The Router Bits - The Magic of Spiral Router Bits

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1:00 Why Spiral Bits?
2:30 Chatter Comparison with Flush Trim Bits
3:05 Further benefits of Spiral Bits
3:52 Avoiding Tear Out with Hard Woods
4:32 What is the difference between Upcut and DownCut Bits?
6:57 Specific Applications for Spiral Upcut Bits
10:16 Why a Spiral Upcut Bit with a Bearing?
12:13 Specific Applications for Spiral Downcut Bits
14:51 Summing Up the Benefits
15:38 Where Can You Obtain Spiral Bits online?
In this extensive episode of The Router Bits, Patrick Holcombe discusses and demonstrates the real advantages of Spiral Router bits. If you haven't discovered them for yourself, then this video is worth watching...
Upcut spiral bits are so-called because when used handheld have upward chip ejection providing an excellent finish on the lower side of the workpiece. When used in a router this action is reversed, the waste is ejected under the table with an excellent finish on the upper side of the work piece.
Due to their spiral cutting edge which stays in continuous contact with the workpiece, these bits give a smooth, chatter-free cutting action, unlike conventional bits which have intermittent contact with the workpiece. Unsurpassed for cleaner cuts in ordinary or difficult materials, softwood, hardwood, plywood, composites etc.
A special super-micrograin carbide formulation was created to produce and hold a keen cutting edge. The new low-angle spiral is designed specifically to shear wood cleanly and provide efficient chip ejection. The tools run cooler and the edges last longer.
Downcut spiral bits are so-called because when used handheld have downward chip ejection providing an excellent finish on the upper side of the workpiece. When used in a router this action is reversed, the waste is ejected above the table and bit with an excellent finish on the lower side of the work piece. To note that when used for trenching operations, this can cause the router/work piece to lift due to the waste collecting in the bottom of the trench.
Due to their spiral cutting edge which stays in continuous contact with the workpiece, these bits give a smooth, chatter-free cutting action, unlike conventional bits which have intermittent contact with the workpiece. Unsurpassed for cleaner cuts in ordinary or difficult materials, softwood, hardwood, plywood, composites etc.
A special super-micrograin carbide formulation was created to produce and hold a keen cutting edge. The new low-angle spiral is designed specifically to shear wood cleanly and provide efficient chip ejection. The tools run cooler and the edges last longer.
Compression spiral bits are designed with both up and downcut chip ejection, providing an excellent finish on both the upper and the lower side of the workpiece.
Due to their spiral cutting edge which stays in continuous contact with the workpiece, these bits give a smooth, chatter-free cutting action, unlike conventional bits which have intermittent contact with the workpiece. Unsurpassed for cleaner cuts in ordinary or difficult materials, softwood, hardwood, plywood, composites etc.
The new CMT solid carbide spiral flush trim bits are manufactured with a special super-micrograin formulation that has increased hardness. Combined with the spiral cutting angle, the new CMT solid carbide spiral flush trim bits with double bearings allow the cabinet maker to sheer wood and other wood-based products cleanly, providing more efficient chip ejection than standard flush trim bits. In production settings these new bits will run cooler and the edges will stay sharper, last longer and increase your shop productivity.

[@laurielyon7740]

That tutorial was-I think-as good as it gets. Clear and concise. Very well done.

[@oldmarine312]

Was just watching another KZbin who mentioned an.upcut bit. Next up was this awesome explanation of router bits.

[@timbeconaus]

Thanks O.M! Glad you enjoyed it. There are dozens more router bits and techniques videos on our channel to enjoy. We have a playlist on our channel called "The Router Bits" that covers almost every conceivable router bit there is. Enjoy!

[@jonahvimeo4276]

Well done! Clear, straight, professional explanation for anybody...

[@timbeconaus]

Thanks Jonah. Very much appreciated. We are glad you enjoyed our video. There are hundreds of videos on our channel and we hope they are of benefit to you.

[@howardbecdove9780]

Best explanation i've seen. I now understand the difference , and the pros and cons of up and downward spiral bits. Thanks for taking the time to explain it.

[@timbeconaus]

You are very welcome, Howard. Thanks for your kind comment.

[@kostagjikopulli7516]

howard dove

[@TaniaMade]

howard

[@sawdust58]

Thanks for sharing. Very good for newcomers to wood work. Learning new things everyday, thanks again.

