Router Bits, the Dummies Version

You might think that someone who claims to be "accredited" in the building industry would have a working knowledge of the tools and techniques of the construction trade. Then again, you probably know all about resume inflation, right? When we saw one such self-described professional had written "How to Use Different Router Bits"¹ for Leaf Group niche site HomeSteady.com, we figured Emily Beach had some idea of what she was talking about. We were wrong...

Our woodworkers, and we have several on staff, figured that a primer on using a router would include descriptions of the more common bit types. That's not really what we got; but we realized that Beach was out of her depth rather quickly because of something she said in her introduction:

"Wood routers come in simple handheld versions or much larger commercial-grade table models. Typical Router Bits They are used to cut away holes, grooves, or patterns in all types of wood, plastic, or cabinets. Different router bits are used to create various cutaways, from simple holes to intricate patterns and joints..."

"Simple handheld versions"? Really? And since when are routers used to cut cabinets? Sure, the material used to construct the cabinets, but the cabinets themselves? Naaah... Emily pumps out more bull as she attempts to list bit types, including something she calls

"...a safety bit. These products are especially useful when working with very expensive or delicate pieces. They offer a guard at the edge of the bit that make them safer to use."

We really have no idea what she was talking about; we suspect she saw a mention of a bit guard – safety equipment for a router table or stand – and in her ignorance decided it was a type of bit. Unfortunately, Beach did not include a reference for this information. Emily went on to "explain" some more common router bits, in the process suggesting that her readers use

• "Pilots [sic] bits use ball bearings to maintain a straight line while cutting." No, Emily, they use a bearing to ensure that the bit follows the edge of the workpiece, which is not necessarily a straight line.
• "...HSS bits for routering [sic] plastic or softer pieces of wood..."; conflating the material of the bit with the profile.
• "...bits with a carbide tip for projects that will take a long time..."; which, frankly, makes no sense.
• "...a dovetail bit" cuts "dovetail grooves...used for connecting two pieces of wood..." Rather an understatement, eh?
• "...bits made for door pulls or cabinets... can create holes or grooves for installing hardware or pulls..." WTF???

Beach never mentions common bit shapes. Words like chamfer, ogee, and roundover never appear; neither, for that matter, does the word "profile," which is an essential descriptor of a router bit. She also says nothing about how to actually use a bit: nothing about bit depth, direction of routing, and the like. Combine Emily's misinformation with her lack of useful information, and you'll realize why we're naming her our Dumbass of the Day.

¹ The original has been deleted by Leaf Group, but can still be accessed using the Wayback machine at archive.org. Its URL was   ehow.com/how_4731064_use-different-router-bits.html

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