---
title: Tooling Router Bits 101: Know Your Bits
source_url: https://toolings.co.za/router-bits-101-know-your-bits
published: 2022-04-11 10:11:05
modified: 2022-04-11 10:35:25
fetched_at: 2026-08-30T22:04:37+0200
category: training
wp_site: https://toolings.co.za
wp_prefix: toolings_co_za
wp_id: 1535
wp_type: post
pass: sql4-wp-mysql-digest-2026-08-30
notes: sql4 published digest; public permalink; no wp internals; no stock.
---

# Tooling Router Bits 101: Know Your Bits

**Source:** [https://toolings.co.za/router-bits-101-know-your-bits](https://toolings.co.za/router-bits-101-know-your-bits)

- published: 2022-04-11 10:11:05
- modified: 2022-04-11 10:35:25

## Tooling Router Bits 101: Know Your Bits

#### Anatomy of A Router Bit

![](https://toolings.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Anatomy_ToolingMill3.svg)

There are a few facets to a Router Tooling Mill Bit measurements like (a) Total Length, (b) Spiral Flute (c) Shank Diameter, (d) Shank Length, (e) Bit Length, (f) Bit Diameter, to name a few.

#### Tooling End Geometry

Different end-geometry lends its self to different applications & finishes.

 	- .d{fill:none;stroke:#1d1d1b;stroke-miterlimit:10;stroke-width:2px;}
Ball End Geometry

 	- .e{fill:none;stroke:#1d1d1b;stroke-miterlimit:10;stroke-width:2px;}.f{clip-path:url(#d);}
Corner End Geometry

 	- .d{fill:none;stroke:#1d1d1b;stroke-miterlimit:10;stroke-width:2px;}
Square End Geometry

 	- .d{fill:none;stroke:#1d1d1b;stroke-miterlimit:10;stroke-width:2.33px;}
Profile End Geometry

#### Spiral Flute Count

A general rule of thumb is that the higher the flute count - the higher the possible the cut rate.

 	- Single (1) Flute (Top View)

 	- Double (2) Flute (Top View)

 	- Tripple (3) Flute  (Top View)

 	- Quad (4) Flute  (Top View)

 	- Penta (5) Flute  (Top View)

 	- Hexa Flute (6) (Top View)

 	- Octa  (8) Flute (Top View)

[See Our Selection Of Bits](https://toolings.co.za/router-bits/#our-router-bit-selection)

### Spiral Angle & Direction: Straight vs Up-Cut vs Down-Cut vs Compression-Cut Toolings

![](https://toolings.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Spiral_direction_straight_Toolings.svg)

**Straight Bit**

![](https://toolings.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Spiral_direction_upcut_Toolings.svg)

**Up-Cut Bit**

![](https://toolings.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Spiral_direction_downcut_Toolings.svg)

**Down-Cut Bit**

![](https://toolings.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Spiral_direction_compression_Toolings.svg)

**Compression Bit**

**Advantages**

 	- Good Edge Quality On Most Materials

 	- Moderate Chip Clearing

 	- Best Ejection For Chips, Away From The Kerf.

 	- Good Quality On Bottom Faces When Cutting Through.

 	- Allows For Faster Speeds Than Downward Cut Tooling Bits.

 	- Ejects Chips Down Ward, Good Face Quality On Top Face.

 	- Downward Force Helps With Cutting On Thiner Boards

 	- Designed To Cut Vaneer Or Laminate Materials At Full Depth In One Pass

 	- Cleaner Edge On Top And Bottom Face

**Disadvantages**
Less Efficient Than Spiral Tooling

 	- Prone To Chipping Or Fraying Of Top Edge

 	- Upward Motion Can Cause Lifting In Materials

 	- Prone To Chipping Or Fraying Of Bottom Edge - When Cutting Through.

 	- Lower Feed-Rates That Up-Cut Tooling Bits.

 	- Due To Nature of Construction, Compression Toolings Are A Lot More expensive.

 	- Prone To Heat Issues - Due To  Less Effective Material Ejection Rates.

**Recommended Materials**
Generally Fits Most Materials
Plastics, Aluminium Etc. Generally Materials With Lower Heat Tolerances.
Plywood, Laminates, MDF, Hardwoods, Softer woods.
Plywood, Laminates, MDF, Hardwood, Softer woods.

[See Our Selection Of Bits](https://toolings.co.za/router-bits/#our-router-bit-selection)