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Ogee Router Bits



You’ve just built a maple coffee table, but its edges look as exciting as a spreadsheet. Your straight bits leave corners sharper than a tax auditor, and your round-overs scream “IKEA hack.” Enter the ogee router bit—the 14th-century design hack that turns bland boards into museum-worthy moldings. Whether you’re crafting heirloom cabinets, picture frames, or a throne for your cat, here’s how to master the S-curve that’s been dominating woodworking since the Renaissance.

Why the Ogee Profile Outlived the Dark Ages (and Your Basic Round-Over)

The ogee (pronounced oh-jee) isn’t just a curve—it’s a storytelling tool. Here’s why it’s survived plagues, wars, and TikTok trends:

  • Visual Drama: The concave + convex S-shape creates shadows that scream “handcrafted.”
  • Versatility: Works on furniture, crown molding, drawer fronts, and even DIY coffins (no judgment).
  • CNC’s Kryptonite: Automated machines struggle to replicate its hand-carved charm.
  • Resale Value: Homes with ogee trim sell 12% faster, according to a 2022 Realtor.com study.

True Story: A Savannah woodworker used a Roman ogee bit to restore a 19th-century mantelpiece, landing a $50k contract to renovate a historic B&B.

Anatomy of an Ogee Bit: Where Geometry Meets Black Magic

  1. The Classic Profile:

    • Upper Curve (Cyma Recta): A gentle concave arc for subtle elegance.
    • Lower Curve (Cyma Reversa): A dramatic convex sweep for Baroque flair.

  2. Critical Dimensions:

    • Radius: ½” (for furniture) to 2” (for crown molding).
    • Depth: ¾” max to avoid tear-out in hardwoods.

  3. Bearing Types:

    • Piloted Bearing: Follows the workpiece edge for consistency.
    • Undercut Bearing: Allows deeper cuts for shadow lines.

  4. Material Matters:

    • Carbide-Tipped: For hardwoods like oak and walnut.
    • HSS (High-Speed Steel): Budget-friendly for softwoods and MDF.

Ogee vs. The World: A Profile Showdown

Profile Best For Why Ogee Wins
Round-Over Kid-safe edges Adds zero visual interest
Chamfer Modern/minimalist designs Too stark for traditional spaces
Cove Ceiling beams, tray ceilings Lacks shadow play
Beaded Edge Farmhouse furniture Doesn’t work on thin stock

Verdict: Ogee is the Swiss Army knife of profiles—dressy enough for a Chippendale chair, subtle enough for Shaker shelves.

5 Ogee Hacks That’ll Make You a Woodworking Wizard

  1. DIY Crown Molding:

    • Stack a 1-1/4” ogee with a cove bit to mimic $30/ft architectural trim.

  2. Epoxy River Table Edge:

    • Route an ogee channel, pour colored resin, and sand to glassy perfection.

  3. Faux Raised Panel Doors:

    • Use a ¾” ogee on MDF edges + center bead for a “custom cabinet” look.

  4. Picture Frame Upgrade:

    • Replace basic rabbets with a ½” ogee to turn Walmart frames into gallery art.

  5. Chair Seat Comfort:

    • Soften sharp edges with a micro-ogee (¼” radius) for ergonomic bliss.

Choosing Your Ogee Bit: A Buyer’s Guide for the Chronically Indecisive

  1. Size Smartly:

    • ½” Radius: Versatile for furniture and small projects.
    • 1-1/4” Radius: Crown molding, fireplace mantels.
    • Variable Radius (adjustable): For custom profiles ($$$).

  2. Shank Size:

    • ¼” Shank: Trim routers and delicate work.
    • ½” Shank: Stability for hardwoods and production runs.

  3. Top Brands:

    • Freud (Dura-Coat finish), Whiteside (USA-made), Amana (CNC-grade precision).

  4. Bearing Kits:

    • Invest in sets with multiple bearing sizes (⅛”, ¼”, ½”) for depth flexibility.

Top 5 Ogee Bits That Won’t Embarrass Your Ancestors

  1. Freud 99-066 ($35): ½” radius, TiCo coating, best all-rounder.
  2. Whiteside UD2100 ($58): Undercut bearing for dramatic shadows.
  3. Amana Tool RC-403 ($85): Adjustable radius for custom work.
  4. Yonico 16019 ($22): Budget hero for DIYers and softwoods.
  5. CMT 800.502.11 ($42): Orange Magic coating for MDF/plywood.

5 Rules to Avoid Tear-Out, Burning, and Regret

  1. Direction Matters:

    • Route counterclockwise on outer edges, clockwise on inner cuts.

  2. Feed Rate Zen:

    • Move the router at 1–2 ft/minute—slow enough for clean cuts, fast enough to avoid burns.

  3. Climb Cutting = Danger:

    • Unless you’re using a CNC, avoid this tear-out generator.

  4. Multiple Passes:

    • For hardwoods: ⅛” depth per pass.
    • For MDF: ¼” depth per pass.

  5. Featherboards are Friends:

    • Use them to maintain consistent pressure and prevent wander.

Maintenance: Keep Your Bit from Becoming a Rusty Relic

  • Clean After Use: Soak in mineral spirits, scrub with brass brush.
  • Sharpening: Send carbide bits to pros; hand-sharpen HSS with a 600-grit diamond file.
  • Storage: Hang vertically or nest in foam—never let bits clang loose in a drawer.

Pro Hack: Mark sharpened bits with nail polish on the shank for quick ID.

FAQs: Solving Ogee Nightmares

Q: Why does my ogee edge look fuzzy in cherry wood?
A: Dull bit or too-fast feed rate. Sharpen or slow down.

Q: Can I use an ogee bit on plywood edges?
A: Yes! Use a ½” carbide bit and seal edges with sanding sealer first.

Q: Best bit for replicating Victorian trim?
A: Freud 99-066 paired with a 45° chamfer bit for layered depth.

The Final Pass: From Mediocre to Masterpiece in One Cut

Ogee router bits aren’t just tools—they’re time machines. With one pass, you can channel the opulence of Versailles, the simplicity of Shaker design, or the drama of a New Orleans shotgun house. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a pro chasing perfection, this profile bridges centuries of craftsmanship in a single, satisfying swoop.