Chamfer Router Bits

Chamfer Router Bits Buying Guide

A chamfer is an angled cut made across the corner of a material, to remove the 90-degree edge. It is similar to a bevel cut, but does not extend across the entire profile of the material, instead, it creates a flattened corner. Chamfer and bevel router bits both look similar to each other, and can occationally be used interchangeably.

We all know that chamfer bits work great for easing exposed edges. But did you know that with them you can cut dead-on miters with little setup involved? Here's how.

A great way to make on the money miters. We all know that chamfer bits work great for easing exposed edges. But did you know that with them you can cut dead-on miters with little setup involved? Here's how.

Chamfer bits come in five cutter angles for making boxes with various numbers of sides. Note that they 45° bit we show is considerably larger than the other chamfer bits. That's because we prefer to use bits capable of making a full-edge cut in 3⁄4 "-thick stock. For such material you need to move up to the largest 45° bits generally available—those with a cutting diameter of 21⁄2 " or more.

End-to-End Mitering

First, install the chamfer bit and adjust its height so the bottoms of its cutting edges are just below table level. Then, set your router table's miter gauge precisely 90° to its miter slot. Add a wood auxiliary face to the miter gauge that extends up to, but just a hair shy of, the chamfer bit's pilot bearing.

Note: Perform each of the following steps on all of your workpieces before moving onto the next step.

• Rip your stock to exact width and crosscut your workpieces about 1⁄8 " too long. Miter one end as shown at left. For best control make multiple shallow cuts until the bit miters the entire end.
• Cut a full miter on the opposite end, leaving each workpiece about 1⁄16 " too long. Now, miter one workpiece to its final length. Then, use this workpiece to set a stopblock on the miter-gauge auxiliary fence.

Edge-to-Edge Mitering

• Rip and crosscut all of your workpieces to their finished width and length. Adjust the chamfer bit for a full-height cut and position your router table's fence for a shallow cut. Make this cut on both edges of all of the workpieces. Move the fence back for a slightly deeper cut and repeat, doing this until your miter cuts on both edges come to within about 1⁄8 " of the top of each workpiece.
• Adjust the fence so the chamfer bit cuts the full miter without reducing the workpiece's width. (For precise results, make test cuts in scrap stock.) Make your final miter cuts on both edges as shown at left.

FAQs

How To Sharpen Router Bits?

Sharpening Router bits might seem easy and may require chipping their cutting edge with materials like diamond stones. Most people do apply water for lubrication so they can wash away any excessive particles during carving. However, with today’s complex manufacturing process and substances used in the production of router bits, it is best to sharpen your tool with a sharpening service company that has all the required tools for professional sharpening. If you find it difficult sharpening router bits, consider buying new ones to replace the old ones, sharpening just costs half the price of new router bits.

How To Clean Router Bits?

Mix a reasonable solution of water and detergent in a small container and soak the bits for about 10 mins. Take them out and brush them with a toothbrush to wipe off any debris. Wipe the moist item with a dry rag and store them away.

How Long Do Router Bits Last?

It depends. Most users have reported using some types of bits for years, others have reported they have just used theirs for hours before it became dull. So the lifespan of the router bit depends on the type of wood you are using, the speed, the brand you use, etc. You can research ways on how to prevent your router bit from getting dull easily.