Setting up a woodworking workshop is undoubtedly a difficult and time-consuming endeavor. You need to invest in the most versatile and handiest equipment to help you save a lot of time and energy.

Router bits are part and parcel of any woodworking workshop. Router bits are used to create intricate shapes and letters in wood. With various router bits options available on the market, finding the best router bit for cutting letters can be a herculean task.

In this article, we shall be looking at the top 10 router bit brands for cutting letters. Enjoy!

IN A HURRY? Here’s Our Top Picks…

Last update on 2024-09-09 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Top Rated Router Bit For Cutting Letters Reviews

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1# Whiteside Router Bits 401 Basic Router Bit

Last update on 2024-09-09 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The first router bit to secure a place in our list is the Whiteside 401 basic router bit. While Whiteside Routers may lack a solid reputation enjoyed by some of the top pick manufacturers of router bits, the company still gets to make some of the best router bits used in the woodwork industry.

Whiteside router bits 401 set is one of their superb creations; it provides the user all the necessary requisite router bits to tackle any woodworking project with ease.

All the router bits in this set come with bits specially designed to withstand both soft and abrasive wood varieties. The majority of woodworkers find these bits easy to use because of their uniform weight distribution and balancing.

As stated earlier, this package contains all the router bits you need to get started. The router bits in this package have the virtually the same quality as those pricey router bits used by professional woodworkers, but Whiteside provides all of them at a reasonable price.

Things we liked

• High quality and long-lasting set of bits
• Superior balance at high speeds
• Ideal for heavy-duty projects
• Provides smooth and trouble-free operation
• Provides moderate heat resistance

Things we didn’t like

• The carrying case has no router bits size labeling

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2# MLCS Router Bit Set with Carbide-Tipped

Last update on 2024-09-09 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you are looking for the best set of router bits to give those final touches to your woodwork project, this set of router bit is all you need.

Professional users find the high-quality construction of this router bit set quite appealing. All the bits feature top-quality carbide tips. Furthermore, the bits are ergonomically designed and heat-treated to provide increased resistance to high temperatures.

The best part of it is that all the routers come in different sizes and styles, making them highly versatile and ideal for tackling a wide array of woodworking projects.

With the comprehensive assortment of the best tip styles, you will get to have outstanding final results all the time.

This is also a highly economical choice as it contains all the essential bits you need to get started in a single package and at a budget-friendly price.

Things we liked

• Sold at a fairly reasonable price
• Highly versatile
• Top-quality carbide tips
• Portable

Things we didn’t like

• Some users complain about the durability of the bits
• Single bearing

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3# Yonico Handrail Router Bit Set

Last update on 2024-09-09 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The list of the best router bit for cutting letters will not be complete without the Yonico Handrail Router Bit set.

If you have ever wished to get a set of router bit that you can comfortably use to take on any project – be it of an industrial scale or a small DIY house project, the Yonico Hand rail Router Bit set will do wonders.

One of the first things you will notice on these router bits is their considerably long shanks, unlike other models.

The long shanks allow the user to comfortably mount the router bits on a table or hold them in his hands while working.

The fact that all the router bits are carbide-tipped and are made out of industrial-grade materials allows the user to enjoy smooth, quick, and efficient cuts through any material.

Things we liked

• Versatile set of bits
• Highly resistant to heat
• Robust and durable carbide tips construction
• The bearings are completely enclosed

Things we didn’t like

• Relatively pricey

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4# ROUTER BITS SET CARBIDE – Aluminum Case

Last update on 2024-09-09 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Only a few router bit sets have what it takes to get the attention of professional woodworkers. One such top-notched, reliable, high-performance, and practical router bit set is the Router Bits Set Carbide with aluminum case.

The manufacturer of this set of router bit has a non-compromising reputation for producing high-quality tools used in the woodwork industry.

Generally, all the router bits in this set are precision machined to ensure they are sharp enough. Invariably, the user – whether a professional, a novice, or a beginner learning their way around the router bits will be in a position to precisely make the best cuts irrespective of the type of wood they are cutting through.

One outstanding feature of Router Carbide-tipped Bits is that all the bits are resistant to extreme temperatures.

