Rating of the best milling cutters for a manual router for 2022

Creating a woodworking workshop is a labor-intensive business. Investing in a quality hand router, complete with a set of bits, will save you time and energy down the road. The router is a multi-purpose surface leveling tool for railings, parquet trimming, locking, and creating moon grooves. The main thing is to choose the right 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 difficult task. The variety of bits is confusing. The difference between them comes down to the profiles they cut.

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

It is also important to choose the right collet (device for attaching bits to the tool), otherwise the slightest discrepancy will lead to tool breakage or injury.

Milling cutters are used in mobile tools or on stationary equipment. Industrial nozzles are different from semi-professional ones. Working at high speeds requires increased wear resistance.

Scope of application of the milling cutter:

• woodwork;
• for processing acrylic;
• for eurolining;
• for organic glass;
• for polyvinyl chloride;
• for polycarbonate;
• for polystyrene;
• for parquet board;
• for slabs;
• for the floorboard.

Bit types

The bits are made from 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 team consists of a steel blank of the desired shape with soldered cutting elements. These models are the most common.
• Bits with removable blades last longer due to double-sided blades.
• The cutting edge of a monolithic bit is one-piece with a base. This reduces blade breakage but reduces the number of sharpenings.

Blade types

• 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 have positive reviews.

Each type of cutter corresponds to a specific carpentry job. The equipment creates a unique pattern on the material, chamfers or makes recesses for attaching workpieces to each other:

• Cylindrical-groove provides a selection of the desired width and depth. Usually used to combine structures using tenon-groove elements. If good dexterity, the groove width is adjusted with one bit, without replacement.
• Disk-groove knocks out the material better, and the area of ​​the treated surface is larger.
• The “V-shaped” has a rounded configuration, making a groove in the form of a fillet. Decorates the material, cuts connecting angular grooves, technical grooves.
• "T-shaped" (dovetail) makes a box connection of elements.
• Antenna and shaped-groove decorate the surface and chamfer. Mills are made with the bearing. It allows you to work with templates and round blanks.
• The freewheel has two bearings. Produces non-rectilinear shapes on the edge. Two cutters on one shank make a beautiful edge in one pass.
• Seam-edge - for a rectangular sample. For a double pass, a spike of the required size is made, regulated by a thrust bearing
• Cone-edge prepare the workpiece for joining and decorate the chamfer.
• Alkyl-edging make a groove of a rounded configuration. Used on manual routers, but recommended for machine tools. Require power up to 1600 W.
• Semi-rod-edge machine processes a rectangular workpiece from both sides to a cylindrical one. Makes chamfers of complex configuration and articulated structures.
• Combined connect wooden blanks along the chamfer. Make a tenon-groove structure in one pass.
• The gusset nozzle is used to align elements under 90⁰.

Main quality parameters

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

• The correct geometry provides a load on both knives, which affects the service life, 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 knives.
• If soldering is not along the entire length of the blade, it will be scrapped.

Tips for beginner 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 degree of gloss.
3. If there is a gap between the knife and the ruler attached to it, the blade geometry is not correct.
4. Working with a hand tool is not easy. Expensive nozzles are not the best investment, because they often break due to inexperience. Training on a budget is a good decision.

The following review will help you find a balance between price and quality. The rating shows the most popular models of the best manufacturers. There are technical specifications that will help you make the right choice, tell you where to buy and which company's products are better. The quality of most kits is at the same level, but there are differences in the configuration, which changes the functionality.

Rating of the best milling cutters for a manual router for 2022

10th place — FIT set 6 pcs. (36566)

Nozzles FIT IT 36566 process wooden blanks, various grooves. The set includes a plywood case for storage and transportation. Good as a first set for beginners. Milling cutters with carbide cutting inserts.

Complete set (mm.):

• slot 6;
• slot 12;
• slot 16;
• fillet 12.7;
• "dovetail" 12.7;
• "V" for 90° angle.

Specifications:

Options	Characteristics
Kit type	kit
cutter type	terminal
Type of cutter	fillet, dovetail, slot
Shank type	cylindrical
Shank diameter	6 mm
Processing material	wood

• good price/quality ratio;
• rare shank diameter;
• convenient storage box;
• not bad sharpening of blades;
• hard alloy soldering.

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

9th place - Bat FIT 36692

Field of application FIT 36692 ̶ spot processing of recesses on small chamfers, the placement of seals and the formation of tongue-and-groove structures. Works with manual milling machines and machines. The nozzle is made of hardened steel with carbide blades. Sold in a blister pack. Two cutting elements. Favorably differs from sets by a possibility of piece purchase. Medium quality.

Specifications:

Options	Characteristics
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 individually, packed in plastic packaging;
• comfortable for storage.

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

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

It is applied to work with wooden designs. The bits work effectively on soft and hard materials.Sold in a wooden case. It is in great demand among beginner carpenters. The low price allows you not to save on consumables. Quality at the level of previous sets. Unlike others, it has a popular shank.

