Best Router Bit for Planing : Top 8 Selected by Expert 2024

These days, woodworking is one of the most desirable hobbies, which can be extremely fulfilling. When it comes to woodworking, proper tools make all the difference. Any router kit must include a router bit, an essential part of a router.

This indispensable tool is often misunderstood by woodworkers who know their stuff. To create beautiful art pieces, even the most experienced woodworkers recommend using the proper router bits.

You’ve decided to take your woodworking skills to the next level. If you are a professional or passionate about creating wooden pieces, you know that having the best router bit for planing is essential.

This article aims to review the top 8 most ideal bits for planing wood. We will also discuss what you should know before purchasing surfacing bits and what types of bits you should carry when working with wood.

Best Router Bit for Planing : Our Top 8 Picks

The router bit set is one of the most versatile woodworking tool in a woodworker’s arsenal. With the high-quality router bit, you can create anything from delicate moldings to robust joinery.

But with so many different surfacing bits on the market, it can be tricky to know which one is appropriate for your project. Therefore followings are the eight best surface planing router bit that we recommend adding to your arsenal:

01. BINSTAK Planing Router Bit

Looking for a way to quickly and easily surface your CNC spoil board? Check out this carbide slab flattening router bit from BINSTAK. Made from Carbide and Carbon steel, this bit can quickly plane down your spoilboard to make it perfectly smooth.

Key Features:

• Carbide and Carbon steel construction for durability
• 2-inch cutting diameter for large surfaces
• 1/2-inch shank for compatibility with most routers
• Perfect for wood slab flattening, resurfacing

This three-wing wood CNC router bit is designed for leveling and slotting operations in complex softwoods. With a 2-inch cutting diameter, it can easily handle large surfaces, making short work of the job. And with a 1/2-inch shank, it is compatible with most routers on the market. 

It features a solid hardened steel body with a sharp carbide-tipped anti-kickback design, making it durable and safe to use. Additionally, its heat-resistant Teflon coating helps reduce resin build-up, making it fast and easy to clean.

The wood planing, resurfacing, or slab flattening router bit is the perfect choice for trimming, slotting, and grooving wood slabs. Its sharp edges and precise design make it a great replacement bit tool for any carpenter looking to improve their woodworking skills.

The BINSTAK router bit is perfect for various materials, including solid woods, MDF, plywood compact panels, laminate, acrylic, particleboard, and more. This bit is excellent for woodworking, engraving, trimming, and other precision tasks. 

Pros:

• Solid hardened steel body
• Sharp carbide-tipped bit
• Anti-kickback design
• Heat-resistant Teflon coating

Cons:

• It may quickly dull on hardwoods

Verdict:

If you are looking for an easy way to flatten your spoilboard or want a versatile tool that can handle a variety of materials, the BINSTAK planing router bit might be a great choice.

02. BINSTAK Router Planer Bit

BINSTAK CNC spoilboard surfacing router bit is immaculate for flattening your boards. The insert carbide tips make short work of even the most stubborn wood, while the 1/2″ shank provides stability and control.

Key Features:

• Suitable for flattening boards
• Half inch shank provides stability and control
• Carbide inserts are sharp and durable
• Perfect for CNC router bit and other automatic routers

The three wings on the insert provide balance and stability, ensuring that your cuts are accurate every time. Additionally, the 12*12mm carbide inserts provide sharp and durable cutting edges, so you can get the job done.

This industrial-quality CNC machines router bit is made from super-strength steel and comes with an anti-kickback design to help keep you safe while working. It also features three cutting carbide blades that can reach a max RPM of 16000, perfect for quick and precise work.

It is an excellent option for a cost-effective way to get the most out of their bits. The four-sided solid carbide inserts can be used on all edges, making this an excellent option for those looking to get the most life out of their bits.

The CNC machines surfacing bit can be used on soft and hardwoods, MDF, plywood compact panels, particle-board, laminate, acrylic, etc. It’s an excellent option for precision work and offers a clean cut.

This bit is perfect for a CNC router bit and another automatic router, and hand-held and table-mounted portable routers. It is great for woodworking, engraving, trimming machines, and more.

Pros:

• 1/2” shank
• 3 cutting blades
• Four-sided solid carbide inserts
• Max RPM of 16000

Cons:

• Unbalanced due to excessive vibration

Verdict:

When you are looking for a powerful and accurate router bit, then the BINSTAK router planer bit is a suitable option. It is made from industrial-grade materials and comes with an anti-kickback design to keep you safe while you work.