Things we liked

• Various bit profile
• Sold at a reasonable price
• Sturdy carrying box
• Remarkably heat resistant

Things we didn’t like

• 12-month limited warranty

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5# Hiltex Tungsten Carbide Router Bits

Last update on 2024-09-09 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Made out of High-quality Tungsten Carbide Steel, the Hiltex Tungsten Carbide Router Bits deliver precise and clean cuts all the time. The bits are made with high-quality materials to allow for extreme heat resistance. With this set of router bits for lettering, you can cut any type of wood with less hassle.

The upper part of the bits is constructed with hardened steel alloy for extra durability. Enclosed with a bearing roller, all the bits feature a 3/4″ universal shank so they can easily fit to any type of router. Hiltex router bit set comes in a sturdy carrying case for easy storage and transportation, and all the bit types and sizes are well labeled.

For extra durability, all the bits are powder-coated to provide an added layer of protection. You can use them all day long without worrying about compromising their quality. Hiltex Tungsten Carbide Router Bits is great for grooving, trimming, veining, and edging.

It’s a perfect choice for DIYers and professional carpenters looking to add real quality to their woodwork toolset.

Things we liked

• Nice and Versatile
• Great for DIYers and Professional carpenters
• Smooth operation
• Value for the money

Things we didn’t like

• Sometimes the bits could get gummed while using them to trim veneer

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6# Freud Router Bit Set

Last update on 2024-09-09 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Freud Router Bit Set is one of the best router bit for cutting letters available in the market. This set of router bit is perfect for tackling the most complex project in the woodwork industry.

All the bits come handy for such projects like fitting together tongue and groove joints – producing the perfect fit ever. Even though such a project is an excruciating job to accomplish, Freud Router Bits make the process easy and enjoyable, allowing the user to finish the job in a fraction of time compared to when using other router bits.

All the router bits in this package come with a unique feature; the opposing shear angles – a feature that eliminates the need for smoothing the cuts as the resulting finish is smooth and flawless.

Things we liked

• Ease of use
• Designed ergonomically to prevent the accumulation of pitch
• Outstanding cutting of all types of wood
• Can be reground repeatedly

Things we didn’t like

• Complaints about the instructions on the manual being too complex

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7# CMT Router Bit Set

Last update on 2024-09-09 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This set comes with all the router bits a professional woodworker could ever need.  The package consists of 3 double-flute straight bits, together with one of each of the following bits: round nose, mortising, dovetail, U-groove, round over, cove, chamfer, roman gee, rabbeting, and bearing flush trim bits.

This comprehensive assortment of router bits allows for versatile, flexible, and hassle-free woodworking with several materials in the woodwork industry.

CMT Router Bit Set is highly recommended for professional woodworkers who work with different types and sizes of wood – be it soft or hardwoods. Considering the fact that a high amount of temperature is generated while working on abrasive woods, it’s recommended you invest your money in a durable router bit set.

Things we liked

• Durable Carbide tips
• All thanks to the anti-kickback features, making it easy to use
• Superior sharp edge retention ability
• Most of the bits have bearing for effortless templating
• Comes with a sturdy carrying case

Things we didn’t like

• It is a bit expensive router bit set

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8# Rockler Router Bit Set

Last update on 2024-09-09 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Rockler router bit set is a purpose-built set of router bits for lettering, sign making, and engraving.

All the router bits in this package are specially designed for sign-making because they feature flatter bottom compare to the conventional router bits.

This feature is especially meant to prevent peaks in routed letters. In the hands of professional Craftsmen, this set of router bits will do wonders cutting letters on any type of material.

Rockler Router set of bits are made out of the ISO certified K20 and K10 carbide. The first thing you get to notice on any of the bits is the high-quality material that it’s made up of.

The ISO certified carbide use in these router bits gives them extra durability. Lastly, the Rockler router bit set are precisely balanced and ergonomically designed for good-quality chip ejection

Things we liked

• ISO certified
• Can be easily sharpened
• Durable
• Highly effective lettering router bits

Things we didn’t like

• There is no comprehensive explanation about the router bits in this package

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9# Amana Tool Solid Carbide

Last update on 2024-09-09 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Amana tool is a renowned manufacturer of industrial-grade carbide-tipped cutting tools. The company has continued to maintain its long-lasting reputation for producing the best woodworking tool kits.

