Milling Tools

Which router bit for which task?

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

Rounding cutter

Roundover bits break sharp edges and give them a clean, rounded finish. A small radius like R2 makes workpieces easier to grip, while larger radii such as R6 or R10 give tabletops and handrails a soft feel. The guide bearing leads the cutter along the edge – even on curved contours.

For RUWI , the options RUWI 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 roundness.

Chamfering cutter

A chamfer bit breaks the edge at an angle – usually 45°, for things like miters, visible edges, or deburring. For straight, wide chamfers, you'd use the large chamfer cutter with indexable insert (the cutting edge rotates instead of resharpening) or the fixed-insert version. For tight inside corners and small radii, the miniature chamfer cutter with a Ø 5 mm guide bearing is what you need. If the cutter needs to work on both the top and bottom edges at the same time, the double roundover/chamfer cutter handles that.

flush trim bit

flush trim bit 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 trim bit indexable inserts is suitable for large, straight contours, while the flush trim bit a small guide bearing (Ø 9.5 mm) is ideal for tight inner radii.

Fluted milling cutter (disc groove cutter)

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

Dovetail cutter

With the dovetail cutter W2 for Hoffmann, you can create dovetail and dado joints mechanically and precisely – for example, for drawer corners or as a bridge to the Hoffmann connector system. For clean fits, you'll work with a template or jig, depending on the joint.

Indexable insert or fixed tool?

Two types, same job—the difference lies in the cutting edge. On a solid-tooth milling cutter, the carbide cutting edge is permanently brazed in place; when it becomes dull, you simply resharpen it. This produces a very clean cut edge and fine radii, which is important for visible edges and small profiles. With an indexable insert milling cutter, you unscrew the insert and turn it to a fresh edge instead of resharpening it—this saves time and keeps dimensions consistent, so it’s worth it for heavy use and long, straight contours.

In short: For fine, visible edges and tight radii, use the fixed-tip version; for high throughput and large, flat surfaces, use the indexable insert. RUWI flush trim bit both types RUWI chamfering and flush trim bit .

What to consider when routing

Clamp the shank 6, 8, or 12 mm) about two-thirds of the way 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. A feed rate that’s too slow causes burn marks, while one that’s too fast causes chatter marks. Always guide the cutter against its direction of rotation, and wear hearing protection, eye protection, and use a dust extraction system. Remove resin and adhesive residue regularly and check that the thrust bearing is moving freely—this significantly extends the tool’s service life.

What speed should be used for which milling cutter?

Rule of thumb: The larger the router bit, the lower the speed—otherwise, the cutting speed at the cutting edge will be too high, and the material will burn or smear. The following guidelines apply to wood on RUWI router table continuously ,000–25,000 rpm; up to 30,000 rpm on the Performance model):

Real-world examples: sanding a softwood edge with a sanding belt holder (Ø 15 mm) at approximately 8,000 rpm to remove burn marks, flush-milling multiplex (Ø 19 mm) at 18,000–22,000, cutting aslot particleboard (Ø 40 mm) at no more than 18,000, and sanding plastic edges at around 12,000 to prevent slippage. Plastic and sanding operations generally run slower than wood. If in doubt, start at a lower speed and adjust gradually with a test cut.

Sanding and accessories

In addition to the cutters, sanding belt holders can also be used in the same chuck: Simplyshank the Ø 15 mm or Ø 30 mm sanding belt holder withshank to sand curves and internal contours that are difficult to reach by hand with sandpaper. The corresponding sanding belts (Ø 15, Ø 30) are wear parts.

For the router table collets locknuts in several sizes; for the more powerful models, there is the Performance version.

Which machine do the cutters fit?

All cutters have a shank , 8-, or 12-mm shank and are therefore compatible with any standard router—such as those from Festool, Mafell, or Bosch—as well as the RUWI router table. On router table multi-spindle router table, you can keep several of these cutters clamped in place at the same time and switch between rounding off, chamfering, and flush routing without having to change setups. You can see which speed matches which cutter diameter in the table above.

Frequently Asked Questions About Milling Cutters

Which router shank fits my machine—6, 8, or 12 mm?

That collet on the collet . Most routers and the RUWI router table standardrouter table ancollet; 6-mm and 6.35-mm collets are also available for inch-sized shanks. 12-mm shanks require a machine with a compatible collet—for RUWI router table Performance model with collet . Before purchasing, check which shank sizes your machine accommodates.

Carbide (HM) or HSS—which should I choose?

Carbide-tipped (HM) router bits are the standard for wood, panel materials, and plastic: They retain their cutting edge significantly longer than HSS bits and cut cleanly even in materials containing adhesive, such as particleboard or MDF. HSS is softer and is intended more for occasional use on softwood. RUWI are carbide-tipped.

What speed should be used for which milling cutter?

As a rule of thumb: small cutters require high speeds, large cutters require low speeds. The recommended speeds by diameter are listed in the table above. When working with plastic or sanding, use a slower speed than when working with wood to prevent burning or smearing.

Can I also router table a router in a router table ?

Yes. They’re the same shank cutters—you collet them collet the collet , whether in a hand-held router or under the plate of the RUWI . On router table multi-spindle router table even router table several cutters clamped in at the same time, allowing you to switch between rounding, chamfering, and flush routing without having to change tools.

My starter bearing is running rough—what should I do?

Resin and adhesive residue are usually the cause. Clean the bearing regularly and check to see if it spins freely. If it's worn out, it can be replaced—just contact us for a replacement bearing.

Can I have the cutters resharpened?

You can have fixed-tooth carbide end mills resharpened multiple times by a sharpening service until the cutting geometry no longer allows it. With indexable-insert end mills, there’s no need for sharpening at all—you simply rotate or replace the insert.

Should I mill in the same direction or in the opposite direction?

As a general rule, use counter-feed—that is, move the cutter in the opposite direction of the feed—as this is safer and prevents the workpiece from being torn away. Co-feed should be reserved for controlled, machine-guided operations.