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6.35mm Shank Router Bits



6.35mm Router Bits Buying Guide

The shank of a bit fits in a nonadjustable chuck of a router called a collet. You can get most types of router bits in either a 6.35mm(1/4-inch) or 1/2-inch shank. Smaller routers often use a 1/4-inch collet. Larger ones can usually accept both sizes. A router with a 1/4-inch collet won't take a 1/2-inch bit.

Can You Use a Router Bit in a Drill?

Drill bits and router bits are similar in that you use both drill bits and router bits by rotating them in a collet or chuck. Unfortunately, they do not share many similarities other than this:

  • Drills are meant for creating holes with downward pressure.
  • A router utilizes sideways pressure to cut a stock of wood or shape grooves and edges.

Since the two tools do not serve a similar function, you are not able to use a router bit in a drill effectively. You are better off buying the tools separately, rather than using one tool for both uses.

Quality of Router Bits

Additionally, one of the most vital things to keep in mind is to use only very sharp and quality bits. The fact is, cheaper bits are usually low-quality, and most of the time, they won’t create as clean cuts as high-quality bits would.

However, it doesn’t mean that cheap bits can’t do the job, but you must be an experienced woodworker to know which budget option router bits are still of good quality.

Although it is advised and much easier to do the routing by going along the grain instead of against it, sometimes you might need to route the end-grain wood. In that case, you should start by cutting the ends first.

Note that the speed at which you pass the router bit through the wood is essential. It should be smooth, but also not too slow, since it will affect the actual cuts.

If you ask any experienced woodworker, you will notice that every one of them expects the possibility of a tear-out. It means that pieces of the wood are ripped from the board instead of being cut smoothly. It can occur anywhere on the board, but mostly on the corners. However, having clean and sharp edges will significantly reduce the chance of a tear-out.

How To Start

If you are using the wood router for the first time, you should do it slowly and take your time. Note that the bit rotates clockwise, so it is imperative to hold the router firmly maintaining a solid base, and do the routing from left to right. If you cut across the wood grain, it should be pretty easy and straightforward to do.

When you make a cut, you should put a piece of scrap wood at the end of the wood, to prevent it from blowing out. If it is not absolutely necessary, never do the routing from right to left, if the bit is rotating clockwise. You could quickly lose control, which can be very dangerous.

When you start, you should begin with shallow cuts. Or more precisely, a series of shallow cuts. It will allow more control over the router and will also compensate for the inadvertent gouges that the router makes.