The Amana router bits for lettering also bear testimony to this long-lasting track record. One outstanding feature in this unit is that all the router bits were produced according to Holz-BG German standards for user safety and extra durability.

The 60-inch cutting angles helps expel excess material quickly and does great job of eliminating chipping and splintering. For this reason, Amana router bits for lettering are suitable for use with all types of wood and not limited to softwood, hardwood, or plywood.

In addition, Amana tool’s uses silver induction brazing for superior carbide bonding strength to provide extra durability on these router bits.

When using this set of router bits, one can’t help but notice their high level of balance. This could be attributed to the single clamping-technique when manufacturing the body of the router bits.

Things we liked

• Can be used for lettering in all wood types
• Value for the money
• Ergonomic design
• Well balanced router bits

Things we didn’t like

• There isn’t much information about this set of router bits

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10# Freud CNC Router Bit

Last update on 2024-09-09 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

We will be rounding up our review of the best router bits for cutting letters with the Freud CNC Router Bit. For users looking for the best performance and construction quality router bits, this got you covered.

The professional craftsmanship of the tips on the router bits in this package positioned Freud CNC Router Bit ahead on the competition.

Talking about performances, the router bits can easily cut through different varieties of material. It doesn’t matter whether you are dealing with softwoods, hardwoods, or plywood, none of these will present any challenges to this set of router bits.

The bits were professionally designed to enable the user to work with table-mounted and handheld portable routers without any difficulties at all. Built by professionals for professional use, the Freud CNC Router bits can tackle any rigorous tasks thrown on their way.

Things we liked

• High-quality router bits
• Ideal for professional use
• Produces smooth and flawless results
• Exceptional heat and wear resistance

Things we didn’t like

• Lacks additional bearings
• Pricey

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Best Router Bit For Cutting Letters Buying Guide

Router bits are parts and parcels of woodwork tools that every serious-minded carpenter must-have. Buying the best router bit for cutting letters can be the most challenging task to do. There numerous factors one must consider when buying the best router bits. We shall be discussing some of the essential factors to help simplify your router bit buying process.

• Router bit shanks

The shank is the solid, cylindrical area of the router bit. It is the part that fits into the router’s collet. We have two common shank sizes, the 1/2 and 1/4 inch shanks. Most routers have interchangeable collets so that either of the shanks can fit in well, whereas some routers allow the use of only 1/4 inch shanks. Router bits that have 1/2 inch shanks offer more stability and less vibration. They also have a longer cutting life and deliver smoother cuts all through.

• Cutting edges

Most router bits have cutting edges with carbide tips or high-speed steel fused to the bit. The best router bits for cutting letters are equipped with carbide cutters, which are more durable than steel, and can hold the edge 10-25 times longer.

• Quality

When it comes to selecting the best router bits, go for high-quality router bits with carbide cutter that feature sharp edges that are thick enough to withstand regrinding. Router bits that have anti-kickback features are great; they have a high body mass to stop the bits from catching on the material and biting too deeply.

• Compatibility

Make sure you go for router bits that can match the project you have on ground. And when putting together router bits assortment for starters, buy few round-over bits, few straight bits, a rabbeting bit with interchangeable bearings of different sizes, an ogee bit and a chamfer bit. If you need the router bits for professional applications, it’s most recommended that you buy a complete set of router bit instead of buying them individually.

• Materials of Router Bit

Router bits come with either carbide tips or teeth made of high-speed steel (HSS). Carbide is stronger and stays sharp longer than HSS, but it costs more. Because you use a very light hand on small workpieces such as lettering, HSS-tipped bits do an excellent job of cutting them without requiring frequent resharpening. But even if your bit has carbide cutters, you should wear safety glasses when routing because pieces can be chipped off and fly into your eyes.

• Configuration of Router Bit 

The material that makes up the most common configuration is made of high-speed steel. The most common element in this alloy is tungsten, which serves as a stronger and harder metal. Carbide blades will do a much better job cutting through hardwood and dense plastics than HSS blades can.

• Anti-kickback Design

Router bits with an anti-kickback design feature two small notches on the flutes to help prevent the wood from closing around them as they cut. These elements are called “rakers” . Just as important as these rakers are the radius along the outer edges of each bit, where it cuts away from you. This radius also acts as a safety feature to keep the router bit from deflecting straight at you as it cuts.

