Rating of the best milling cutters for a hand router for 2024

Setting up a woodworking workshop is a laborious undertaking. Investing in a quality handheld router complete with an accessory kit can save you time and energy as you go along. The Router is a versatile surface leveling tool for handrails, trimming parquet boards, installing locks and creating moon grooves. The main thing is to choose the right milling cutter. How to choose the right one and what to look for when buying a bit, this review will help you figure it out.

Tooling Applications

Finding the best rig is a daunting task. The variety of beats will be confusing. The difference between them comes down to the profiles they cut.

When buying a router bit, it is important to know the shank size. It is measured in inches or in millimeters. Standard 6, 8 and 12 mm. or 0.25 in. (6.35 mm.) And 0.5 in. (12.7 mm).

It is also important to select the correct collet (a device for attaching the bit to the tool), otherwise the slightest discrepancy will lead to tool breakage or injury.

Cutters are used in mobile tools or stationary equipment. Industrial tips differ from semi-professional ones. Working at high speeds requires increased wear resistance.

Scope of application of the router:

• woodwork;
• for processing acrylic;
• for euro lining;
• for organic glass;
• for polyvinyl chloride;
• for polycarbonate;
• for polystyrene;
• for parquet boards;
• for slabs;
• for floorboards.

Bit types

Bits are made of hard alloy materials. The first milling machine was created in 1812, during which time mankind has accumulated a large arsenal of methods for processing materials using this technology:

• The prefab consists of a steel bar of the desired shape with soldered cutting elements. These models are the most common.
• Bits with removable knives last longer thanks to reversible blades.
• The cutting edge of the monolithic bit is one-piece with the base. This reduces blade breakage, but reduces the number of sharpenings.

Blade types

• an inclined, vertical or spiral arrangement of knives changes the quality of processing;
• HM knives are used on softwood and aluminum;
• HSS blades work with hard materials, have a high temperature coefficient and are well received.

Each cutter type corresponds to a specific joinery job. The tooling creates a unique pattern on the material, processes a chamfer or makes notches for fastening the workpieces to each other:

• Cylindrical-slot provides a selection of the desired width and depth. It is usually used to join structures using tenon and groove elements. If you have a good dexterity, the slot width is adjusted with one bit, no replacement.
• The disc-groove knocks out the material better, and the area of ​​the processed surface is larger.
• The "V-shaped" has a rounded configuration, makes a groove in the form of a fillet. Decorates the material, cuts docking corner grooves, technical grooves.
• "T" (dovetail) makes a box connection of elements.
• Antenna and shaped grooves decorate the surface and chamfer. The cutters are manufactured with a bearing. It allows you to work with templates and round blanks.
• The overrunning has two bearings. Produces non-linear shapes on the edge. Two cutters on one shank make a beautiful edge in one pass.
• Folding-edging - for rectangular selection. For a double pass, a spike of the required size is made, it is adjusted by a support bearing
• Tapered edges prepare the workpiece for connection and decorate the chamfer.
• Alkyl edge grooves are made of a rounded groove. Used on hand-held milling cutters, but recommended for machine tools. Requires power up to 1600 W.
• Semi-rod-edging processes a rectangular workpiece from both sides to a cylindrical one. Makes complex chamfers and hinge structures.
• Combined join wood blanks along a chamfer. They make a thorn-groove of the structure in one pass.
• The gusset is used to align 90⁰ elements.

Basic quality parameters

There are many quality parameters, due to the interconnectedness, it is necessary to consider a set of selection criteria:

• The correct geometry ensures that both knives are loaded, which affects life time, material quality and productivity.
• The hardness of the alloy is a fundamental factor. The larger the fraction of tungsten carbide, the worse the sharpening of the knives.
• If the soldering is not along the entire length of the blade, it will break.

Tips for novice carpenters:

1. You can determine the sharpening by running your fingernail along the blade, there will be chips.
2. The quality of the alloy can be seen in the gloss.
3. If there is a gap between the knife and the ruler attached to it, the geometry of the blade is not correct.
4. Working with a hand tool is not easy. Expensive attachments are not the best investment, because inexperience often breaks. Training on a budget is a good decision.

The following review will help you find the balance between price and quality. The rating lists the most popular models from the best manufacturers. There are technical characteristics that will help you make the right choice, tell you where to buy and the products of which company is better. The quality of most of the kits is on the same level, but there are differences in the equipment, which changes the functionality.

Rating of the best milling cutters for a hand router for 2024

10th place - FIT set 6 pcs. (36566)

FIT IT 36566 attachments handle wood blanks, various grooves. The set includes a plywood case for storage and transportation. Good as a first set for beginners. Tungsten carbide cutters.

Complete set (mm.):

• groove 6;
• groove 12;
• groove 16;
• fillet 12.7;
• Dovetail 12.7;
• "V" for 90 ° angle.

Specifications:

Parameters	Specifications
Kit type	set
Cutter type	terminal
Type of cutter	fillet, dovetail, groove
Shank type	cylindrical
Shank diameter	6 mm
Processing material	wood

• good value for money;
• rare shank diameter;
• convenient storage box;
• not bad sharpening of the blades;
• carbide soldering.

