Router Bits Leave Glass-Smooth Surfaces

Using a router is the most efficient way to profile an edge. Unfortunately, the speed comes with a tradeoff. The cut surface is left with milling marks that need to be sanded out. Often that distorts the profile, eliminating the crisp, detailed edges most woodworkers seek. Freud solves that problem with its Quadra-Cut router bits. These bits have four cutting edges, with two of them angled backward to create a negative shearing cut designed to slice cleanly through wood fibers.

These bits first appeared in 2008 but were limited to just 10 or 12 profiles, and only in 1⁄2-in. shanks. Now the line is expanding, with dozens of profiles available and bits with 1⁄4-in. shanks.

I chucked over a half-dozen various Quadra-Cut bits into full-size and trim routers in my shop, and used them with woods that ranged from soft pine and alder to dense white oak and hickory. The Quadra-Cut bits were exemplary performers in each case, especially when routing tearout and burn-prone end grain. None of the edges I routed needed any additional work or sanding.

In my opinion, Freud’s Quadra-Cut router bits definitely make the cut.

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