Wood Router Bits

Wood Router Bits

Match the shank to your router collet

Separate the shank size from cutting diameter, then verify the machine type and cutter geometry.

Read the exact collet size

Find the size marked on the router’s collet or in its documentation. Match it to the shank specification for the exact item, especially when the product family offers more than one version.

Compare cutters that do the same job

A 1/4-inch straight cutting diameter can appear on a tool with either a 1/4-inch or a 1/2-inch shank. Use the collet size to narrow the list before comparing cutting length or profile.

Keep the router and cutter limits together

A matching shank is one part of compatibility. Check the cutter diameter, the usable opening, the approved machine type and the manufacturer’s limits for the exact setup.

Source documentation

Guide questions

Can cutting diameter be smaller than the shank?

Yes. A 1/4-inch cutter with a 1/2-inch shank is a common configuration in the straight-bit examples here.

How do I choose between a compact router and a table setup?

Check whether the exact bit is documented for your machine and use. The collet size and machine type both matter.

Should a metric and an imperial shank be treated as the same?

Use an exact collet match specified by the router maker. Close nominal dimensions do not establish compatibility.

Which accessory suits the job?

  1. The 1058 and 1014 both make a nominal quarter-inch cut. The 1058 uses a half-inch shank and the 1014 a quarter-inch shank.

Accessories in this guide

Shop these departments