[@dgb5820]

This is in my opinion the best router video on KZbin 😉 appreciate the effort

[@timbeconaus]

Glad you liked it!

[@gordroberts53]

Best discussion on this topic I've found anywhere. Thanks for sharing!

[@timbeconaus]

Thanks Gord. You are very welcome. We hope you find much more on our channel that helps you as much.

[@Mitchlaut]

Saving to watch later. Well done

[@norm1124]

Thanks a lot for explaining all this things

[@byLokie]

Bought a Spiral after your advice and Way better finish to my timbers. Yes the Router does feel like it is under less stress while cutting. Thank you

[@timbeconaus]

Great to hear!

[@ralphtuber]

Awesome. Finally a clear and in depth video about those bits

[@PeterSodhi]

Outstanding in every way...I am sold.

[@yangk00]

Very clear and good information!

[@timbeconaus]

Thanks Yangk00! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@oliverbayley4351]

Excellent description of the different types of bits!

[@timbeconaus]

Thanks Oliver!

[@tedfritsch3340]

WOW, put this video in my favorites for future references. Great job

[@timbeconaus]

Thank you Ted. We are very glad you have benefited from this video. If you are an avid router user, feel free to browse our The Router Bits playlist. There will be much more there for you to enjoy. Thanks again!

[@tedfritsch3340]

@@timbeconaus At my age, the router fun has opened a new world. It's amazing to me how people have figured all these thing out, and wonder what did they do way back when, before all the technology. You've really helped.

[@yolandawebster7808]

Best explanation ever. Thanks

[@timbeconaus]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brianfoley4328]

I'm new to routers and this is an excellent explanation/guide....Thanks for making this available.

[@timbeconaus]

Hi Trish! Thank you for your kind words. You may also find Patrick's video "Introduction to Routing" very helpful. The link is kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWi3coCCZ6aXmrs The Router Bits playlist will no doubt provide you with a lot of useful information for your journey with routers, router bits and routing techniques.

[@amdenis]

Really great video. So informative. At one point I knew most of this, but got busy with other things for a few years. This is a great refresher, but you provide good background explanation and other info for anyone. Thanks.

[@markmurdocca2456]

This is a very good, very thorough presentation of the pros and cons of straight vs upcut vs downcut router bits

[@SparkeyDogfish]

Patrick, one of the best videos on KZbin. Very informative explaining in a no BS way. I got to get a few.

[@timbeconaus]

Thank you, Sparkey! We will pass that on to Patrick for you. If you need to get yourself some spiral bits, this might help: www.timbecon.com.au/site-search/default.aspx?search=spiral%20upcut and www.timbecon.com.au/site-search/default.aspx?search=spiral%20downcut

[@johnburt9436]

I am new to using a router and almost bought some standard straight bits. After watching one of the best how to video I will skip the standard straight bits and learn with the Spiral Bits. Up and down ones. Thank you so much. I am 58 years old and want to get my wood working shop set up for my retirement.

[@timbeconaus]

Thanks for your kind comments John. We wish you every success in setting up your workshop!

[@jtbmetaldesigns]

I really appreciate you sharing your expertise. Now I can understand the value of spiral cut router bits.

[@horaciodascanio2134]

Very instructive and clear explanation Patrick, thanks a lot from Argentina

[@petercallaghan9851]

As someone new to routers and etc, this was an invaluable video. Many thanks.

[@timbeconaus]

You're welcome Peter. We hope you enjoy our entire The Router Bits playlist. If you like you router, you can't go past this playlist! Thanks for your kind comment.

[@tomtimmons2228]

Clear and precise. Subscribed.

[@timbeconaus]

Thanks Tom! We hope you enjoy the hundreds of videos on our channel. They vary from the clear and precise to the slightly whacky, but they are all about the woodworking. Its great to have you on board!

[@tomtimmons2228]

Timbecon Looking forward to catching up on your videos and website. You are intuitive and interesting. Thanks for all you do.

[@timbeconaus]

@@tomtimmons2228 Thanks Tom. You are very welcome. Patrick Holcombe is actually our presenter in this video. Check out his many videos, and especially his Router Bits playlist. We have several woodworking specialists working with us, and we hope you enjoy getting to know them all.

