If you enjoy getting creative with woods and making signs, you might want to invest in a decent router.
The hardware device will improve your craftsmanship manyfold. It is designed to enable you to carve out exceptional designs with satisfying details.
Routers alone cannot bring the results that you crave, though. They are accompanied by router bits in professional woodwork. Even if you’re an amateur, the best router bits will make your effort worthwhile.
My Top Picks
Different Types of Router Bits
Router bits are among the most versatile tool you can buy. They are compatible with routers and drills alike, offering satisfying woodwork. There are several types of router bits. Here are some of the most common types of router bits that everyone should own.
Straight Cutting Bit
As the name suggests, these bits are designed to cut straight and square-based grooves. The bits are available in a range of sizes from ¼ inches to ¾ inches in diameter. These are particularly helpful in cutting rabbets, grooves, and dadoes.
Round-Over Bit
Round-Over bits are used for shaping edges of shelves, chair arms, and more. They are also used in sign-making. You can adjust the base to control the cutting depth. These bits come in a wider range of sizes, from ¼ inches to ⅜ inches.
Cove Bit
So, you’ve been introduced to round-over bits. The cove bits are just the opposite of round-over bits. They will produce a concave radius around the edges of wooden surfaces.
These decorative edges are commonly seen on modern furniture legs, bookshelves, cabinet surfaces, and more. Cove bits can come in a range of diameters, from 1 inch to 1/8 inch. I recommend you get the standard sizes of ¼ inch diameter or ⅜ inches.
V-Groove Bit
The V-groove bits are one of the best router bits for wood carving. They are widely used for decorating drawer surfaces, cabinet doors, and other wooden surfaces. The most popular size in this bit is ½ inch in diameter with a cutting angle of 90 degrees.
45-Degree Chamfer Bit
This is an edge-shaping bit that is designed to smoothen the edges of boards and panels. This tool is commonly used to remove sharp corners and squares from wooden surfaces, picture frames, vertical posts, and such. It is also used to produce V-shaped grooves.
Besides 45 degrees, the chamfer bits come in several other angles and sizes. However, the most common sizes are 1 to ¼ inches diameter.
Slot-Cutting Bits
This is a speciality bit designed to provide accurate and narrow slots and grooves around the edges of door frames, picture frames, and such surfaces. The bit can be detected easily by its wings. There are two wings, and each comes with a sharp carbide tooth. These teeth determine the thickness of the slots you’re going to curve.
Moreover, the bits are equipped with interchangeable pilots so you can switch between different sizes and angles, bringing variation in the design.
Top 5 Best Router Bits for Sign Making
I have prepared a list of some of the best router bits for sign making that will help you master the art of woodwork. Check them out and pick the finest one!
1. FOOS Engraving CNC Wood Carving Router Bit Set
If you’re a woodwork enthusiast, you likely own a router already. The Foos Engraving CNC Wood Router Bits is a standard set that is compatible with most routers in the market.
The product is designed to make flawless cuts on the wood to achieve your target sign. The router bits make the task seem so easy that even beginners can learn their way around it without trouble.
The router bits come in a set of four, each made of solid carbide. The ideal cutting angle with these bits is 90 degrees. The 1/4 inches shank router bits will provide maximum stability. The length will minimize vibration while working, allowing you comfort and convenience.
The router bit provides a 20 degrees profile bit to help you etch and outline the signs. There is also 15 degrees carving liner to carve fine lines and intricate details.
To support multiple background depths, the product works in both 60 degrees and 90 degrees. All in all, it is one of the best router bit for cutting letters.
Things to Appreciate
- Premium Carbide construction to stay sharp for a long time
- 1/4” shank router bits for precision and accuracy
- 4 different pieces with different angles for versatile work
- A sharp and small tip makes small text engraving possible
- Suitable for lettering and sign making on different materials.
Take Note
- The tip could be more durable.
2. Freud 87-108 8Piece CNC Router Bit Signmaking Set
The Freud CNC Router Bit Set has a V-groove tip that ensures that you can carve sharp and deep grooves. The up and down spiral router bits provide clean and fast cuts on wood. The set also includes a ball note bit that makes clean and sharp grooves with a slightly rounded bottom.
The product works with wood, plywood, and MDF. It is made of enhanced TiCo super density carbide with chromium. Therefore, the sign carving router bits have 2 times the cutting life of most of their counterparts.
