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What are flush trim router bits for?
Flush trim bits are used for laminate work or for template and pattern work. For template application, the bearing follows the template, while the cutting edges trim the work piece. Flush trim bits are used for laminate work or for template and pattern work.
What is a router pattern bit?
By moving the bearing to the bit’s shank, you have a pattern cutting bit capable of cutting out multiple pieces exactly the same in one session. Move that bearing to the bit’s shank, and it becomes a pattern bit.
What type of router bit is a flush trimming bit?
straight bits
5. Flush Trim. Flush trim bits are essentially straight bits with a pilot bearing that’s the same diameter as the flutes. The bearing at the tip guides the cutting arm perfectly around the edge of a surface, allowing you to trim overhanging material perfectly flush.
What’s the difference between template and flush trim?
The cutting edges are exactly lined up with a bearing, so that an exact copy of a piece can be cut. For example, Rockler sells a flush trim bit: and Amazon sells a template bit:
When to use flush trim bit or pattern cutting bit?
When you have a workpiece that’s thicker than the cutting length of your bit, use a pattern-cutting bit and a flush-trim bit in the sequence shown in Steps 1, 2, and 3. Make one pass with the pattern-cutting bit, template side down.
Where is the pilot on a flush trim bit?
A flush-trim bit has a ball-bearing pilot mounted at the tip, as shown in photo. To use this type of bit, place your workpiece on the table with the template on top. Adjust the bit height so the pilot runs along the template’s edge. On pattern-cutting bits, the pilot sits between the shank and the cutter, as shown in the illustrations.
Which is bit should I use for pattern routing?
For router-table use, go with the flush-trim bit because, when inverted, the bearing sits above the cutters (below), an extra bit of safety. With a flush-trim bit in a router table, you can see the template edge clearly. Always use a starting pin to leverage into a cut. In most cases, both types of bits have straight cutters.