Essential Router Bits for Furniture Construction

A woodworker writing for Popular Woodworking has outlined the eight router bits most essential for furniture construction. The author, who buys high-quality bits and replaces them when dull rather than sharpening, uses these tools for cutting profiles, joinery, and edges on a daily basis.

According to the source, a versatile collection can be built around a surprisingly small number of profiles. The author states a lack of manufacturer loyalty but insists on purchasing only high-quality router bits, which are described as not being very expensive.

The Core Bits for Joinery and Shaping

Two pattern bits with different bearing mounts form the foundation for many operations. The most-used bit in the shop is a 3⁄4-inch top-mount bearing pattern bit. It is employed with a square platform jig for cutting dados and for pattern shaping of gentle curves.

A 1⁄2-inch bottom-mount bearing pattern bit serves for shaping detailed parts from plywood patterns and for flushing face frames to cases. For creating rabbets, a dedicated rabbeting router bit is deemed indispensable. The author states flatly, "It’s not possible to build furniture without this bit," using it for all everyday rabbeting operations.

Bits for Profiles and Fine Details

Edge profiles and fine inlay work rely on another set of specialized bits. A 3⁄16-inch roundover bit is the profile of choice for most lipped drawer fronts. The author aims for a lip slightly thicker than 1⁄4 inch, so with a slight fillet, the bit nearly achieves a complete roundover profile.

For a classic decorative edge, a 5⁄32-inch classic ogee bit is preferred. The author likes this design and uses it on most projects unless trying to match a specific existing moulding profile. For inlay work, a 1⁄16-inch straight bit serves as the primary tool. The author feels no need to venture to a smaller size for tasks like stringing.

Specialized Bits for Casework and Drawers

Case construction and drawer assembly call for two final bits. A 3⁄4-inch-diameter 14-degree dovetail bit is used for cutting drawer-divider sockets. This bit sees action on most case pieces and is intended for use with a 3⁄4-inch outside-diameter guide bushing.

Finally, a 1⁄4-inch three-wing cutter is use at the router table. Its purpose is cutting the grooves for drawer bottoms. The depth of cut can be adjusted using bearings on the bit or by employing a router table fence.

The author's brief descriptions are noted as just the tip of the iceberg for each bit's potential uses. All the bits mentioned in the Popular Woodworking article can be found for sale on Amazon.