How to Identify Parts of a Power Router Bit

Building or remodeling projects around the home or office requires a variety of tools. In some cases, you might need to use a power router. A router is designed to do several types of cuts including fancy cuts in wood or simple straight cuts. The type bit you use depends on the job you are doing. Read on to learn how to identify parts of a power router bit.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Identify the parts of the bit on the power router you are using. The main part is called the shank. The shank goes into the end of the power router and it inserts into the collet. The collet is a cone-shaped piece of metal with a split and a hole in the middle. This is where the shank is inserted. It has a nut with a pole that screws over the collet. As you tighten the nut, it closes up around the shank which holds the router bit in place.

2. Look at the cutting edge of the power router bit. The cutting edges come in different configurations and sizes. Some bit parts are made out of steel only. Some cutting edges have carbide blades. The carbide is a higher priced bit, but lasts longer.

3. Check out the guide as another one of the parts of a power router bit. These guides attach on the bottom of the power router bit. They are normally made out of ball bearings, so they turn freely and will not scar the wood you are cutting.

4. Learn about another type of guide for a power router bit. This type of bit is mainly used for laminate work. It is a straight-cut bit and the guide on the bottom is actually built into the bit. It's all made out of carbide. This guide doesn't have ball bearings, so when you use this type bit on laminate, you must use some type of wax so that it doesn't scratch the laminate as you are cutting it.