Here’s how to make the best choice for righteous routing
![Straight Talk On Straight Bits](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/2821/230885/5995912f31deb/Straight-Talk-On-Straight-Bits.jpg)
Straight router bits aren’t as simple as you might think. Sure, some straight bits are more versatile than others. But the sampling shown here identifies important differences—in appearance, function, and cut quality. Whether you order your bits online or head to your favorite woodworking store to stock up, this information will help you get the best performance and value for your money.
Take a broad bite
With a downward-shearing cut and a wide cutting radius, a planer bit (aka “dado” bit) excels at routing shallow dadoes and leveling large surfaces like live-edged slabs. For woodworkers with large routers, planer bits are available up to 2" dia. Make sure to dial down your router’s speed to suit these big bits. CMT, 11⁄2 D × 5⁄8" CL, $31.99
Crisp at the top
Look for a down cut, spiral-fluted straight bit when your plunge-cut mortise or cavity needs to be free of surface tear out. This downward cutting action is great for inlay and banding work. But make sure to take shallow passes, and clean the cavity between passes to remove packed-in sawdust. Narrow-diameter bits are brittle, so use a larger bit whenever possible. Whiteside, 1⁄8 D × 1⁄2" CL, $18.44 Whiteside, 1⁄4 D × 1" CL, $18.44
Masterful mortising
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August-September 2017 من Woodcraft Magazine.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August-September 2017 من Woodcraft Magazine.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
![Beech](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2821/1356965/HvRow43gF1690528689786/BEECH.jpg)
Beech
Plain looks, but a solid performer
![Working with PLASTIC LAMINATE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2821/1356965/nQ0EUvx9X1690528079952/WORKING-WITH-PLASTIC-LAMINATE.jpg)
Working with PLASTIC LAMINATE
Adding a durable, smooth, and colorful surface to your work
![High-Tech ROUTER TABLE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2821/1356965/fn7rThd_S1690527338168/HIGHTECH-ROUTER-TABLE.jpg)
High-Tech ROUTER TABLE
A state-of-the-art shop essential
![Albers-Inspired NESTING TABLES](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2821/1356965/RImFQRv-71690526267922/ALBERSINSPIRED-NESTING-TABLES.jpg)
Albers-Inspired NESTING TABLES
A colorful array of Bauhaus utility
![Desktop ORGANIZERS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2821/1356965/L6K0y7N5-1690525082640/DESKTOP-ORGANIZERS.jpg)
Desktop ORGANIZERS
Mini modules for your modern workspace
![Joiner's MALLET](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2821/1356965/6BILwILHE1690524534245/JOINERS-MALLET.jpg)
Joiner's MALLET
A hard-hitting shop hammer
![Battery-backed biscuiting](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2821/1288396/nJwH6h54J1682424150700/BATTERYBACKED-BISCUITING.jpg)
Battery-backed biscuiting
DeWalt 20V Max XR Biscuit Joiner
![Crosscut SLED](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2821/1288396/2ORDthESo1682421816843/CROSSCUT-SLED.jpg)
Crosscut SLED
A basic build of a crucial table saw accessory
![Power-carving BOWLS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2821/1288396/Yqf28OOzz1682421304509/POWERCARVING-BOWLS.jpg)
Power-carving BOWLS
Tools and techniques for sculpting
![Library STEPS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2821/1288396/wcYlIlZmf1682420708887/LIBRARY-STEPS.jpg)
Library STEPS
Mitered box joints give rise to an updated classic