Whether you are a woodworking expert or a DIY enthusiast, router bits is an essential tool that you should use in your projects.
Routers are the most versatile tools in woodworking. In addition to having different profile types, tip types, and shank sizes, the material of the router is also an important consideration when choosing a tool. When processing different types of wood, you need to choose routers of different materials to ensure that the project can be completed perfectly.
Here we list 3 basic types of router bit materials, hoping to help you discover the rich potential behind routers of different materials and provide you with a clear guide on how to choose router bits for your work.
In terms of materials, there are four types of CNC router bits: high-speed steel (HSS), carbide (TCT), solid carbide, and polycrystalline diamond (PCD).
Carbide (TCT) Router Bits
The cutting edges of TCT router are made of tungsten carbide, which has excellent sharpness and durability. Therefore, they do not need regular sharpening. Although TCT CNC router bits are slightly expensive, they have low maintenance costs and can increase productivity, making them the preferred material for CNC router bits in woodworking.
Solid Carbide Router Bits
CNC router bits made of solid carbide are more wear-resistant and harder than TCT, but are also more expensive than TCT carbide. Solid carbide router perform better on harder materials such as hardwood, hard plastics, and soft metals. However, the high hardness also has certain disadvantages, that is, they are brittle and more likely to break during operation, so extra care is required when using them.
High Speed Steel (HSS) Router Bits
Compared to carbide, the service life is relatively short, and the price is also the cheapest of these materials. HSS router bits need to be sharpened frequently with a diamond grinder. However, HSS is heat-resistant and not easy to break. CNC router bits made of HSS are ideal for cutting soft wood and lightweight plastics.
Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) Router Bits
PCD router bits are made of diamond particles mixed into a carbide substrate to achieve extreme hardness and wear resistance. CNC router bits made of PCD or PCBN (polycrystalline cubic boron nitride) are ideal for cutting hard metals.
There are several factors to consider when choosing the right CNC router drill bit, but the most critical factor is the matching of the cutting material and the router bit.
The cutting material is very important for choosing the right CNC router drill bit. Different types of CNC drill bits are designed to cut different materials. Choosing the wrong drill bit can lead to poor performance or even damage to the drill bit.
Typically, hard materials such as stone or hard metal require CNC drill bits with higher hardness, such as diamond drill bits. While soft materials such as soft wood may require carbide drill bits or HSS drill bits. Here are some suggestions for your reference:
1-HSS drill bits are ideal for soft materials such as soft wood;
2- TCT drill bits or solid carbide drill bits are recommended for hard materials such as hard wood and soft metals;
3- When working with very hard materials such as hard metal, glass or stone, PCD drill bits are recommended.
