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Avoid Sharpening and Retipping Costs
with Insert Tooling

With an initial cost above our standard reverse helix cutters, many woodworkers fail to recognize the money-saving features of insert tooling. Each replaceable insert style router bit comes with a square 12mm x 12mm insert with four cutting edges, in effect four cutters in one. When one side becomes dull, you can rotate the insert and continue with a fresh edge. When all four sides have become dull, a new replacement insert can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of sharpening and re-tipping. (Rectangular 12mm x 15mm replacement inserts, with two cutting edges, are also available.)

Not only is replacing the insert less expensive than re-sharpening a brazed-in router bit, but it means that you are maintaining the same width of cut. (Remember that each time a router bit is sharpened, the overall diameter decreases. The duller the bit, the more material must be removed to bring it back to a sharp edge.) Our insert tooling also has the ability to plunge cut, ideal for use on CNC machines.

Insert tooling is not the solution for every application. Insert router bits are not available smaller than a half inch in diameter. For dadoing with the grain in hard woods, we recommend our standard reverse helix cutters. For work on paper-faced or vinyl-faced materials, we recommend our extreme reverse helix cutters. However, where it can be used, insert tooling is a great investment.

Note that all of our insert tooling are of the screw-on style and an arbor must be purchased separately. Our three smallest insert tooling sizes (.500", .515". & .531") require special gage holders to set the insert. Sizes from 14mm (.551") and larger do not require gage holders as the body of the cutter has a built-in stop for the insert.

This page last updated 02-February-2002.

Avoid Sharpening and Retipping Costs with Insert Tooling

Avoid Sharpening and Retipping Costs
with Insert Tooling