• Dust Protection

Router bits with dust protection design include shrouds or chutes around the bearings at the center of the cutter. These features help protect your eyes and face by capturing most of the shavings generated when routing.

• Frequency of Use

No matter how good a bit is, it is not worth buying if you use it for less than an hour each month. If you plan to use your router for more than one hour per week, then buy HSS bits with anti-kickback rakers that are 1/2″ wide (or smaller) and 1/4 thick.

• Affordability

If you are on a tight budget, look for router bits that cost between $10 and $20. You may even find some great deals at local discount tool retailers for 3/8″-wide straight bits with 1/4″ shanks. These are sold in sets of two or three bits for about the same price as one bit from any major manufacturers.

• Carbide Tips

Carbide tips will stay sharp much longer than high-speed steel tips, but they are more expensive to replace when they go dull. If your cutting uses lots of plunging moves rather than long continuous cuts, carbide is better because it doesn’t get loaded up by wood dust as HSS does.

• V Grooves and Round Noses

Router bits with V grooves or round noses are designed to allow you to make routing passes 360 degrees around the piece; however, they do not work well on many small decorative pieces because these elements can cause chipping in corners where you don’t want it.

• Types of material being cut

The router bit must be able to cut what you want it to, whether wood, plastic or metal.

• Freehand or table-mounted routing:

If you are buying the router bits to freehand, then you will need ones that do not have an anti-kickback design in them for example. If you are purchasing the router bits to be used on a table, this does not matter so much and it is more important to buy ones with rakers in them.

• Flute

Single flute router bits have one cutting edge at the tip of the bit, so all the cutting is done by one side of each tooth as it cuts horizontally through the material. A double-flute design allows for cleaner, smoother cuts because there are two cutting surfaces that cut on opposite sides of each bit. A double-flute design also has more bearing surface than a triple or quadruple fluted bit, which means less vibration and chatter during your cut.

• Type of Router (vertical or plunge)

A vertical router is much like a hand-held drill in that you move the bit up and down to cut. A plunge router follows a track on your table, allowing you to drop it into the work, raise it and begin cutting without moving the work surface.

Router Bit For Cutting Letters FAQs

Q. Are There Routers Supporting Both ¼ Inch And ½ Inch Shanks?

Yes, most routers support all standard shank sizes.

Q. What Is An Upcut Router Bit?

An upcut router bit cuts with the grain of the wood and helps eliminate splintering at exit points by pulling sawdust and debris back onto the surface. The more teeth on a bit, the smoother your cut will be. Routers with a one-quarter-inch cutting capacity are best used to cut narrow stock.

Q. Why do You need To Use Different Bits?

You can’t use a straight bit as your main router bit. However, you will need to use it for making grooves and rabbets.

Q. Can You Use A Router Bit In A Drill?

No, they aren’t designed for this purpose. They are made from high-quality steel and aluminum alloy materials which makes them very sharp and durable.

Routers bits lose their accuracy when mounted in a drill because of the vibrations created during drilling. As well as this, routers run at higher speeds than drills do. So if a drill was put into a router, it would be destroyed immediately or would heat up quickly.

Q. Can I Use Other Router Bit Shapes In A Plunge Router?

Plunging router bits have a round shank, so they will only fit into a routing table or a standard router. However, you could use other cutter shapes in a plunge router if you made an adapter for it.

For example, if you have a tiny V-shaped bit, this would be perfect to use as a plunge router bit.

Q. What Type Of Router Bit can I use for letters?

You should use a letter template and cut out the shape of each letter on your stock with either a band saw or jigsaw first before using the router (for 3D letters)

Q. Which Bit Should I Pick For Making Signs On Wood?

This depends on the size of the sign you want to make. If your sign is going to be made from 1-inch thick wood, then you need a straight bit with four flutes and a ¼” shank.

Q. Can a straight bit creep while cutting a groove?

Yes, this can happen if the depth or width of your cut is incorrect. You should check that these measurements are correct before routing any grooves to prevent chipping and splintering at non-cutting edges.

What’s more, if you have a large amount of stock to remove, it may cause the router bit to overheat and lose its strength. This will lead to increased wear and tear on your router bit, which will be very costly.