03. Whiteside Surface Planing Router Bit 1/4 Shank (6210)

Whiteside 6210 spoilboard router bit is perfect for those who need to quickly and easily surface a spoilboard. The 1/4″ shank ensures a secure fit in most routers, while the high-quality construction provides long-lasting use.

Key Features:

• 1/4″ shank for compatibility with most routers
• Can be used to flatten live edge boards
• High-quality construction for precision and durability
• Three wings for a fast, clean cut

This surfacing bit will help you plane down your spoilboard or wooden surface, ensuring a smooth and accurate cutting wooden surface for your project. Also, these bits are perfect for resurfacing your spoilboard.

These Whiteside router bits are perfect for creating a perpendicular base wooden surface for your router motor. The 1/4-inch shank ensures a snug fit, while the high-quality construction ensures precision and accuracy.

Its three wings make a fast and clean cut on your project material, and it can also be used to flatten live edge boards that may be too large to go through your planer. 

With a sharp, durable cutting edge, they can quickly remove material and create a smooth, even wooden surface ready for further machining.

Pros:

• 1/4″ shank
• 3 wings
• Carbide tipped finish
• High-quality construction

Verdict:

Whether you are looking to quickly surface your spoilboard or flatten a live edge board, the Whiteside surface planing router bit 1/4 shank (6210) is a smart choice.

04. Whiteside Surface Planer Router Bits (6220)

Whiteside 6220 surfacing CNC router bit is flawless for surfacing your CNC spoilboard. The 1/2″ shank provides stability, and the carbide-tipped blades ensure a smooth, accurate finish.

Key Features:

• Clear body for precise cutting
• Carbide-tipped blades for a smooth, accurate finish
• Four wings for maneuverability
• Can be used on live edge boards or project material

The surface bits are perfect for improving your CNC cutting abilities. With four wings, this bit will quickly and easily spoilboard material. The high-quality construction of these bits ensures a smooth finish and accurate cuts every time.

This surface planer CNC router bit is perfect for creating a perfectly flat surface on your spoilboard. The 1/2″ shank makes it easy to attach to your router, and the clear body allows you to see exactly where you’re cutting.

These bits are perfect for those who need to flatten live edge boards that may be too large to go through a planer. The CNC router bit can also be used to cut your project material, ensuring a precise finish accurately.

The four wings on the bit make it easy to maneuver through your material, and the carbide-tipped construction ensures a long lifespan. With a cut diameter of 2″, these bits can quickly and easily remove material from your project.

Pros:

• Carbide-tipped blades
• 1/2″ shank
• Four wings
• 2″ cut diameter

Cons:

• Pricey compared to similar products

Verdict:

If you are looking for a surface planer CNC router bit that will give you a smooth, accurate finish, the Whiteside surface planer router bits (6220) is an excellent choice.

05. Amana Tool Router Flattening Bit (45525)

The Amana Tool router flattening bit is ideal for surfacing and flattening your spoilboard. The three-flute design allows for smooth, fast cutting, while the carbide tips provide long-lasting sharpness.

Key Features:

• Carbide tips for long-lasting sharpness
• Three-flute design for smooth, fast cutting
• 1/2″ shank for a secure fit
• 2-1/2″ overall length for reaching the biggest projects
• Can be used with a sled router

It can be applied for resurfacing spoil boards using a CNC machine, planing large glued-up panels using a CNC machine, finishing wood through a timber slab machine, or for rabbeting or slotting. Additionally, the bit can be utilized with a sled router.

Made from exclusive carbide grade, this slab flattening router bit ensures the highest cut quality. The CNC surfacing router bit provides maximum cutting efficiency and a faster material removal process.

With a 1-1/2 inch cutting diameter, it can easily remove material to create a flat surface. The 1/2-inch cut height allows you to make precision cuts, and the 1/2-inch shank ensures a secure fit in your router.

This slab flattening router bit is perfect for various materials, including aluminum, bronze, and copper, aluminum composites, MDF, composite materials, particleboard, and plywood-veneer. It features a 2-1/2″ overall length and can reach speeds up to 14 RPM, making it ideal for precision work.

Pros:

• Three-flute design 
• Carbide tips 
• 1-1/2 inch cutting diameter
• Flattening bit

Verdict:

So when you need to flatten your workpieces, the Amana Tool router flattening bit (45525) is a perfect choice. Its exclusive carbide grade and three-flute design will quickly and smoothly get the job done.

