TABLE EDGE ROUTER BITS
What is a table edge router bit
Table edge router bits are specialized cutting tools used to quickly and easily create decorative edges on table tops, countertops, shelves, and other woodworking and furniture projects. They allow woodworkers to rout a smooth, consistent profile along the edges of wood or composite materials without having to hand sand or shape the edges.
Table edge router bits feature cutting surfaces, usually made of high speed steel or carbide, that are designed to cut a variety of edge profiles including roundovers, ogees, beads, and coves. They cut away material as the bit is guided along the edge, resulting in a clean, finished edge. Bits range in diameter from 1/4 inch up to 1 inch or larger depending on the desired edge thickness and application.
Most bits have guide bearings mounted above the cutting surfaces that ride along the edge of the workpiece. This ensures the bit cuts precisely in the same location along the entire length of the edge for a consistent profile. Ball or roller bearings are commonly used and provide smooth guidance while withstanding vibrations.
To use a table edge router bit, it is secured in the collet of a router. The router base height is adjusted so the bit extends just below the base plate. This allows the workpiece edge to ride along the guide bearings as the bit removes material. The operator then slowly feeds the router back and forth along the wood edge in a single, smooth pass.
Profile styles for table edge bits include classical profiles like roundovers for a softly rounded edge, as well as more intricate options like ogees, beads, and combinations. Bits are also available in graduated profiles that smoothly transition between edge styles. These add detail and visual interest. Variations like scraperboard profiles emboss design details onto the edge.
Table edge routing dramatically increases the speed and ease of adding consistent, professional edges to woodworking projects compared to hand finishing edges. With the right bit and router setup, even complex profile styles become straightforward to cut. The resulting polished, uniform edges greatly enhance the aesthetic appeal and perceived quality of finished wood items.
From built-in balancers that minimize vibration for clean cuts to replaceable, durable cutting surfaces, table edge router bits deliver quality edges project after project. They remain indispensable tools for both hobbyists and professional cabinetmakers, countertop fabricators, and other woodworkers seeking polished, finished appearances. Precisely shaped edges showcase the craft and boost the perceived value of woodworking creations.