Looking for a complete router bit profiles chart? This guide covers every common router bit type and shape — what each profile looks like, what it’s used for, and when to choose it. Prefer a printable version? Download the full Amana router bit catalog (PDF) with detailed dimensioned drawings of every profile.
Straight & Spiral Bits (Cutting and CNC)
| Profile | Shape / Cut | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Straight | Square-bottomed groove | Dadoes, grooves, mortises, general stock removal |
| Spiral Up-Cut | Helical flute pulling chips up | CNC slotting, deep grooves, fast chip evacuation (can fuzz the top edge) |
| Spiral Down-Cut | Helical flute pushing chips down | Clean top surface in plywood/melamine, shallow dadoes |
| Compression | Up-cut tip + down-cut shank | Clean edges on BOTH faces — the go-to CNC bit for sheet goods |
| Flush Trim | Straight with bearing at tip | Trimming laminate/veneer flush, template routing |
| Pattern (Top-Bearing) | Straight with bearing at shank | Template work where the pattern rides on top |
| O-Flute | Single polished flute | Plastics and aluminum — clean, weld-free cuts |
Edge-Forming Profiles
| Profile | Shape | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Roundover | Quarter-circle convex | Softening edges on tables, shelves, chair parts |
| Beading | Roundover + shoulder step | Decorative edges, furniture detail |
| Cove | Quarter-circle concave | Decorative concave edges, drop-leaf joints (with roundover) |
| Chamfer | Straight bevel (15°–45°) | Beveled edges, easing corners, birdsmouth joints |
| Roman Ogee | S-curve (concave into convex) | Classic decorative edge on furniture and moldings |
| Ogee Fillet | S-curve with flat step | Formal furniture edges, picture frames |
| Edge Beading / Corner Bead | Half or full bead | Casings, corners, colonial trim |
| Rabbeting | Stepped square cut with bearing | Rabbets for panel backs, glass, shiplap |
Grooving & Joinery Profiles
| Profile | Shape | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|
| V-Groove | V-shaped (60°/90°) | Sign making, lettering, decorative V-carving, faux panel lines |
| Core Box (Round Nose) | Half-round groove | Fluting, decorative grooves, finger pulls |
| Dovetail | Angled sides (7°–14°) | Dovetail joints, sliding dovetails, tapered sockets |
| Keyhole | T-slot keyhole | Hidden hanging slots for frames and signs |
| Slot Cutter | Horizontal wing cutter | Biscuit slots, T-molding, spline grooves |
| Tongue & Groove | Matched pair | Flooring, paneling, tabletops |
| Glue Joint | Interlocking reversible profile | Edge-gluing panels with self-aligning joints |
| Lock Miter | Interlocking 45° miter | Self-aligning mitered corners on boxes and posts |
| Finger Joint | Multiple interlocking fingers | End-grain joints, rail extensions |
| Drawer Lock | Interlocking drawer profile | Fast drawer box corners without a dovetail jig |
Molding & Architectural Profiles
| Profile | Shape | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-Profile / Molding | Large combined curves | Crown molding, casings, custom trim (shaper or heavy router) |
| Raised Panel | Wide shallow profile | Cabinet door panels (vertical or horizontal styles) |
| Rail & Stile | Matched cope-and-stick pair | Cabinet door frames (ogee, roundover, shaker patterns) |
| Handrail | Large hand-profile set | Stair handrails |
| Bullnose | Full half-round edge | Stair treads, window sills, counters |
| Wavy / Specialty | Custom decorative | Reproduction millwork, one-off designs |
Can’t Find the Profile You Need? We’ll Make It.
Standard profiles only go so far. When you need to match an existing molding or produce a profile no catalog carries, our shop grinds custom router bits to your drawing or physical sample — carbide-tipped or solid carbide, for handheld, table, or CNC routers. We also produce custom shaper & moulding knives for larger profile work, and we sharpen router bits from all manufacturers.
Download more profile references:
- Amana Router Bit Catalog (PDF) — full dimensioned profile drawings
- Amana CNC Tooling Catalog (PDF) — spirals, compression & insert tooling
- Amana Shaper Cutter Catalog (PDF) — larger profile cutters
Contact us for a free quote on custom profiles, or call (847) 677-8770.
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