06. MAGNATE Surface Planing Router Bit

The MAGNATE surface planing bit is designed to clean the bottom of the cut, making it a great choice for surfaces that need to be precise and smooth.

Key Features:

• Carbide construction for long life and consistent performance
• 3″ cutting diameter for larger projects
• A wide square groove leaves a clean, finished surface
• Specially designed cutting edge
• Wide-open gullets easily dispose of wood chips

With a 3″ cutting diameter, this bit is perfect for larger projects, and the carbide construction ensures a long lifespan.

This surfacing router bit is perfect for milling square, round, or flat stock. Its wide square groove leaves a smooth, clean finished surface. Additionally, its sharp blades make it easy to cut dadoes and grooves quickly.

The carbide tips are incredibly sharp and durable, making them perfect for precision leveling. Its steel body is heat-treated for added strength and rigidity, ensuring smooth, accurate cuts every time.

This radial relief on the cutting edges helps to create a smooth, substantial cut without rubbing or burning. With precision grinding and hardening, it is an excellent choice for various projects.

The bit has a specially designed cutting edge that helps to remove material quickly and efficiently while leaving a smooth surface behind. The wide-open gullets make it ideal for those who work with various materials.

Its carbide-tipped construction ensures a long lifespan and consistent performance, while its precision-ground cutting edges provide clean, smooth cuts.

Pros:

• 3″ cutting diameter
• Carbide construction
• Radial relief on cutting edges
• Wide-open gullets

Cons:

• It may be ineffective on end grain

Verdict:

If you are looking for a powerful and precise surface planing bit, the MAGNATE surface planing router bit is a great choice. It is built to last with its carbide construction, and its precision-ground cutting edges provide clean, smooth cuts every time.

07. SpeTool Surface Planing Router Bit 1/2 Shank

If you’re looking for a planing surfacing router bit that can handle large slabs of wood, the SpeTool surface planing router bit is a great option. With a 2-inch cutting diameter and a 1/2-inch shank, this bit can easily flatten large wood slabs quickly and easily.

Key Features:

• Straight hole design allows use with most routers
• 4-sided solid carbide inserts for long-lasting use
• 1/2″ shank and 2″ cutting diameter for compatibility
• Can be used with a hand or table-mounted plunge router

This surfacing router bit is designed with 3-wings carbide inserts and a 2″ cutting diameter, making it perfect for fast, efficient woodworking. The straight-hole design allows you to use it with various routers, making it a versatile tool to have in your arsenal.

It is an excellent option for an affordable and cost-effective way to surface their materials. It utilizes four-sided solid carbide inserts, which means that all four edges of the inserts can be used.

This industrial-quality design features a long 1/2″ shank and a 2″ cutting diameter. This bit is perfect for long-lasting use and keeping your body straight while routing.

It is suitable for soft and hardwoods, MDF, plywood, laminate, etc. The 2-inch size is perfect for larger projects, and the ½-inch shank makes it compatible with most routers.

This slab flattening router bit is designed for surface leveling applications on CNC and other automatic routers. It can also be used with a hand-held or table-mounted plunge router. The shank makes it durable and the router sled bit ensures accurate results.

Pros:

• 3 wings carbide inserts
• 2″ cutting diameter
• 1/2″ shank
• Straight hole design
• Industrial grade design

Verdict:

Whether you’re a professional woodworker or a hobbyist, the SpeTool surface planing router bit 1/2 shank is an excellent option for an affordable and easy-to-use tool.

08. ROOCBIT Planing Bit for Router

The ROOCBIT CNC flattening surfacing router bit is excellent for quickly and easily surfacing your spoil board or flattening a wood slab. The 2-1/2 inch cutting diameter makes quick work of the task, and the 1/2 inch shank allows it to be used with most routers.

Key Features:

• High-grade diamond anti-seismic material
• Electroplated blade to prevent rust
• Offset screw design improves rigidity and processing
• Replaceable carbide inserts for more economical

The 1/2″ shank fits securely in a 2HP router or bigger, and the 4-wing design results in a more balanced tool while running. This makes it easier to achieve clean and precise cuts on materials.

The blade is made of hard alloy, making it durable and long-lasting. Additionally, the blade can be removed and replaced, saving processing costs in the long run.

This planning bit for routers is made with anti-seismic, high-grade diamond material that helps suppress vibration and improve the seismic strength of the blade. The whole body of the blade is electroplated to prevent rust, making it a durable and long-lasting tool for your router.

