Router tools

Which cutter is right for which job?

With the right router bit, you can get the most out of your router and router table. Four types cover the most common tasks in woodworking—here’s an overview, including the matching RUWI router bits.

Rounding cutter

Rounding cutters break sharp edges and round them off cleanly. A small radius, such as R2, makes workpieces easier to grip; larger radii, such as R6 or R10, give tabletops and handrails a smooth feel. The ball bearing guide guides the cutter along the edge—even on curved contours.

For RUWI , the options range from R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, and R8 to R10 and R12.7. The larger the radius, the larger the cutter—choose it based on the desired curvature.

Chamfer cutter

A chamfering cutter bevels the edge at an angle—usually 45°, for example, for miter cuts, exposed edges, or deburring. For straight, wide chamfers, use the large chamfering cutter with an indexable insert (the cutting edge can be rotated instead of being resharpened) or the fixed-insert version. The miniature chamfering cutter with a 5 mm diameter guide ring is designed for tight inside corners and small radii. If the cutter needs to machine both the top and bottom edges at the same time, the double rounding/chamfering cutter handles this.

Flush milling cutter

Flush cutters trim protrusions flush with a reference surface—whether copying templates or flush-milling edge banding. The guide bearing runs along the edge or template. The flush cutter with indexable inserts is suitable for large, straight contours, while the flush cutter with a small guide bearing (Ø 9.5 mm) is suitable for tight inner radii.

Flap milling cutter (disk slot milling cutter)

The slotting cutter mills narrow slots for flat dowels as well as grooves for back panels and drawer bottoms. You can adjust the depth using various stop blocks, allowing a single cutter to accommodate multiple flat dowel sizes—one tool instead of a separate flat dowel cutter.

Tine cutter

With the dovetail cutter, you can machine dovetail and ridge joints with precision—for example, for drawer corners or as a bridge to the Hoffmann connector system. To ensure a clean fit, use a template or jig depending on the type of joint.

What to keep in mind when milling

Clamp about two-thirds of the shank (6, 8, or 12 mm) into a clean collet—this ensures smooth operation. Larger cutters run at lower speeds; it’s better to make several shallow cuts than one that’s too deep. Too slow a feed rate causes burn marks; too fast a feed rate causes chatter marks. Always guide the cutter against its direction of rotation and wear ear protection, eye protection, and use a dust extraction system. Remove resin and adhesive residue regularly and check that the ball bearing runs freely—this significantly extends the tool’s service life.