Complete set (mm.):

• R4.76;
• edge diameter 12.7;
• edge length 12.7;
• bit R 6.35;
• diameter 6.

Specifications:

Options	Characteristics
Kit type	kit
cutter type	terminal
Shank diameter	8 mm
Processing material	wood

• compact and in a convenient package;
• there is a coating that protects against corrosion;
• processes fiberglass;
• shank diameter 6 mm suitable for milling cutters from different manufacturers;
• are delivered 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 in the kit;
• The box does not have a handle.

7th place - Total TACSR 1121

A set for working on wood, PVC and other materials. It is used in the finishing of wooden blanks. Provides the ability to select grooves of various configurations. Plywood case for transportation and storage. The advantage of the set is greater functionality, due to the number of bits and the presence of bearings. Little backlash.

Complete set (pcs., mm.):

• 1 groove fillet;
• 1 edge moulder with ball bearing;
• 1 slot "Dovetail";
• 1 edge cone with ball bearing;
• 1 edge straight with ball bearing;
• 1 groove straight 16;
• 1 cornice with ball bearing;
• 1 groove straight 12;
• 1 groove straight 6;
• 1 cornice with ball bearing D 28.6;
• 1 "V - shaped" for 90° angles;
• 1 eaves with ball bearing R 4.0;
• case.

Specifications:

Options	Characteristics
Amount in a package	12 pcs.
Kit type	kit
cutter type	terminal
Shank diameter	8 mm
Processing material	wood

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

• not suitable for hard materials.

6th place - Metabo 631039000

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

• chamfer;
• profile cutting;
• mold.

Equipment:

• straight, grooved 4 pcs.;
• edge seam;
• 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:

Options	Characteristics
Kit type	kit
cutter type	terminal
Type of cutter	curly, folded, fillet, tenon, slot, edge
Shank diameter	8 mm
Processing material	wood

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

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

5th place — Set STAYER 2992-H12

The 2992-H12 STAYER kit is suitable for hardwood and softwood. With the help of bits, high-quality products are made. There are nozzles of 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;
• edge molding, D 22, R 6.3.;
• edge molding D 22, R 6.3;
• edge molding D 28.6, R 9.5;
• edge molding D 25, R 4.

Specifications:

Options	Characteristics
Kit type	kit
cutter type	terminal
Shank type	cylindrical
Shank diameter	6 mm
cutter material	carbide
Processing material	wood

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

• only for home workshop;
• scuffing when using;
• some bits are larger than the declared size;
• operate at low speeds.

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

Carbide consumables, effectively cut bevels. Resistant to elevated 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 burns. High production technologies guarantee the preservation of geometry during operation. The 8 mm shank makes it possible to use the bits with popular models.

Equipment:

• 2 fillet;
• 3 grooved;
• 3 edge molding;
• 1 for flush operation;
• 1 "dovetail";
• 1 cone;
• 1 V-shaped groove.

Specifications:

Options	Characteristics
Kit type	kit
cutter type	terminal
Type of cutter	fillet, moulder, cone, slot, edge
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 play.

• medium quality storage box.

place — Kit SKRAB 37090

Cylindrical nozzles made of high strength steel 33090 SKRAB have a diameter of 3 mm. Heads are attached to the shank, chromium-molybdenum alloy, of various shapes. Cone cutters for metal are used with machine tools and hand tools. Work with pneumatic drills. The only representative of the rating for metal processing, it is necessary to 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 the edges;
• grinds burrs;
• bores holes and grooves;
• treats flat surfaces;
• preparation of metal for welding;
• grinding welds.

Complete set (mm.):

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

Specifications:

Options	Characteristics
Kit type	kit
cutter type	terminal
Type of cutter	fillet, moulder, cone, slot, edge
Shank type	cylindrical
Shank diameter	8 mm
cutter material	carbide
Processing material	wood

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

• the need to apply lubricant during operation;
• high average price.

2nd place - Slotted Bosch 2608628392

The scope of Bosch 2608628392 is the manufacture of grooves and grooves in wood of various species. Used for mobile and stationary tool. Greater penetration of the nozzle into the material is achieved by greater tool power. The bit is made of high quality alloys and has a well-calculated blade geometry.

Specifications:

Options	Characteristics
Kit type	piece
cutter type	terminal
Type of cutter	grooving
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 analogues;
• symmetrical blades do not have serrations.

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

1st place — BOSCH 12 HM SET 8MM-XV

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

Equipment:

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

Specifications:

Options	Characteristics
Amount in a package	12 pcs.
Kit type	kit
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, hardwood and softwood;
• Used on manual and desktop machines;
• Bits are well sharpened.

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

Results

The ranking of the best hand router bits for 2022 has been provided above. Before deciding which set to buy, it is important to consider the following aspects:

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

It is important to avoid mistakes when choosing. The recommendations in this article will help you determine the appropriate kit to meet your carpentry needs.