Straight Router Bits

Straight Router Bits for Dados, Grooves & More

Straight router bits are among the most versatile cutters in any woodworker's arsenal. Whether you're routing dados across a cabinet side, plowing a centered groove for a drawer bottom, or cutting deep mortises for loose-tenon joinery, a quality straight bit delivers clean, flat-bottomed cuts with excellent sidewall definition. Infinity Tools carries a curated selection of straight and spiral router bits in both 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch shank diameters to suit bench-top and full-size routers alike.

Upcut spiral router bits evacuate chips aggressively and keep the cutting zone cool, making them a smart choice for deep passes in solid wood and plywood. Downcut spirals leave a cleaner top surface, ideal when tearout is a concern on veneered panels. Our 1/2 shank straight router bits with plunge point allow you to start a cut in the middle of a workpiece without a pre-drilled hole, giving you maximum routing flexibility.

Straight Bit Sets & Specialty Options

If you're building a complete bit library, our 1/2 shank 6-piece straight router bit set covers the most common groove widths in a single purchase. For mortise-and-tenon joinery, the 1/4 shank mortise tenon router bits are purpose-built to cut both halves of the joint accurately and quickly.

1/4-inch and 1/2-inch shank options
Upcut, downcut, and straight-flute geometries
Single-flute and multi-flute designs for different materials
Dado bits for precise shelf and panel fitting

Pair your straight bits with the right setup accessories from our router jigs & guides collection, or explore our full range of router bits for edge forming, flush trimming, and specialty profiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an upcut and downcut spiral router bit?

An upcut spiral pulls chips up and out of the cut, keeping the flutes clear and reducing heat—ideal for deep grooves in solid wood. A downcut spiral pushes chips downward, producing a cleaner top surface with less tearout, which is preferable when routing veneered plywood or melamine.

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

Yes. Straight router bits with a plunge point (also called center-cutting bits) are specifically designed for plunge entry, allowing you to start a cut in the field of a workpiece. Standard straight bits without a plunge point should only be entered from the edge or a pre-drilled hole.

What shank size should I choose—1/4-inch or 1/2-inch?

A 1/2-inch shank provides significantly more rigidity and reduces vibration, which translates to a smoother cut and longer bit life. Choose 1/2-inch shanks whenever your router's collet supports it. Reserve 1/4-inch shanks for smaller trim routers or when cutting fine details.

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

Depth of cut depends on bit diameter, material hardness, and router horsepower. As a general rule, limit each pass to no more than the bit's radius in depth, and make multiple shallow passes to reach full depth. This protects the bit and reduces workpiece tearout.

Are Infinity Tools straight router bits compatible with all router brands?

Yes. Bits with a 1/2-inch shank fit any router with a 1/2-inch collet, and 1/4-inch shank bits fit any 1/4-inch collet. Shank diameter is standardized, so Infinity Tools bits work with Porter-Cable, Bosch, Festool, DeWalt, Triton, and other major brands.

How do I prevent tearout when routing a dado across plywood?

Score the layout lines with a sharp marking knife before routing to sever the face veneer fibers. Use a downcut or compression spiral bit for the cleanest results, and clamp a sacrificial fence or guide board against the workpiece to prevent blowout at the exit edge. You can find more technique tips in our woodworking blog.

Do straight router bits work on a CNC machine?

Straight and spiral upcut bits are among the most common CNC router cutters. For CNC use, look for bits rated for high-RPM operation with appropriate chip-load specifications for your material. Browse our CNC router bits collection for options optimized for machine use.

How do I clean and maintain my router bits?

Remove pitch and resin buildup regularly using a dedicated bit cleaner and a soft brass brush. Inspect carbide edges for nicks after each use, and store bits in a protective case or bit index to prevent edge contact. Never use abrasive pads that can dull carbide.

Does Infinity Tools offer a quality guarantee on router bits?

Yes. Infinity Tools stands behind the quality of its products. Visit the quality guarantee page for full details on coverage and how to make a claim.

What accessories pair well with straight router bits?

A router edge guide or dado jig keeps cuts parallel and accurately positioned, while featherboards hold workpieces firmly against the fence. For through-cuts and template work, a top-bearing straight bit provides a reliable reference surface. Explore our router jigs & guides for compatible accessories.