[@jimmydickson8854]

Very good information mate I understand a lot better now ,old jimmy WA

[@timbeconaus]

Thanks Jimmy! We are glad you enjoyed it. There are plenty more where that came from and plenty more to come. Be sure to subscribe!

[@leonking9459]

You got it right sir, that's why there is a need to have the guide to maintain constant and straight cut, more advantage is those bits with guide bearing, it maintain consistent constant contact with the edge of the wood.. nice tutorial video.

[@longboardsenior8824]

Thank you for a very informative video. Now I've got to remember which is what when I switch from hand to table!

[@harrygirgin9093]

Thank you for clarifying the differences.

[@ladykenja2700]

- Very good explanation of the spiral bit. BEST one to date.

[@robertbayldon1445]

You have done a great job of explaining the how a spiral cutter works, I have been using these for years in CNC routers and on the bench in a hand tool . They are great to use .. Just one point I want to add is that there is a dual cut version these which cut both ways at the same time giving a superb cut on both sides of the work piece., and awesome at face groves. And rebates , Some limitations are the up cut section is about 10 mm . In the UK they are know as F max but just look for a combination spiral cutter . You will love them .

[@timbeconaus]

Hi Robert, We just released our range of compression bits this month - check them out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGKUlKaKacRrpq8

[@andrewhenderson615]

Excellent video, thank you

[@spunkybrewster1972]

Outstanding explanation. This just sold me on spending a little more on spiral bits.

[@stenmoeller]

Good on yer, mate! I had the idea, but still enjoyed your very comprehensive yet clear video! Greetings from the other side of the world - Norway.

[@kennethlemke9826]

Excellent

[@pemtax557]

Well explained ... you have a relaxed, confident demeanor that makes it comfortable to focus on what you say. It's also evident that you are well informed on the subject matter that also contriutes to the confidence one has with your presentations. In any case, I'm now a new sub and look forward to viewing more of your content. Cheers, Dave

[@csufjeff]

Thank you for the wonderful bit of knowledge. I have tried to get this information from many cnc sites, but you are the only person who I could understand. You rock...I will subscribe.... Cheers Jeff

[@timbeconaus]

Thanks for your kind comment! Very much appreciated. The gang here at Timbecon hopes you enjoy using your spiral router bits. Please let us know if there is any information you need that we can provide! Heck, we can even make a video!

[@RicoCastro]

Excellent! Thanks for taking your time. I just can't understand these thumbs down (ungrateful people).

[@maxcarter3413]

Excellent explanation! Thanks!

[@darraghchristie9558]

Great info - just what I was looking for. Thanks!

[@timbeconaus]

Thanks Darragh. We are glad you enjoyed it. There are hundreds more on this channel so feel free to check them out! Thanks for your kind comment.

[@cottydry]

Thank you!! Excellent video and understanding the dynamics of the cuts was very helpful.

[@Hamendar]

Great explanation about regular vs spiral bits. Makes me wonder where was I when you started youtube channel. Totally awesome!!!

[@shankarh6915]

Very well explained, useful! Thanks for the share

[@jmcubria]

Thank you thank you thank you! This is a incredible explanation of differences as well as the applications of the bits. I've recently been trying different routing techniques with my Dremel 4000 that I got for Christmas. It included a spiral bit that I wasn't exactly sure how to use.

[@hardrock1826]

Great video, thanks for clearing up the mystery for me involving spiral bits. Now I'm eager to give it a go.

[@timbeconaus]

You're welcome! Let us know how you go!

[@rockfieldlangley1955]

Great video! Very helpful.

[@timbeconaus]

Glad it was helpful!

[@atmm89]

great to see an Australian video All the best

[@rickimahabir]

Those bits look great for solid surface work, thanks for this vid.

[@timbeconaus]

Thanks for your kind comment, Ricki. You are very welcome! Keep an eye on this channel. Our Router Bits episodes are filled with some great tips and setup hints for working with your router.

[@Mr2at]

Excellent explanation. Subscribed.

[@BillsBayou]

Thanks for the explanation. Very helpful. Well executed video.

[@jlh5995]

Thanks, I'll definitely use the spiral bits you've recommended.

[@timbeconaus]

Thanks JL! Let us know how you go!