Its screw offset design ensures a close combination of reinforced knife and blade groove, providing enhanced rigidity and better processing. Also, the carbide inserts can be replaced when needed instead of replacing the whole bit. This is a more economical solution and results in less waste.

Pros:

• 2-1/2 inch cutting diameter
• 1/2 inch shank
• 4-wing design
• Hard alloy blade

Verdict:

When it comes to quickly and easily flatten spoil boards or large slabs of wood, the ROOCBIT planing bit for router is the perfect tool for you.

So this is the list of some of the best surfacing router bits that you can use for your woodworking projects. Depending on your needs and budget, you can choose the perfect one. You can achieve clean and precise cuts on even the most challenging materials with the right bit.

But before purchasing any router bit, there are some considerations that you need to keep in mind.

Choosing the Best Surfacing Router Bit – Buying Guide

The best router for flattening slabs must use the proper surfacing bits to avoid damage to the wood. A good surfacing router bit is vital in getting the job done quickly and efficiently.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a surfacing router bit:

Project Type:

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a router bit is the project type. For example, if you’re working on a large trim piece, you’ll need a different router bit then working on a minor detail.

The size and shape of the router bit will also dictate the speed you work and the amount of material you can remove in one pass. More significant bits are better for rougher work, while smaller bits are better for more refined work.

Shape:

When choosing a router bit for planing, it’s essential to consider the shape of the bit. The most common conditions are straight bits and solid carbide spiral bits.

Straight bits are suitable for general-purpose use, while solid carbide spiral bits are better for more intricate work. However, there are also other shapes to choose from, such as carbide-tipped bits and diamond-tipped bits.

Each type of bit has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to select the right one for the job at hand.

Size:

One size does not necessarily fit all. The size of the router bit is an essential factor to consider when choosing a bit for your project. The larger the bit, the more material it can remove, making it ideal for shaping and sizing large pieces of wood.

However, large bits can also be more challenging to control, so they are not always the best choice for delicate work. On the other hand, smaller bits offer greater control and precision, making them ideal for detailed work.

In general, it is best to choose a router bit sized appropriately for the job at hand. You’ll soon find the perfect bit for any project with a little trial and error.

Compatibility:

Router bits come in all shapes and sizes, each designed for a specific task. But with so many options to choose from, how do you know which router bit is right for the job? The answer lies in compatibility. When choosing a router bit, it’s essential to consider the compatibility of the bit with your router.

Certain bits are only compatible with certain types of routers, so it’s crucial to ensure that the bit you choose will work with your router. In addition, some bits are only compatible with certain types of materials.

So if you’re looking to plane a piece of wood, make sure to choose a router bit specifically designed for use with wood. By taking compatibility into account, you can be sure to select the right router bit for the job.

Material:

The material is also essential. Router bits are made from different materials, including high-speed steel, tungsten carbide, and Carbide-tipped. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. High-speed steel is the most common type of router bit. It’s affordable and easy to find.

However, it doesn’t last as long as the other types of bits. Tungsten carbide is a more expensive option, but it’s also more durable. It can handle tougher projects and last longer.

Carbide-tipped bits are the most expensive, but they’re also durable. They’re ideal for professional woodworkers who have needed a high-quality bit for years.

Cutting Diameter:

When choosing a router bit, the cutting diameter is probably the last thing on your mind if you’re like most people. After all, what’re a few millimeters here or there?

But believe it or not, the cutting diameter can significantly impact your work. For example, a bit with a large diameter will remove more material with each pass, saving you time when planning large surfaces.

On the other hand, a bit with a small diameter can offer greater precision, essential for intricate work. So next time you’re shopping for bits, don’t overlook the cutting diameter; it might be the deciding factor.

Shank Diameter:

When choosing the best router bit for planing, it is also essential to consider the shank diameter of the router bit. The shank diameter is the diameter of the part of the router bit that fits into the router.

The larger the shank diameter, the more material can be removed with each router pass. However, larger shank diameters also require more power from the router and can cause more vibration.

Cutting Wings:

The cutting wings are the portions of the router bit that contact the material being cut. They are typically made from high-speed steel or carbide, and they are available in various sizes and shapes.

The size and shape of the cutting wings will significantly impact the quality of the finished surface. Therefore, it is crucial to select a router bit with the appropriate cutting wings for the job at hand.

Construction:

Last but not least, the most crucial consideration is the construction of the router bit. The design of the best router bit will have a direct impact on the performance and longevity of this versatile woodworking tool.

