By Claire WhitakerUpdated November 2026
A wood router bit types chart is most useful when it helps you choose between the two bit families that handle most of the work in a home shop: straight bits and spiral bits. Straight bits are the budget-friendly, general-purpose choice for dados, rabbets, and flat-bottomed grooves in solid stock and plywood. Spiral bits cost more per bit but produce cleaner edges, clear chips faster, and suit production work or cutting through thick material. Read the comparison below to see which fits your shop.
| Criteria | Straight Bit | Spiral Bit |
|---|---|---|
| Flute design | Straight cutting edges parallel to the shank | Helical flutes that shear the wood at an angle |
| Edge quality | Good, can show tearout on cross-grain passes | Cleaner, more slicing action |
| Chip clearing | Adequate for shallow passes | Pulls chips up or down, better for deep cuts |
| Best materials | Plywood, solid stock, general dados | Hardwoods, MDF, production runs |
| Typical use | Dados, rabbets, template work | Through cuts, sheet goods, clean edges |
Cut Quality and Edge Finish
Spiral bits are the clear winner for edge finish. Their helical flutes slice across the grain rather than hammering through it, which reduces tearout on figured and cross-grain wood. Straight bits can leave a slightly rougher floor in dados, though a light finishing pass usually cleans it up. If your priority is a smooth, glue-ready surface, choose the spiral.
Chip Clearing and Heat Buildup
Spiral bits win here too. The flutes lift chips out of the cut, which keeps the bit cooler and reduces the risk of burn marks in hardwood. Straight bits clear chips adequately in shallow passes but can clog during deep plunges. For deep grooves or multiple passes, spiral is the better option.
Material Suitability
Straight bits are the practical pick for plywood, solid softwood, and general joinery where the cut is shallow and the edge will be hidden or sanded. Spiral bits shine in hardwood, MDF, and sheet goods where clean walls matter. Owners often report that spirals also hold up better in long production runs, though that depends on the bit’s carbide grade and how well it is maintained.
Cost and Versatility
Straight bits win on versatility and value. A basic set covers most template and joinery tasks, and they are easy to find in a budget pick. Spiral bits are the premium option, and the winner only if clean edges justify the extra investment. For a beginner building a starter kit, straight bits go further.
Pros & Cons
Straight Bits
- Pro: Affordable and widely available, with a broad range of profiles.
- Pro: Ideal for dados, rabbets, and template routing in plywood and solid stock.
- Con: Can leave tearout and clog during deep cuts.
Spiral Bits
- Pro: Cleaner edges with less tearout on hardwood and cross-grain.
- Pro: Clears chips efficiently, reducing heat and burning.
- Con: Higher cost per bit and less common in simple profiles.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose a straight bit if you build with plywood, do mostly dados and template work, and want a budget-friendly starter kit. Try the View on Amazon for a reliable general-purpose option.
- Choose a spiral bit if you cut hardwood, MDF, or need clean through cuts for visible edges. Try the View on Amazon for a production-grade option.
For a full look at profiles and when each one fits, see Wood Router Bit Types: A Guide to the Main Profiles and Uses. If you are matching bit size to your machine, Wood Router 1 2 Inch Guide: Bits, Shank Sizes and Setup for Clean Cuts covers shank compatibility, and Router Speed Chart Wood: How to Pick the Right RPM for Each Bit (2026) explains speed settings for different diameters.
FAQ
Are spiral bits always better than straight bits?
No. Spiral bits give cleaner edges and better chip clearing, but straight bits are perfectly suited to plywood dados, rabbets, and template work. Match the bit to the material and the cut.
Can I use a spiral bit in a handheld router?
Yes, as long as the shank and diameter are compatible with your router collet. Confirm the shank size and check your router’s maximum recommended bit diameter before cutting. Consult your router’s manual for specifics.
Which bit should a beginner buy first?
A straight bit is the usual starting point because it handles most joinery and template work at a budget-friendly price. Add spiral bits once you start cutting hardwood or need cleaner through cuts.
Conclusion
Straight bits are the best choice for general joinery and budget-conscious builds, while spiral bits are the better pick for clean edges and hardwood work. Use the comparison above to match the bit to your material and cut depth. Your choice will depend mostly on what you build most often.
Related reading
- Wood Thread Cutting Router Bit: How to Cut Threads in Wood with a Router
- Wood Surfacing Router Bit Review: Is It Worth It? (2026)
- Wood Router Bits Price in Pakistan: What to Expect and How to Buy Smart
About Claire Whitaker
Claire Whitaker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our woodworking guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