• there are vibrations during operation;
• no overrunning nozzles with bearing.

9th place - Bit FIT 36692

FIT 36692 is used for spot machining of recesses on small chamfers, placement of gaskets and the formation of tongue-and-groove structures. Works with hand mills and machine tools. The bit is made from hardened steel with carbide blades. Sold in a blister pack. Two cutting elements. Compares favorably with sets by the possibility of a piece purchase. Medium quality.

Specifications:

Parameters	Specifications
Kit type	piece
Cutter type	terminal
Type of cutter	disk
Cutter diameter	32 mm
Shank type	cylindrical
Shank diameter	8 mm
Working height	6 mm
total length	36 mm
Cutter material	carbide
Processing material	wood

• cuts a groove well;
• sold per piece, packed in plastic packaging;
• comfortable for storage.

• short, not always convenient to work;
• bearing missing.

8th place - Set CALIBER 0504 (8 mm., 5 pcs.)

It is used for working with wooden structures. Bits effectively handle soft and hard surfaces. Sold in a wooden case. It is in great demand among novice carpenters. The low price allows you not to save on consumables. Quality on par with previous sets. Unlike others, it has a demanded shank.

Complete set (mm.):

• R 4.76;
• edge diameter 12.7;
• edge length 12.7;
• bit R 6.35;
• diameter 6.

Specifications:

Parameters	Specifications
Kit type	set
Cutter type	terminal
Shank diameter	8 mm
Processing material	wood

• compact and conveniently packaged;
• there is a coating that protects against corrosion;
• processes fiberglass;
• shank diameter 6 mm will fit milling cutters from different manufacturers;
• supplied already sharpened and ready to work;
• during transportation, the cutting edge is not damaged on the case, thanks to the soft backing;
• acceptable cost;
• despite the low price, there are no chips.

• there are no combined bits included;
• the box has no handle.

7th place - Total TACSR 1121

Kit for working on wood, PVC and other materials. Used for finishing wooden blanks. Provides the ability to sample grooves of various configurations. Plywood case for transportation and storage. The advantage of the set is more functionality due to the number of bits and the presence of bearings. Small backlash.

Complete set (pcs., Mm.):

• 1 groove fillet;
• 1 edge molding machine with ball bearing;
• 1 groove "Dovetail";
• 1 edge tapered with ball bearing;
• 1 edge straight with ball bearing;
• 1 slotted straight 16;
• 1 curtain rod with ball bearing;
• 1 slotted straight 12;
• 1 slotted straight 6;
• 1 curtain rod with ball bearing D 28.6;
• 1 "V-shaped" for 90 ° corners;
• 1 curtain rod with ball bearing R 4.0;
• case.

Specifications:

Parameters	Specifications
Amount in a package	12 pcs.
Kit type	set
Cutter type	terminal
Shank diameter	8 mm
Processing material	wood

• functional;
• minimum backlash;
• error in blade geometry 0.03 mm;
• bearings do not knock;
• affordable price.

• not suitable for hard materials.

6th place - Metabo 631039000

Metabo set consists of 15 bits with 8 mm shank. Designed for decorative wood processing. Unlike competitors above, it has a better sharpening. Types of milling:

• chamfer;
• cutting out profiles;
• mold.

Equipment:

• straight, slot 4 pcs .;
• edge-folded;
• fillet-groove 2 pcs.;
• fillet-groove, "V-shaped" with a tip 90⁰;
• molding and edging 4 pcs .;
• straight, edge;
• tapered edge 45⁰;
• "Dovetail" 14⁰.

 

Specifications:

Parameters	Specifications
Kit type	set
Cutter type	terminal
Type of cutter	curly, folded, fillet, spike, groove, edge
Shank diameter	8 mm
Processing material	wood

• nice, wooden case;
• sit firmly on the instrument;
• even sharpening;
• good set for beginners;
• sharp sharpening.

• some of the nozzles are not balanced, there is a backlash;
• dull quickly;
• for small carpentry work;
• not for hardwoods.

5th place - STAYER 2992-H12 set

The 2992-H12 STAYER set is suitable for hard and soft woods. Bits are used to make quality products. There are nozzles for edge, groove and profile type. Supplied in a practical plywood box.

Complete set (mm.):

• straight slot 6;
• straight slot 12;
• straight slot 16;
• straight fillet 12.7, R 6.3;
• "Dovetail" 14⁰, D 12.7;
• tapered edge 45⁰, D 32;
• straight edge D 12.7;
• fillet-groove, V-shaped 90⁰, D 12.7;
• molding edging, D 22, R 6.3 .;
• molding edging D 22, R 6.3;
• molding edging D 28.6, R 9.5;
• molding edging D 25, R 4.

Specifications:

Parameters	Specifications
Kit type	set
Cutter type	terminal
Shank type	cylindrical
Shank diameter	6 mm
Cutter material	carbide
Processing material	wood

• inexpensive price, a set with a wide range of functions;
• smooth and sharp sharpening;
• for collet 6 mm.