To ensure maximum efficiency, these bits are manufactured to fit into the CNC types of rotary machinery. Additionally, each router bit on this set is designed to deliver a long and good quality cutting life, ensuring maximum durability and superior finish.
The set is ideal for sign-making promising versatility in your design as it covers all the necessary blades you might need. With eight different bits, the product ensures you complete your project in a breeze. Lettering and engraving in a variety of materials are made possible with this set.
Things to Appreciate
- Offers higher precision with advanced cutting geometry
- TiCo super density Carbide construction for added durability and strength
- Comes with different bits for versatile work experience
- Sharp edges ensure precision with higher accuracy
- 1/4 shank diameter makes them suitable for most routers.
Take Note
- Not suitable for amateur or inexperienced person.
3. Yakamoz 6Pcs 1/4″ Shank Carbide Groove Router Bit Set
Yakamoz Shank Carbide Router Bit Set is made ensuring industrial quality for professional woodwork. The set includes 6 pieces of blades in multiple sizes. The blades are made of solid hardened steel and come with an anti-kickback design.
The blades are covered by a build-up and heat-resistant Teflon coat that promises precision and smooth cutting. They also ensure impact resistance and wear-resistance.
The router bits are primarily used for sign making and lettering. They work smoothly on solid wood, hardwood, board, MDF surfaces. They are not meant to work on metal, steel, iron, sand, and other non-wood materials.
The shank size is 1/4 inches, and the shank type is round. The product provides a cutting angle string of 90 degrees. To ensure sharp and precise cutting, the router bit set provides a cutting height of ¼ inches, ⅜ inches, and ½ inches.
The bits are specifically designed and work great if attached with a table-mounted router that is either controlled by computer numerical or is automated. They are not at all compatible with any drills.
Things to Appreciate
- Solid hardened steel construction keeps the bits sharp for a long time
- Anti-kickback design ensures resistance for a longer lifespan
- Heat-resistant Teflon coat to prevent burning to your materials
- Suitable for wood, hardwood, MDF, and other materials
- Comes with 6 different pieces for different uses.
Take Note
- Not suitable for metal.
4. Silivn Conical Engraving Router Bits
Silivn Engraving Router Bits is a popular product in the industry and that is for all the right reasons.
Having been in the business for years, the brand has satisfied many customers with its service. They take a very straightforward approach to sign-making. With the product, lettering will be a lot easier than you think.
These router bits outweigh other conventional bits made of carbide steel in cutting strength and provide superior quality carving results. All the thanks for this distinct feature go to the core material of the bits which is tungsten steel.
Silivn offers four router bits for lettering and engraving, each designed to satisfy your demands. For a detail cut, the router bits offer a 15-degree detail carver; 20-degree profile bit, or flat cut bit that will outline letters in wooden signs; 60- and 90-degrees V bits that will aid in carving V-groove.
With such variation in blades, the product ensures fast engraving of letters and sign making with high precision and no glitches. It has extremely sharp edges that provide a satisfying finish to your carving.
Each piece in the set is optimized, with a variation in size and shape, to solve most of your lettering issues.
Things to Appreciate
- Deep angles with a sharp point allow 2d and 3d carving
- Tungsten steel construction provides better cutting and drilling quality
- Comes with 4 different sizes of bits to meet different carving needs
- Extremely sharp edges prevent glitches and ensure higher precision
- Flat-bottomed designs reduce the burning of your surfaces.
Take Note
- Might get broken at high speed.
5. Rockler 3-PCs Sign making Router Bits
If you’re looking for longevity, then Rockler 3 Pieces Sign making Router Bits will make the best choice. The brand incorporates advanced technology to offer the best lettering bits you can own.
The bits are made of k10 and k20 grade carbide for the clean cutting action. And the final sharpening is done with 600 to 800 grit diamond wheels. So, precision is guaranteed with this product. And as far as smoothness is concerned, Rockler creates a league of its own.
Rockler offers a set that is ideal for craftsmen who specialize in lettering. The set includes a ½ inch carbide-tipped sixty-degree bit, a ⅜ high core box bit, and a ½ inch ninety-degree v-groove bit.
As a result, it offers one of the most diverse sets to cater to all your lettering needs. The pieces in the set are all highly effective and will surely get the job done.