[@ayl3166]

A very good vid with a proper explanation of these bits. Its just a pity Timercon don't ship outside AU....

[@Bandits_68]

Thanks so much for the in-depth review. Very well explained and presented. 👍

[@timbeconaus]

Thanks Glen. We hope you continue to enjoy our channel!

[@MarkMcCluney]

Good vid, very informative - I'm sold! The background music is a little distracting though. Thanks for that mate!

[@frenchriversprings]

Thank you so much. Very helpful!!!

[@bernym4047]

Excellent and very informative video. Thanks.

[@tbiowa9977]

Excellent explanation! Thanks

[@RossMarsden]

Thanks for a very interesting video about these revolutionary router bits. Correctly though, (regardless of what the manufacturer calls them) these are helical bits. A "spiral" has a varying radius, like a Nautilus shell. A "helix" has a constant radius, like these bits and a strand of DNA. Interesting that the engineering guys call these helical cutters for their milling machines, not spiral cutters.

[@mikedisimile2478]

Great job explaining everything thank you very much

[@timbeconaus]

Glad it was helpful!

[@diybert4072]

You are a real expert. pHantastic information. Where in GERMANY can I buy this? Keep going You have my subscription!

[@timbeconaus]

Thank you Diybert! We do not ship to Germany, but no doubt there will be woodworking retailers there who will stock and sell Spiral Router Bits. Thank you for your subscription. We hope you enjoy the entire The Router Bits Playlist and the hundreds of other woodworking videos on our channel.

[@zaagnutjejn8920]

Very nice explane of these bits, i Will notice your bit information . Some month ago I was lucky to buy an Old Stanley router with an attachment plane. There was also a Spiral bit for this beautiful plane , approx. 2,5 inch long, It gives a very beautiful cut and that with a bit produced in 1965! If you want I Will give you a picture of my treasure. Greetings from Holland and thanks for your informations, Jan

[@Hagg506]

Great video...well explained.

[@djp9488]

Wow what an explanation. Great job. Subscribed !!!!!

[@sylvainroy5764]

Very Informative . Thank s!

[@timbeconaus]

You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed the video. If you are a router user, have a look at The Router Bits entire playlist. You may find much more there to help you out. Thanks for watching.

[@sylvainroy5764]

@@timbeconaus I will! Greatings from Canada.

[@MomusFilms]

Excellent review! Very helpful!

[@roberthiday3342]

excellent presentation. thanks.

[@ianmoone2359]

Awesome! Very concise explanation, already has me wondering what projects I might use them on. Thanks heaps - just shows your never too old to learn, there's always something new in wood working! I guess maybe I should go visit a Timbecon store for a look see. Cheers

[@torstenhansen4308]

Thank you for a very informative video. I found the continuous background ‘music’ highly annoying and distracting but that’s probably just me. Keep up the great work, I will definitely be back for more.

[@scottjohnson3226]

Thanks for the informative tutorial!

[@timbeconaus]

You're welcome Scott. Thanks for your kind comment. We also have two more videos on our channel that deal with compression and spiral bits if you need more information.

[@RickScherfDrywall]

Great video, perfect explanation. I was about to make a huge mistake on my bookshelf speakers project. I need to cut a 1/2" rabbet all the way around my birdseye maple veneered speakers to frame them with strips of bubinga that will get chamfered at a 45° angle. I had planned on using a standard 1/2" rabbeting bit but now I think that would have had some major tearout. Watched this video and now I think I'd be best off using an edge guide with a spiral downcut bit

[@RichardHamilton79]

Really useful information, thank you!

[@mcorrade]

thanks this was a great summery of the router bits I'm trying to use.

[@r.c.6745]

Excellent

[@timbeconaus]

Thanks Robert! Much appreciated.

[@BruceMarkos]

Really helpful, thank you!

[@timbeconaus]

Thanks for your kind comment Bruce. We are glad we could help! 👍😀

[@rmhutchins7]

I enjoyed your video. It was very helpful. Very much appreciated! Thank you!

[@rc3d490]

Explicación muy clara, gracias!

[@grahamh7041]

thanks - really helpful info

[@timbeconaus]

Thanks Graham. We are glad you enjoyed it.

