Never satisfied with the final look of your woodwork? Then you need to start routing. Routing can make or break your project. And the right shank can give you the best performance from your router. But ½ inch vs ¼ inch shank router bits, which one is the real deal?
The short answer is ½”. If you want to know why and how I decided the winner, keep reading to find out.
What Size Shank Does a Router Use
Router bit shanks are cylindrical components made of solid carbide. Shanks come in 2 standard sizes, ¼-inch and ½-inch in diameter. Collets come in ½” and ¼” diameters as well, and fit into the shank with matching diameter.
Do All Router Bits Fit All Routers?
It all depends on the model of your router. Most routers come fitted with collets that are either ½” or ¼”in diameter. So, you can only use shanks that have a similar diameter. Often smaller routers support ¼” shanks exclusively, but larger routers can vary.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can get a router that not only fits ½” shanks but also ¼” shanks. A special adapter like this makes this flexibility possible.
½” or ¼” Shank for Beginner?
I’ve jotted down every hurdle a beginner might trip over when choosing the right shank size. Read more to find out who’s my winner in this battle.
½” Shanks Have Greater Mass
Firstly, ½” shanks are almost 4 times heavier than their ¼” counterparts. Heavier shanks have a better weight distribution.
The extra mass plays a role in reducing the “chatter” of the shank. This is the noise caused by the bit vibrating at high speed. A heavier shank tends to vibrate less.
All of these factors result in the greater overall stability of the shank and the router bit itself. A more stable bit always gives a cleaner cut.
When using a ½” bit with a router, less heat is generated because the heat has to travel through more metal. Overheating is a common issue in routing. Better heat dissipation means your router bits will last longer before they wear out or become burnt.
½” Shanks Have Greater Diameter
The larger diameter of a ½” shanks means greater surface area. So, the router’s collet can grip the shank over a greater perimeter. A better grip from the collet means the bit is less likely to slip out of the router.
Slipping is a crucial factor for beginners since most people have difficulty tightening the collet, especially if you are working on a large-scale project or using the router for a longer time.
¼” Shanks are Cheaper
Vendors often sell ¼” shanks at a significantly lower price than ½” shanks. They use less material and are easier to transport, hence the lower price tag. If you are strapped for cash or feeling unsure about routing as a hobby, you can always choose ¼”shanks.
Purpose & Use
The earlier paragraphs may make ½” shanks seem like the obvious winner, but that’s absolutely false. The two sizes are designed with different purposes in mind and are equally important. Talking about purposes, i just remember both the wood shaper and router table look quite similar but features are very different. You can read it here: Wood Shaper Vs Router Table Comparison
If you’re looking to do heavy, less detailed work or a large-scale project, ½”shanks are your best friends. Instead, if small, detailed little pieces are your cup of tea, ¼” shank router bit is your answer.
Want to know more about the differences between the two sizes of shanks? Check out this video.
What Is a ¼-Inch Router Used for?
Some routers come with collets that only fit ¼” bits. This type of router is called a compact router or multi-base trim router. In the past, these routers were primarily used to trim laminate on cabinets. That’s how trim routers got their name.
Although trim routers aren’t compatible with ½” shanks, don’t underestimate these handy little helpers. Here we have a list of top uses of a ¼” router:
- Duplicating Parts
- Cutting Joinery
- Cutting Hinge Mortises
- Making Signboards and Lettering:
- Profiling Edges
- Cleaning Veneer
- Drilling Holes
- Mortising Inlays
- Trimming Shelf Lipping:
- Flush-Cutting Plugs
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I tighten my router collet?
- Clean the collet with a dust blower.
- Wipe down the arbor cone with a clean cloth.
- Slip the router bit or bit shank into the collet.
- Twist the nut finger until it fits snugly.
- Tighten the nut with a wrench
- Arrange the wrenches so that one is on the nut and the other on the spindle. The wrench handles should be offset from each other.
- With one hand, squeeze the two wrench handles together toward each other.
If you need a video guide or an in-depth explanation, feel free to check this video out.
2. Why do my router bits burn?
If the router is set at high speed, it spins the bits too quickly. So, when the bits are cutting into the wood, heat builds up from friction, and the bits are burnt.
Are you using an outdated router? If your answer is yes, you’re better off getting a newer model.
Old fashioned routers weren’t built to be used with modern shaper-sized cutting bits. They were used for simple, small-scale woodworking jobs and used bits with smaller diameters. Larger diameter results in a greater speed of spinning. That’s why modern cutters require lower speed to work.
If you’re using a modern router, check your speed controller. Dial down the speed — your issue should be solved. If you’re using a budget model, it probably doesn’t come with the feature of varying speed. If this is the case, try to increase your feeding rate.
For good measure, avoid heavy cuts unless they’re absolutely necessary.
3. How can I find high quality router bits?
When choosing high-quality router bits, there are many factors to look out for. High quality router bits have better overall balance and are made of harder grade of carbide. Only a veteran can tell such complex differences apart. However, you can still look out for certain features as an amateur.
Durable router bits come with carbide cutters so thick that you can regrind the bits over and over. These cutters have a fine, sharpened edge.
Good-quality bits are designed to minimize workpiece kickback. The design includes a denser and larger bit, so the bit never catches on the wood. The denser structure also allows better cooling.
½ inch vs ¼ inch shank router bits – Final Prediction
In conclusion, there’s no reason for the ½-inch shank router bits vs ¼-inch shank router bits debate, as long as you’re using the right shank size for your project. Small shanks are best for minor projects, and large shanks are best for major projects.
Keep in mind that if things don’t work out, you can always try the other size. So, experiment and try out both sizes of bits to see which one works the best for you.