Originally Posted by
Lucy Langlois
well that little thing is genius. I've bookmarked to order later because I have noticed my bit sometimes doesn't look like it's in the center of the guide. Does the straight cutter bit have bottom cutters for plunging or are those strictly for cutting the edges of stuff? I've only used the spiral upcut.
Straight bits come in three geometries that I am familiar with. There is a pattern straight bit that has no cutters on the bottom. There is one that has two cutters that would overlap, so that you could plunge, and I've seen some that have two cutters on the bottom that don't overlap for clearing waste, but not plunging.
All are available with bearings on top, shank end, to follow templates, and even a bearing on the bottom of the bit that has no bottom cutters.
Technically speaking your spirals are straight bits, whenever up, or down. The bit that Mel referred to would also be a single flute straight bit. I haven't used one of those, but based on Mel's input, I'm going to give them a go. Routing plywood is always a pain in the neck, and if that bit makes it easier, I'm all for it.
Straight bits are the workhorses. They may not seem to do much, but what they do is important. If you're going to "splurge" on a router bit, and go top shelf. Spend it on straight cutters.
Last edited by Mike Cutler; 07-13-2015 at 6:08 PM.
"The first thing you need to know, will likely be the last thing you learn." (Unknown)