Straight router bits are widely used in carpentry and woodworking because they are able to accurately and efficiently complete a range of tasks, including edge finishing, mortise cutting, grooving, and joint making. It features a flat, straight cutting edge that extends from the bottom of the drill bit to the top, producing a straight profile in the material being routed.
Straight drill bits can be used with a handheld router or mounted on a router table, depending on the specific application and the level of precision required.
There are more than just double-fluted straight drill bits, there are different types of straight drill bits used for a variety of woodworking applications. In this article, we will explain these types one by one to see how many types you are familiar with.
Single-fluted Straight Router Bits
Single-fluted straight drill bits should be used when fast cutting speeds are more important than precise cutting, as it is faster to make one cut per revolution than two or three cuts. Single-fluted straight drill bits are often used to create deep slots or grooves where debris can easily accumulate around the drill bit due to their excellent ability to remove wood chips.
Double-fluted Straight Router Bits
Double-fluted straight drill bits are ideal for grooving, edge routing, and other routing work. Compared to single flute straight drill bits, double flute straight drill bits provide cleaner and smoother cuts due to the higher number of flutes. The higher the number of flutes, the cleaner the cuts, but the cutting speed is relatively slower than single flute straight drill bits. The tip is made of tungsten carbide, which has excellent wear resistance and ensures smooth cuts.
Extra Long Straight Router Bits
As the name suggests, extra long straight drill bits are longer than standard straight drill bits for deeper cuts. They are specially designed for creating deep grooves, mortises, and tenons in natural wood and composites. Extra long straight router bits can be mounted on handheld drill bits, router bits tables, or CNC machines.
Mortise Router Bits
Mortise router bits are used to create precise, clean mortises in natural wood and composites. Mortise router bits are designed with downward shear flutes to provide perfect door hinges without splintering. The tungsten carbide tip ensures perfect cutting performance. Mortise router bits can be used with plunge router bits for plunge mortises. In addition, they can be mounted on router bits tables with mortise fixtures.
Bottom Cleaning Router Bits
Bottom Cleaning Milling Bits are suitable for wide, flat, shallow bottom cuts, such as stair tread milling. Bottom Cleaning Milling Bits have similar functions to standard straight milling bits, plus bottom cleaning performance, which can leave a perfectly clean surface. This type of drill bit is very useful when a large surface area needs to be cleaned. In addition, this drill bit can clean up previously cut grooves and mortises. The shear angle groove improves chip removal efficiency, resulting in an extremely smooth surface.