Things to Appreciate
- Carbide-tipped construction ensures durability and strength
- 1/4-inch shank diameter to be compatible with most routers
- 600 to 800 grit diamond wheels for a smooth and precise cutting experience
- 3 different bits to complete your different needs
- Suitable for any kinds of wood materials.
Take Note
- Plastic stencils might make your drilling slower.
How To Pick A Perfect Router Bits for Sign Making?
Even after having the suggestions, finding the right one seems tough sometimes. My buying guide will help you make the right decision.
Look What You Need
The first thing you need to consider is your needs. Ask yourself why you need the bits and what your project is all about. Are you planning to purchase bits for sign-making only? Or do you want to do some other stuff such as carving or drilling as well?
Not all bits are compatible to do all these at once. Make sure you know your purpose and pick one accordingly. Consider the types of materials you are going to work with. Most bits are suitable for wood use only. You want something stronger for metal surfaces.
Is The Bit Compatible with Your Router?
You will use the bits with routers. But what if the bits are not compatible with the routers?
Make sure the bits are compatible with your routers. Look at the size, flute, edges, and shank sizes for compatibility. Some bits are only compatible with table-mounted routers whereas some are good with regular routers. Know the compatibility before picking one.
Consider The Construction
The materials the bits are made with play a vital role in durability, strength, and heat build-up. You do not want to have your bits broken during sign making. It is also disappointing to have burned the surface.
Solid carbide works really well, especially when you are working with hardwood. It offers superior strength and durability. But you will not get enough precision with the carbide.
Carbide-tipped can solve this problem. You can put a lot of pressure on it and get excellent precision. But you know, more sugar is necessary to make your juice sweeter. You have to invest more in this expensive construction.
Steel can work if your budget is limited. But you must sacrifice the precision and durability you can get from Carbide-tipped or carbide bits.
Do Not Ignore Shank Diameter Size
The shank diameter is important for precision. ¼ is most common but ½ will provide more stability and grip for less deflection. Make sure your router is compatible with it. Otherwise, go for the ¼ one. Also, ¼ is suitable for carving and other woodworking within budget.
Are You a Newbie?
Consider your woodworking experience. Not all types of bits are suitable for newbies and pros. You need to understand your level of expertise and pick one that can match your expertise.
Experts can handle any bits and bring good results. But you cannot as a newbie. Make sure the bits have an anti-kickback design to prevent overfeeding and accidents.
Ideal Core Material for Router Bits
It is vital to consider the material of router bits before making a purchase decision. They are designed to withstand heavy forces. Experts agree that the best router bits for sign making are made of carbide as they promise prominence, convenience, and efficiency.
Solid carbide bits ensure the maximum robustness in router bits. Solid carbide should be the best pick for you if you’re dealing with hardwoods.
If you’re looking for blades with very sharp edges, carbide-tipped bits will be the way to go. They can stand against the heavy intensity and high speeds.
Router Bits Guide For Beginners
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Router bits are versatile tools that can also be used in drills. These allow you to improvise designs and complete your project smoothly. Even though they are named router bits and designed to be used in routers, you can achieve so much more with these tools.
A decent router will support all the standard-sized shanks, including ¼ inch and ½ inch. These routers will highly benefit your projects as they offer versatility and allow you to bring variation in the design. These routers will allow you much freedom as you can pick a bit of either size.
This special type of router is necessary if you’re working on the surface of a board rather than on the edges of corners. These routers will come in handy in cutting panels such as dadoes, insets, grooves, flutes, and more. You can profile the edges with round-over bits for sign-making as they are compatible with the best router bit for cutting circles.
In most cases, spiral bits are chosen over standard bits because they ensure smoother surfaces. The spiral bits come in frequent contact with the stock, allowing them to eliminate any grainy texture on the corners and surfaces and leave a smooth surface.
Router bits for sign-making can be used on various materials, including wood, plastic, aluminium, and acrylic. However, the material used will determine the type of bit required. For example, some materials may require a v-groove bit, while others may require a straight bit.
Conclusion
By now, you must have realized there are so many varieties of router bits in today’s market, each serving a different purpose. Depending on your project, convenience, and durability of the bit, you can choose from my list of the best router bits for sign-making.
Most of the modern router bits incorporate an anti-kickback design. This is very useful as the technology prevents you from overusing the tool and minimizes the possibility of kickbacks.
The router bits on my list come with such important features. They are chosen with utmost sincerity keeping affordability and functionality in mind.
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