Q. What Is The Advantage Of A Spiral Bit Over A Standard Straight Bit?

Spiral router bits leave a stair-step finish on the edges of each cut because they remove material in a curved pattern. This is the main difference between this and standard straight bits, which leave a smooth edge to your workpiece. Spiral routers are more suited for cutting dadoes and grooves than flat surfaces such as tabletops because it uses less horsepower when removing large amounts of wood from the stock. As well as this, they can also produce smoother cuts in harder woods compared to standard straight router bits.

Q. Can I use CNC Bits On A Router?

CNC router bits have a much smaller diameter shank to fit into the collet on your CNC machine. Standard router bits have a 1/4″ shank, and standard size cutter bits have a 1/8″ shank, whereas CNC router bits typically only use either ¼” or ½” diameter shanks which can be used with routers that are more powerful than standard ones.

Q. Can You Freehand With A Router?

A freehand routing technique is when you do not fix the stock to a table and move it around using clamps and guides. Instead, you hold the router against the workpiece and rotate it manually, allowing excellent detailed work to be achieved.

However, you should not attempt this unless you’re highly experienced because it takes some time to get used to it and you may make some dangerous mistakes that could cause damage to both the workpiece and your router bit.

Q. Are Palm Routers Any Good?

Palm routers are small and lightweight so they can be held in the palm of your hand as you work. They have a straight shaft with a 3/8″ shank and come with either a ¼” or ½” collet.

The benefit to having one of these is that you will not have any vibrations because it is so light, but you cannot use them for bigger jobs as they would take a long time to complete compared to a standard router.

Q. What Types Of Wood Can You Cut With A Router?

Routers can cut wood, plastic, and even metal. They are very versatile tools that can be used on a wide range of materials with different shapes, thicknesses, and sizes.

However, the router bit must correctly match what you’re cutting because if it’s too small or large for your stock, then it may not be able to remove enough material properly without slipping off the edge.

Q. Are There Different Types Of Router Bits?

Yes, there are many types of router bits including standard straight bits, ball nose bits, core box bits, rabbeting bits, flush trimming bits and bullnose stair-step bits. Each one is designed to work with different applications. So make sure you know which one you need before buying one.

Q. What Are The Benefits Of A Router Table?

A router table allows you to fix your router to a tabletop and can be made from either plastic, metal, or wood. It comes with tracks where the bit is guided along with the workpiece as it rotates so that accurate straight lines and curves can be achieved on flat and contoured surfaces like those found on tabletops.

Standard routers have no blade guard because they rotate at high speeds, but this is fixed onto a router table, so there’s extra protection for yourself and others nearby.

Q. Can a router be used to cut plywood?

Yes, a router can be used to cut plywood because this material is relatively thin and soft. You should use a straight bit for this job because it’s designed to cut flat surfaces so you’ll get smooth results.

As well as this, you could also use a flush trimming bit that features ball bearings around the circumference of its fluted body, which allows it to remain in contact with the stock without gouging or catching on the surface.

Q. Can I cut PVC with a router?

Yes, you can cut PVC with a router as long as the bit you’re using is designed for this kind of material. A ball nose bit would do the job well because it has small knobs on its circumference, and these will prevent it from slipping off the edge of the pipe so that you can create accurate cuts.

As well as this, you’ll need to clamp your stock firmly and change your speed settings so that the blade doesn’t heat up and melt your PVC.

Q. Can a router cut stone?

No, a router cannot be used to cut through any hard materials such as stone because it’s not strong enough to handle them. Instead, an angle grinder would work better for this type of task because they have high speeds and plenty of power behind them. 

It’s also worth noting that routers are designed with woodworking in mind. So although they can be used on some other materials, they’re not the best ones to cut with them. If you want to work on harder materials, you should purchase an angle grinder instead as it comes with a diamond blade that will last for a long time without degrading or becoming blunt.

Conclusion

As stated earlier before, a set of router bit is one of the most convenient and versatile woodworking tools you can own.

Just make sure you have the right combination of router bits. With all the router bits available on the market, it may be confusing to know which brand type is the right one for you.

After long hours of research, we found the Freud CNC Router bit to be arguably the best router bit for cutting letters.

The professional craftsmanship of the tips on the router bits in this package positions Freud CNC Router Bit ahead of other worthy competitions.