is mounted on a slim shaft rather than on the shank, it can be smaller in diameter—making it easier to access tight spaces such as narrow grooves or inside corners.
The IGM M107-12781 flush trim bit is a top favorite thanks to its sharp edges and angled cutting teeth that ensure fast and clean cutting without chipping.
Roundover Bit
No wooden project should have sharp edges—sharp means unsafe. You’ll likely be wondering how to finish the edges of your piece in a clean and attractive way. The most common method is rounding them over, either by sanding or using a special roundover bit.
Routing offers two major advantages over sanding: speed and precision. A roundover bit with a guide bearing ensures that each edge is rounded the same, delivering clean and significantly faster cut.
Looking for smooth, perfectly rounded edges? Our customers love the IGM M138-06381 roundover bit with a 6.3 mm radius, ideal for everything from indoor furniture to garden benches and shelters.
Chamfer Bit
Another way to treat edges is by beveling them with a chamfer bit, creating what’s known as a chamfer. This means cutting the edge to a certain depth at an angle – usually 45°. This bit can also be used for full-depth bevel cuts to create precise mitre joints between two or more boards.
By routing both connecting edges at a 45° angle, you get a seamless and invisible 90° joint. This is perfect for boxes, small frames, or columns, which can be reinforced with biscuits or similar joinery. It’s an efficient way to save on material and reduce the final weight of the product.
For sharp chamfers and angled joints with minimal effort, the IGM M109-04581 chamfer bit delivers clean, accurate results.
Rabbeting Bit
Finally, we can close this article off with a Rabbeting Router Bit. This tool, usually ignored by beginners, is a must for a modern woodshop.
This Rabbeting Bit is ideal for precise rabbeting, groove and tongue joints, window and door rabbets or grooves for backs of cupboards. All these bits have replaceable bearings for routing along a template. You can also achieve various rabbets of different depths by replacing the bearing on the cutter with a different diameter.
The IGM M135-35081 rabbeting bit is an excellent choice for clean rabbets, and reliable joinery in furniture-making.
With the above five router bits, you’ll be able to handle grooving, trimming, and precision joinery with ease. If you find that you’re missing one of these 5 essential router bits in your workshop, check out our selection and choose the perfect tool for your next project.