Straight Router Bits — Dado, Mortise & Plunge Styles

Straight Router Bits for Dadoes, Mortises & Template Cuts

Straight router bits are the most fundamental cutting tools in the router bit lineup. They remove material in a clean, flat-bottomed path and serve as the basis for dadoes, rabbets, mortises, grooves, and template-guided cuts across virtually every woodworking discipline.

Infinity Tools offers straight router bits in both 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch shank diameters, covering standard lengths for through cuts and extra-long versions for deep mortises and thick stock. Bits with top bearings are designed for template work, where the bearing rides the edge of a guide to produce repeatable shapes. Bits with a plunge point start a cut without needing an entry hole, making them ideal for stopped grooves and inlay pockets.

Sets vs. Individual Straight Router Bits

If you are equipping a shop from scratch, a set gives you the most commonly needed diameters in a single purchase. The 1/2 shank 6-piece straight router bit set covers a wide range of groove and dado widths. For specialty joinery, the 8-piece dovetail and box joint router bit set pairs straight bits with dovetail profiles for drawer boxes and decorative joinery.

When you need reach for deep cuts or routing through thick panels, the 1/2 shank 4-piece extra-long straight router bit set provides additional flute length without sacrificing shank stability. For mortise-and-tenon joinery, the 1/2 shank mortise and tenon router bits and their bearing-guided counterparts handle both halves of the joint accurately. Learn more about straight bit techniques on the Infinity Tools learning blog.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a straight router bit used for?

Straight router bits cut flat-bottomed channels used for dadoes, rabbets, grooves, mortises, inlay pockets, and template-guided profiles. They are the most versatile category of router bit.

What is the difference between a 1/4-inch shank and a 1/2-inch shank straight router bit?

The shank diameter affects rigidity and vibration. A 1/2-inch shank is stiffer and deflects less under load, producing smoother cuts, especially in hardwoods and at larger cutting diameters. Use 1/4-inch shanks for smaller routers and lighter-duty work.

What does a plunge-point straight bit do?

A straight bit with a plunge point has a center-cutting tip that allows the bit to be plunged directly into the workpiece without a pre-drilled entry hole. This is essential for stopped grooves and inlay pockets.

How does a top-bearing straight router bit work?

The bearing on top of the cutting flutes rides along the edge of a template or guide, allowing the router to follow a specific shape precisely. The 1/2 shank straight router bit with top bearing is a common choice for this type of work.

Can I use a straight router bit in a router table?

Yes. Straight bits are equally at home in a handheld router or a router table. In a router table, they excel at cutting dadoes, rabbets, and grooves in long boards using a fence for guidance.

What is the best straight bit for cutting dadoes for shelves?

A standard straight bit sized to match your shelf material thickness is the right choice. For 3/4-inch plywood, a bit slightly under 3/4 inch creates a snug fit. The 6-piece straight router bit set includes several widths suited to this task.

What is a dado router bit versus a standard straight bit?

A dado router bit is a type of straight bit optimized for cutting wide, flat-bottomed grooves across the grain. Infinity Tools offers 1/2 shank dado router bits in both standard and bearing-guided versions.

How deep can I cut with a single pass using a straight router bit?

A conservative rule of thumb is to cut no deeper than half the bit diameter per pass. Multiple shallow passes reduce bit stress, heat buildup, and tear-out, especially in hardwoods.

Does Infinity Tools offer extra-long straight router bits?

Yes. The 4-piece extra-long straight router bit set is designed for deep mortises, thick panels, and applications where standard-length bits cannot reach the full cut depth.

What is the return policy and quality guarantee on router bits?

Infinity Tools backs its router bits with a quality guarantee. Visit the quality guarantee page for full details, or contact the team with any questions.

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