If you already use a router, you will know what an incredibly useful and versatile woodworking tool they are. And that one of the best and most used bits for a router is a flush trim router bit.
If you aren’t familiar with it, a flush trim router bit does as its name suggests; it trims material to be flush with either the wood surrounding it or with a template.
It achieves this with the use of a bearing that is aligned perfectly with the cutting blade. The bearing follows the level on the piece or template that you want to trim to, while the blade cuts the excess amount away precisely to the same level, achieving a perfectly flush finish.
Examples of the uses for a flush trim router bit are:
- Trimming the edge of a worktop
- Trimming the ends of joints to be flush with the surrounding surface
- Following a template to create curves, holes, etc
- Duplicating shapes from an original piece
For such a useful tool, it’s important to choose the right one. So we’ve put together a list of the best flush trim router bits available, with some extra information, to help you make the right choice.
COMPARISON CHART
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1. Whiteside RFT2100 ¼ “ Spiral Flush Trim Up Cut Bit
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2. Freud 50-501 Top & Bottom Bearing Flush Trim ½-inch x 1 ¼-inch Bit
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3. Yonico Solid Carbide ¼-inch Spiral router bits – 2 set
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4. Bosch 85268MC ⅜-inch Double-Flute Flush Trim Router Bit
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5. Freud ¾-inch Top Bearing Flush Trim Router Bit
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1. Whiteside RFT2100 ¼ “ Spiral Flush Trim Up Cut Bit
Specification
| Material | Carbide |
| Shank | ¼ inch |
| Cutting Diameter | ¼ inch |
| Cutting Length | 1 inch |
| Tool Flute Type | Spiral |
| Bearing | Double Bearing |
| Usage | Up Cut – for the smooth bottom surface. |
Whiteside is a long-established American family business specializing in router bits, so they are justifiably highly rated experts in the field.
This flush trim router bit has a spiral cutter. Spiral cutters cut more cleanly, last longer, stay sharper longer, and are quieter than more traditional straight blades.
What We Like
The RFT2100 may be more expensive than others, but it is worth the extra cost. Whiteside bits are razor-sharp and extremely durable. Care must be taken handling them; they are that sharp!
The smooth finished surfaces achieved with the super sharp spiral cutters are what matters.
What We Don’t Like
The double ball bearing could sometimes be a bit too deep for certain jobs. The Up Cut can be desirable or not, depending on the job.
PROS
- Super smooth finish
- Spiral cutter
- Durable
CONS
- Cost
- Bearing depth
2. Freud 50-501 Top & Bottom Bearing Flush Trim ½-inch x 1 ¼-inch Bit
Specification
| Material | TiCo Carbide |
| Shank | ¼ inch |
| Cutting Diameter | ½ inch |
| Cutting Length | 1 ¼ inch |
| Bearing | Top and Bottom Bearing |
| Tool Flute Type | Straight |
The ever-popular Freud brand has a large range of quality router bits to choose from. We’ve picked this one because it has top and bottom bearings. This gives more flexibility allowing you to choose cutting direction and the ability to rout with your piece either way up.
It can be used on table-mounted routers or handheld routers.
Freud’s Titanium Cobalt Hi-Density Carbide ensures this bit will stay sharp and produce great results for a long time.
What We Like
Some jobs are easier with a top bearing and others with a bottom bearing router bit. This flush trim router bit gives you two bits in one. You can change direction, flip over your wood, and use the top or bottom bearing as your guide.
What We Don’t Like
Sometimes the bottom bearing could get in the way. For example, if routing a hole. So you might still want to buy a top-bearing only flush trim router bit.
PROS
- 2-in1 Top and Bottom Bearing
- Ideal for Pattern work and worktops
- Durable
- Sheer angle blade
CONS
- The bottom bearing could hinder some work
- Not as smooth a finish as spiral blades
3. Yonico Solid Carbide ¼-inch Spiral router bits – 2 set
Specification
| Material | C3 Micro-Grain Tungsten Carbide |
| Shank | ¼ inch |
| Cutting Diameter | ¼ inch |
| Cutting Length | 1 ⅛ inch |
| Tool Flute Type | Spiral |
This set of 2 Yonico Spiral router bits gives you two flush trim router bits of the same size, but one is a Down Cut router bit, and the other is an Up Cut router bit.
Spiral cutters effectively reduce chipping for smoother cuts.
Premium C3 solid tungsten carbide for increased lifespan.
What We Like
The spiral cutter combined with the micro-grain tungsten carbide material achieves extremely smooth cuts for great results.
