Woodworking Tools – Are You Using the Right Plunge Router Bit?
- on 01.27.10
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There are basically two style of routers, fixed base and plunge routers. As the name implies with a fixed base router the depth of the router bit is set and remains at that position. Conversely, with a plunge router, you position the router over the work, and with the router spinning plunge the bit into the work. Plunge routers are the ideal tool for making cuts such as blind dado’s. Regardless the size of your plunge router, the concept is the same. But the question that needs to be asked is, Are you using the correct bit for plunge work?
When most of us think of a plunge router bit, we naturally think of the straight router bit, but the truth is that plunge bits come in many different designs. T
he Classic Fluted Plunge Router Bit from Rockler is a great example of that concept.
What makes this a true plunge bit is the fact that the cutting edge of the bit extends beyond the face of the bit.
Take a look at the normal straight bit shown here at the left. This bit has two flat edges that do the cutting, while some straight bits will have two points. Flats or points, the issue is the same. These are the leading edges of the cutter. When you plunge this bit into wood, it will cut only to depth of the leading edge cutters, after that it stalls.
Not all straight bits make poor plunge bits. Take a look at the CMT Bit from Woodcraft. Notice that here the cutter edge extends all the way across the face of the bit instead of just on the edge of the bit. The center part of the bit is ground to form a ridge. While this ridge is not particularly sharp, it will remove wood very effectively when used as plunge router bit.
The CMT Bit will work just as will as a conventional straight bit when used in a non plunge application. While they may cost a little more, it seems to me that a bit that can do double duty might be worth the extra costs.
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