• for home workshop only;
• seizure when used;
• some bits are larger than the stated size;
• work at low speeds.

4th place - Set Hammer 222-005, No. 2, 12 pcs. (58595)

Solid carbide consumables, effectively cutting chamfers. They are resistant to high temperatures, cope well with loads, have good wear resistance.

The cutting edges of the blades are sharpened on high-precision machines. Increased performance and protection against burn-through. High production technologies guarantee the preservation of geometry during operation. The 8 mm shank makes it possible to use the bits with popular tool models.

Equipment:

• 2 fillet;
• 3 slot;
• 3 edging and molding;
• 1 for flush operation;
• 1 "dovetail";
• 1 conical;
• 1 V-shaped groove.

Specifications:

Parameters	Specifications
Kit type	set
Cutter type	terminal
Type of cutter	fillet, molding, conical, groove, edging
Shank type	cylindrical
Shank diameter	8 mm
Cutter material	carbide
Processing material	wood

• provides wide functionality;
• handles inch boards well;
• price-quality ratio;
• bearings turn easily, without jamming and backlash.

• medium quality storage box.

place - SKRAB 37090 kit

Cylindrical nozzles made of high-strength steel 33090 SKRAB have a diameter of 3 mm. Heads of chrome-molybdenum alloy of various shapes are attached to the shank. Cutters for metal are used with machine tools and hand tools. They work with pneumatic drills. The only representative of the rating for metal processing, you must use a power tool with a high rotation speed. SKRAB works with materials:

• copper;
• brass;
• bronze;
• cast iron;
• alloy steel up to 60 HRC;
• carbon alloys;
• chromium-nickel alloys;
• stainless alloys;
• titanium.

Type of work:

• remove chamfers;
• cuts edges;
• grinds burrs;
• bores holes and grooves;
• handles flat surfaces;
• preparation of metal for welding;
• grinding of welded seams.

Complete set (mm.):

• A 6x12x3;
• From 6x12x3;
• D 6x5x3;
• E 6x11x3;
• F 6x14x3;
• G 6x14x3;
• H 6x14x3;
• L 6x14x3;
• M 6x14x3;
• N 6x8x3.

Specifications:

Parameters	Specifications
Kit type	set
Cutter type	terminal
Type of cutter	fillet, molding, conical, groove, edging
Shank type	cylindrical
Shank diameter	8 mm
Cutter material	carbide
Processing material	wood

• reliable, wear-resistant, cut well;
• process forged products.

• the need applies lubricant during operation;
• high average price.

2nd place - Groove Bosch 2608628392

Scope of application Bosch 2608628392 ̶ production of grooves and grooves in wood of various species. Used for mobile and stationary tools. A deeper penetration of the nozzle into the material is achieved by a greater tool power. The bit is made from high quality alloys and has a well-designed blade geometry.

Specifications:

Parameters	Specifications
Kit type	piece
Cutter type	terminal
Type of cutter	slot
Cutter diameter	25 mm
Shank type	cylindrical
Shank diameter	8 mm
Working height	19.6 mm
total length	51 mm
Cutter material	carbide
Processing material	wood

• carbide steel is suitable for working with any wood;
• sold by the piece;
• plastic box;
• not a big price compared to analogs;
• symmetrical blades are not serrated.

• there is a backlash of up to 1 mm, which entails additional vibration.

1st place - Set BOSCH 12 НМ SET 8MM-ХВ

Bosch attachments 12 НМ SET 8MM-ХВ are designed for wood, plexiglass, lining and other materials. Used by construction companies in the repair and furniture makers for decoration and leveling the plane. Bosch 2607019466 are stored in a case, which allows you to keep the kit in order. The best set deserves its place due to its sharp sharpening, wear-resistant alloy and wide functionality.

Equipment:

• 3 pcs. for sampling grooves;
• 1 removes chamfers;
• profile;
• 2 cornice;
• 1 "V-shaped" groove type;
• "dovetail";
• for flush sampling;
• 2 fillet.

Specifications:

Parameters	Specifications
Amount in a package	12 pcs.
Kit type	set
Cutter type	terminal
Type of cutter	fillet
Shank diameter	8 mm
Cutter material	carbide

• Sold in a case that can be placed on the wall, consumables are always at hand and safe;
• Handles plywood, deciduous and coniferous species;
• Used on handheld and bench-top machines;
• The bits are well sharpened.

• the set contains rarely used bits;
• large box.

Outcome

The above was a ranking of the best bits for a hand router for 2024. Before deciding which set to buy, it is important to consider the following aspects:

• Pay attention to the material of which the blades are made. Carbide tipped bits will last 50% longer than standard hardened steel (HSS) bits and may dull due to overheating and friction.
• How much a bit costs is an important quality indicator. It's easy to find budget hand tool kits and order online from your online store or buy from your local supermarket. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these are disposable, which are not effective for long term use. On the other hand, novice carpenters need inexpensive consumables to gain experience.

It is important to avoid mistakes when choosing. The recommendations from the article will help you determine an acceptable kit option to meet your joinery needs.