877-872-2487, infinitytools.com
The Mega Flush-Trim compression bits, shown above, work great for pattern routing because the combination of upcut and downcut shearing cutters eliminates chip-out on both workpiece faces. They cut cleanly and smoothly and produce precise results. To maximize the compression advantage, center the bit height on the workpiece thickness, which might require a thicker template. We like the 11⁄2
"-diameter bits because they cut at a shallower angle than the 3⁄4
" bits, making them less “grabby” in reversing-grain shapes, such as circles. But if you can get only one bit, go for the 3⁄4
×11⁄4
"—it’s the one we use most often.
800-334-4107, freudtools.com
We love this bit for table aprons because the bead and recess create a shadow that adds an eye-catching detail to an otherwise plain surface. You can also use this bit on the edge of adjacent faces of a workpiece to create a full-round bead that wraps around the corner.
800-334-4107, freudtools.com
This bit has multiple uses, a great attribute in a premium-priced bit. It works great for routing mating cope-and-stick profiles for door rails and stiles (use a slot-cutting bit [no. 99-062, $62] for the mating tenon and slot). But we use it most often to rout one-step edge profiles on small box lids and tabletops. The combination of a cove, round-over, and fillet provides a pleasing look scaled appropriately for smaller projects like these.