For example, a cleaning router bit with a spiral flute design will offer superior cutting performance and a longer lifespan than a straight flute bit. Similarly, a carbide-tipped router bit will stay sharp longer than a steel-tipped bit.

With so many factors to consider, it’s essential to consult with an expert before making your final decision. By choosing the right cleaning router bit, you can ensure that your project turns out just the way you envisioned it.

Types of Router Bits Every DIYer Should Know

There are many different types of bits available on the market, each designed for a specific purpose. If you’re new to woodworking or just looking to expand your collection of bits, here are some of the most popular types that every DIYer should know:

Straight Flute Router Bits:

Straight flute router bits are the most common type of cleaning router bit, and they’re ideal for general-purpose use. Straight flute bits are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes, so you can find one that’s perfect for any project.

Spiral Flute Router Bits:

Spiral flute router bits offer superior cutting performance and are ideal for use on hardwoods and other materials that are difficult to cut with a straight flute bit. Spiral flute bits are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes, so you can find one perfect for your project.

Flush-Trim Router Bits:

Flush trim router bits are one of the most essential and versatile woodworking tools in a woodworker’s toolkit. By definition, a flush-trim bit is used to cleanly trim the edge of one workpiece to flush with another.

This can be an advantageous technique when joining two pieces of wood together or creating a uniform edge on a workpiece. The flush trim bit is the most commonly used of many types of router bits.

Chamfer Router Bits:

Chamfer bits come in various sizes, each with a different depth and angle. The most popular size is the 45-degree chamfer bit, but you can also find bits with other angles, such as 30 or 60 degrees.

Chamfer bits can also be used for rabbeting and beveling edges. Be sure the shank size of your chamfer bit matches your router. The maximum speed rating should also be considered. Choose a bit that can handle speeds.

Molding Router Bits:

Molding router bits are a specific type of bit designed to create decorative moldings. There are many different styles of molding bits available, each of which produces unique results.

Molding router bits can be used to create simple or complex designs, depending on the user’s skill. It is possible to produce professional-looking results without any special training with a little practice.

Rabbeting Router Bits:

If you’re looking for a router bit that can do a little bit of everything, then you want a rabbeting bit. Also known as a rebate bit, a rabbeting bit is designed to cut a groove or notch into the edge of a piece of wood.

This is perfect for creating Tongue and Groove joints or making Dados and Grooves. But that’s not all a rabbeting bit can do. With the right setup, you can also use it for Flush Trimming and Edge Profiling and Shaping.

Stile and Rail Bits:

If you’ve ever looked at a piece of wood furniture and wondered how they got those clean, straight lines on the edges, you’re in for a treat.

Stile and rail bits are essentially significant router bits designed to cut through thick pieces of wood. Most stile and rail bits have two cutting surfaces, one for the stile, or vertical piece, and one for the rail, or horizontal component.

The cutting surfaces are usually ground at different angles, which helps create various edge profiles. You can create a traditional ogee edge profile or a more modern square edge profile using a stile and rail bit.

Joinery Bits:

As any woodworker knows, joinery bits are essential for any woodshop. These specialized bits allow you to create precise, tight-fitting joints essential for strong and durable furniture.

FAQs

Let us take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about router bits:

01. Can You Use a Router for Planing?

Routers are not typically used for planing, but certain router bits can be used. The most common type of router bit for planing is the straight bit.

02. What Is a Spoilboard Router Bit Used for?

Spoilboard router bits are used to remove material from the surface of a workpiece. This is typically done to create the smoothest finish surface.

03. Can You Use Cnc Bits in a Router?

Yes, but only if the router is designed with a CNC router bit. Many routers are not designed for use with CNC router bits and can be damaged by them.

04. Can a Router Sled Replace a Planer?

While a router sled can be used for some of the same purposes as a planer, it is not a replacement for a planer. Router sleds are typically used for edge trimming and surface preparation tasks.

In Conclusion

Router bits are essential woodworking tools for any woodworker of all levels of experience. They are necessary for any woodworker looking to create clean, straight lines on their projects. By choosing the best router bit for planing, you can easily create joints, moldings, and other decorative features. 

While there are so many different types and sizes of router bits available, with the help of our article, you can easily find the finest one for your needs. Router bits are a versatile tool that every woodworker should have in their arsenal. 

You can create beautiful results that will impress your friends, family, and clients with a little practice. We hope this article helped you choose the greatest planer router bit for surfacing your next project.