The smooth flutes and sharp cutting edges on these router bits cleanly cut square slots, pockets, and edges in most plastics, including polyethylene, polycarbonate, and vinyl. They do not have a pilot, so guide your router along a straight edge when hand routing to make accurate cuts.

Use carbide bits for longer tool life and faster cutting speeds than high-speed steel. Ceramic-coated carbide bits have a coating that increases the hardness of the bits and protects them from high heat, making them last about 2.5 times longer than uncoated bits.

Bits with spiral flutes leave a smoother finish than straight-flute bits. Bits with upward chip removal lift chips up for applications that require a smooth finish on the bottom edge of the cut. Securely clamp the workpiece before routing to prevent lifting. Bits with downward chip removal push chips down for applications that require a smooth finish on the cut's top edge.

Bits with a plunge cut type let you cut directly into the workpiece from above. Other bits are best for operations where the peripheral teeth do most of the work such as trimming, contouring, and finishing.

Choose a bit with one flute for a faster cut; bits with more flutes produce a smoother finish.

Drill, rout, and trim with the same bit. The unique shape on these bits was originally used for aircraft panels. They have a pointed end and spiral flutes, like a drill bit, making downward plunge cuts easier than with square-cut and straight-flute bits. The spiral flutes also leave a smoother finish. The flutes lift chips up from the workpiece for applications that require a clean finish on the bottom edge of the cut. Securely clamp your material before routing to prevent lifting.

These bits are made of high-speed steel for general purpose use. They can be used with hand tools, router tables, and CNC machines. These bits do not have a pilot, so guide your router along a straight edge when hand routing to make accurate cuts.

Bits with four flutes produce a smoother finish than three-flute bits.

For smooth contour carving in wood, plastic, and aluminum, these bits have a ball-nose design. All are made of solid carbide for a long tool life and fast cutting speeds. The extreme hardness of carbide bits means they are brittle, so they're not recommended for use with hand tools. A highly rigid setup, such as a CNC machine, is necessary to prevent the bit from breaking. The spiral flutes pull chips up from the workpiece while making cuts; securely clamp your material before routing to prevent lifting.