[@whatevil]

Good, fairly complete and very informative video. I might also have included that compression cut bits exist (combined upcut/downcut) and maybe something about roughing/finishing bits as well as bits with chipbreaker profiles. Still good though.

[@timbeconaus]

Thanks Whatevil! We always appreciate that kind of input. We felt that the video was long enough already, but there is certainly room for another to be made along the lines you suggest. Thanks for your kind comments. Stay tuned!

[@andreghouse6069]

very informative. Thank you

[@macdaddy5802]

Great video thanks 👍

[@doc221978]

I use a flush cut a lot. I had been looking at the spiral down cut cause of the chips. I didn't realize it was that much smoother. I have to try one now.

[@timbeconaus]

Thanks for your comment, Jonathon. Let us know how you go!

[@doc221978]

@@timbeconaus I'd like to suggest that the sizes be listed online for your bits. I couldn't figure out from your site which bit I needed. I got a 2" spiral downcut bit from a friend. It is so much smoother than a standard flush cut. I'm impressed. They're well worth the money. As I replace my bits over time, you guys will be one of the first places I look.

[@timbeconaus]

@@doc221978 Thanks for your suggestions, Jonathon. Very much appreciated. We will certainly look into that. And we hope you enjoy your spiral bits. Have you also seen our video on our new range of compression bits? kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGKUlKaKacRrpq8

[@guymansford7123]

Thanks. that was really helpful

[@FritsvanDoorn]

Yes ! Thank you !

[@Wyman642]

Excellent presentation. One question: why would anyone still use an old-school straight bit? Is it just a matter of cost? Or do straight bits excel at something the spiral bits don’t?

[@nickbailey202]

Started taking notes halfway thru when I realized I'm never going to remember this stuff

[@kazadthebad9995]

Thank you man 🤘

[@marcnorth4905]

Great info! Thank you.. ☺

[@AlWheelin]

There's some detailed info to think about. I will now put out the money for a spiral.

[@patrickfinney2623]

This was fantastic and just having experience tear out on some really nice ambrosia maple yesterday, i am grateful for the knowledge. Are the torquata bits available in the usa? Thanks again - excellent stuff!!👍👍🦧

[@timbeconaus]

Unfortunately Torquata bits are currently not available in the US. We are hoping to reopen international shipping to the US soon.

[@free-energy-systems]

I didn't notice the background music, was too busy listening to you. Did I miss something? :)

[@Cluless02]

Top Job video!!

[@anneich0]

Nice video. Thnx!

[@timbeconaus]

You are very welcome, Joanna! Thanks for your kind comment. We have a lot of helpful videos for woodworkers on this channel so we hope you have subscribed. There are many more to come!

[@whirled_peas]

If you want a clean trench with a spiral upcut bit, cut the edges with a knife or chisel. Tape has never worked for me in the past, it seems the bit will still break the edge but the tape puts it back in place, making it look like it's fine but when you remove the tape, bits missing.

[@timbeconaus]

Thanks Sam. We always appreciate great tips from our viewers. Much appreciated!

[@leifharmsen]

My spiral upcut is the cat's meow for making mortises.

[@user-tr3vi7jo5v]

Thank you for the explanation. Subscribed!

[@Fulcra]

What would be the best bit for cutting circles out of 3/8 thick plywood?

[@jamesdickson3616]

Thanks for that mate very helpful .old jimmy west aust

[@timbeconaus]

You're welcome Jim! Thanks for the kind comment. We're glad it helped ya out!

[@apuuvah]

Thanks

[@usernamemykel]

Ok, so which bit would you use to carve letters in wood signs, and if you suggest the upcut spiral, then the use of packing tape would be beneficial? Many thanks!

[@ginoasci2876]

id think you could still use the down cutting spiral because you want crisp edges on the letters, as long as you’re not cutting too deep. if you baby sit the operation on a cnc with an air hose, that will clear out the chips. for example, if you’re only going 1/4” to 1/2” deep, plus blowing it out with sn air hose, you should be ok. if you can get strong suction on a 1 1/2” dia vac hose and get real close, that might be enough to pull the chips out. i think baby sitting it with the air hose and goggles for you works best. have you tried a straight bit, and what did you try since you posted your comment?

[@darrelsnider]

Good information. Thank you for the video. I suggest you cut the music though.