Good value for a quality Up Cut bit and a Down Cut bit.
What We Don’t Like
Similar to the Whiteside router bit but not as sharp or as high quality.
PROS
- Smooth cuts
- Good for top or bottom edges
- Set of 2
- Good value
CONS
- Higher quality alternatives
4. Bosch 85268MC ⅜-inch Double-Flute Flush Trim Router Bit
Specification
| Material | Micro-Grain Carbide |
| Shank | ¼ inch |
| Cutting Diameter | ⅜ inch |
| Cutting Length | 1 inch |
Bosch consistently produces quality tools, and this router bit is no exception. The micro-grain carbide tips have an extra-fine finish for maximum sharpness and edge retention.
The double flute trim bit produces a smooth cut.
What We Like
The quality and strength of the metal used in this router bit make it extremely durable. The micro-grain metal improves the surface smoothness of cuts. High RPM.
What We Don’t Like
This bit tends to burn the wood sometimes.
PROS
- Smooth finish
- High RPM
- Chatter free
- Minimal kickback
CONS
- Basic
- May cause burn
5. Freud ¾-inch Top Bearing Flush Trim Router Bit
Specification
| Material | TiCo 0.8 micron Carbide |
| Shank | ½ inch |
| Cutting Diameter | ¾ inch |
| Cutting Length | 1 ¾ inch |
| Finish | Perma Shield Coating |
This Freud Flush Trim Router Bit has the usual Freud quality and durability but is a little bigger than the others, having a ¾-inch cutting depth and ¾-inch diameter on a ½-inch shank.
Ultra-fine grain Hi-density carbide for maximum cutting life.
What We Like
The larger size allows for bigger jobs and trimming in one pass rather than needing a second pass from the other side.
The usual Freud quality of build is hard to beat.
What We Don’t Like
While it is great for larger jobs, it isn’t suitable for smaller, more intricate jobs.
PROS
- Long cutting length
- Ideal for thicker pieces
- Smooth cuts
- Long-lasting
CONS
- Large
- Not good for intricate work
FAQ/Buyers Guide
It is where the bearing is on the shaft. A top bearing is between the blade and the shaft that connects to the router. A bottom bearing is at the end opposite the shaft and router. As the bearing is the part that runs along the template or guide, the placement of the bearing determines how the router is used and where you have your template.
Generally speaking, a flush trim bit is considered to be a bottom-bearing bit. However, top-bearing bits, also known as pattern bits, can be used equally as flush trim bits. As we see from number 2 in our reviews, top and bottom bearing bits are also available.
The preference is where the template will be placed and whether you use a handheld or table router. For example, with a handheld router, most find it easier to have the template on top of the wood, so a top-bearing bit is needed to follow the template while the blade cuts the wood below.
Conversely, if you use a table router with a template on top of the wood, you would use a bottom bearing bit because the router bit sticks up from the table.
An advantage of a top-bearing bit is that it can also be used for cutting grooves and holes because the cutting blade is left exposed at the end. This would not be possible with a bottom-bearing bit as the end is covered with the bearing.
Simply put, smoother cuts and longer blade life. A straight blade will chip away at the surface at 90 degrees. This results in quicker blunting of the blade and a rougher surface on the wood.
The more the blade is turned at an angle, the more gradual the cut will be and the smoother the surface. Spiral blades are generally quieter too.
An Up Cut router bit cuts upwards as it rotates and cuts. So it results in a clean finish at the bottom of the material. But this same cut direction results in a rougher finish on the top of the material.
A Down Cut bit’s blades are at the opposite angle, so it cuts downwards as it rotates. So the top surface of the material is the side with the better finish, and the bottom surface is rougher.
Your choice comes down to which side you want to have a better finish.
The ultimate is a Compression bit that combines Up Cut and Down Cut to leave smooth surfaces on both sides. They are quite expensive, but you may feel it is worth the investment.
Conclusion
While Freud makes some high-quality, extremely durable tool parts, we give the edge to the Whiteside RFT2100 because Whiteside is a router bit specialist. They know their game, and the results speak for themselves, as do the consistently high product ratings.
But like most tools, they are job dependent, so you will probably want a selection of router bits in your routing arsenal.
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I am a woodworker with over 19 years of experience crafting everything from furniture to ornamental pieces. I take pride in my ability to bring out the beauty of the wood I work with, creating unique and lasting objects. My passion for woodworking has been a life-long pursuit and I strive to push myself further and further with each new project. I am dedicated to the craft and take great satisfaction in the final product that I create.Read More.
