Cove/Chamfer Insert Router Bit

Insert router bits are economical for bits that you replace regularly. Buying inserts is less expensive than buying a whole bit. This Cove/Chamfer bit (also called an edge forming bit) saves even more since it can cut both round overs and chamfers off the same inserts.

Two of the four insert edges are milled with a 1/8” radius and the other two can cut 45 degree chamfers up to 5/16” deep. It is a useful and economical dual purpose bit for those of us who use routers a lot.

SPE Tools Cove/Chamfer bit.

Amana Tools Cove/Chamfer bit

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Why You Need a 3/16" Flush Trim Bit

On my CNC, I often use a 1/4” bit for cutting out, but sometiles a 1/4” flush trim bit binds up in the slot. Fortunately, there are 3/16” flush trim bits that solve the issue. Watch to see how.

Amana 3/16” Flush Trim Bit

Easy Slot Cuts on the Router table

Just a quick video tip here showing how I like to cut slots within a workpiece.

A simple holes drilled at each end of the slot defines the length and makes starting the cut much safer and easier. A couple passes with the bit and you have clean, neat slots where you want them.

SPE Tools has a nice 1/4” Compression Spiral bit that leaves a very clean edge on both sides of the stock.

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Using the Box Joint Bit

Box Joint Bits allow for making quick and accurate box joints in smaller, more delicate stock and projects.

Infinity Tools sent me one of their #61-501 Box Joint Bits for free to use in this video.

Watch and see how to set this bit up and get the most out of it for your future projects. Ralph even shows you how to work with stock taller than the bit.

A New Look at Glue Joints

Glue joint bits are useful but not very attractive for cutting boards. I wanted the advantages of alignment and extra glue surface, but with a stylish look. See how these triple bead cutters filled the bill.

Other router bit profiles may also work.

Keeping Roundovers Straight

As you gather a set of roundover bits, you’ll realize that it is not always easy to tell a 3/16” radius from a 1/4”.

Ralph shows you how to make a set of bit holders to help you find the radius you want quickly. And as a bonus, each block has the radius milled in to help you visually choose the best size for your project.

MicroJig GRR-RIPPER

Smooth Slots with MicroJig's Relief Bit

MicroJig’s Relief Bit for their dovetail clamp system has a hidden advantage for cutting slots: The bottom of the cutter features a 1/16” flaried radius that leaves a very smooth edge when routing.

Watch as Ralph demonstrates why this bit removes the need for sanding when making grooves and slots.

Affiliate link for the bit:

MicroJig Relief Bit- 1/2” Shank

MicroJig Relief Bit- 1/4” Shank

3 Ways to Use the Butterfly Spline Bit

A butterfly spline, or “bowtie” spline, is a highly useful profile for your projects. It can be used to reinforce or repair boards, join parts together, or simply as a decorative element.

The Butterfly Spline Bit allows you to create these splines in just two passes so you can be creative and efficient.

Freud Butterfly Spline Bit

Joinery with Birds Mouth Bits

The Birds Mouth Bit creates strong joints that are simple to make, are self aligning, and can create boxes and tubes in a number of angles. For all the simplicity, they do allow for some pretty creative options for making projects. Check out the Cookie Dispenser at the end of the video.

In this video, I am using Birds Mouth Bits from Infinity Tools.

Infinity sent me their bit for free to use in the video.

Using Finger Joint Bits

Finger Joint Bits were designed to securely join stock end to end. And while they excel at this, there is much more they can do!

We examine two different types, Rockler’s fixed finger joint bit #22617 and Infinity Tool’s adjustable bit #61-500

"Undersized" Plywood Bits

One of the first lessons in woodworking is that “3/4” plywood never is. There are many techniques to getting tight fitting dados in plywood products, but these sorts of “undersized” bits can be a shortcut.

Watch as Ralph explains these bits and offers tips for getting the most out of them.

Drawer Lock Bit- Work Outside the Drawer

The Drawer Lock bit makes it easy and quick to build drawers and all sorts of storage boxes. But the profile is also highly useful for making inserts throat plates and even table slides! I’ve used it in our Insert Throat Plate Plans, and for the table slides on our Butterfly Leaf Dining Table.
This video shows you how to set up and use the bit for all these options.

Keyhole Bit- More than just Picture Frames

The keyhole bit may seems like a “one trick pony”, but it can actually perform a number of useful functions around the shop. Watch this video to learn how versatile this simple bit can be!

Freud Keyhole Bit

Shop-Built PC 890 Height Adjust Handle

When I recently mounted my PC 890 router in a new router table, I could not find the height adjust handle that PC sells for it. But it turns out that the pins for the lock and the height adjust screw are actually 3/16" allen wrench size and shape! After spending under $10.00 at the hardware store and about 30 minutes in my shop, I have a fully functional handle and you can too.