Raised panel router bits serve to create a diverse range of raised panels. A raised panel is the portion between the rails and stiles, and is a cabinet door where the center panel is slightly higher than the surrounding wood. It is very popular as a decorative component for cabinet doors, providing versatility in the design and aesthetics of the door.
Raised panels come in a variety of designs and styles. As a result, raised panel router bits have been developed in different shapes and functions to match the various styles of raised panels.
This post explores the best raised panel router bits for cabinet doors and their different styles. You can select the one that suits you and your task by comparing them from FindBuyTool and Bits & Bits.
Raised Panel Router Bits Basics
Raised panel router bits are cutting tools primarily designed for making cabinet doors and creating raised panels in other woodworking projects. They are used in conjunction with stile and rail router bits to create both decorative and functional panels by producing profiled edges that fit into each other on door frames.
The cutting edges of raised panel bits are available in 2-wing and 3-wing, which affects the performance, finish quality, and efficiency. The 2-wing raised panel bits are typically less expensive than 3-wing bits, ideal for small-scale tasks. However, the additional third wing enhances stability and smoothness to the cut, especially when handling hardwood and deeper cuts. That makes the 3-wing bits more suitable for precise work.
Styles of Raised Panel Route Bits
Raised panel bits are available in a wide range of styles, including vertical, horizontal, ogee, cove, bevel, round over, and more. Each profile has different shapes, sizes, and degrees of curvature, giving a distinct decorative edge to the panel.
Here are some common types and styles:
Horizontal
The horizontal raised panel router bits are the most common ones for making classic cabinets, passage doors, and boxes. It cuts a smooth, curved shape around the edges of the panel, giving it a soft look. This router bit is large, so the keys to using it safely are to use it on a router table instead of a handheld router and run it at a lower speed (preferably 10,000 - 12,000 rpm).
Vertical
Vertical raised panel router bits usually have right-angled edges and cut a nearly straight profile, giving a minimalist, clean look. They can be used to carve outlines with vertical raised shapes on modern style wood doors, such as windows, cabinets, or entry doors (especially where simple lines and less intricate decorations are desired).
Cove
The profile cut by a cove raised panel router bit is usually a deeply curved, rounded edge that gives the wood a recessed effect, similar to a curved groove. It would be a good choice when you want to cut soft, smooth, and elegant decorative lines.
Ogee
Ogee router bit for raised panels has a typical S-shaped profile with an edge that begins with an outward bend and then curves inward to create a classic, decorative curve. Its profile is usually deeper, making it ideal for door panels that require a soft, decorative look that is visually appealing without being overly complex.
Bevel
The bevel raised panel bits are divided into two groups: single bevel and double bevel. The single bevel router bit will bevel one side of the panel to obtain a single-angle cut. The double bevel router bit creates beveled edges on both sides of the panel, resulting in a more three-dimensional beveled edge.
Comparison: FindBuyTool vs Bits & Bits
Our FindBuyTool is a platform or a store that focuses on woodworking and woodturning. It offers a wide range of woodworking tools, including power tools, hand tools, router bits, drill bits, saw blades, and more. We aim to provide our global customers with superior tools at reasonable prices and premium quality.
Bits & Bits is a well-known brand in rotary cutting tools, such as wood router bits and carving cutters. Its products are widely used for hobby, commercial, and industrial applications. The raised panel bits of Bits & Bits are from Whiteside, focusing on durability and precision.
Both platforms offer precise and durable tools for professional woodworkers and woodworking enthusiasts. In terms of raised panel router bits, both brands offer industrial-grade quality and can be used on handheld routers, router tables, and CNC machines.
In this section, we will list some of the advantages of FindBuyTool for reference. You can trust the quality of our products and try them out. Read on if you are interested.
Premium Quality
FindBuyTool raised panel router bits for cabinet doors are made from wear-resistant carbide and high-quality carbon steel from Ceratizit, welded by a high-frequency seamless process, which helps to improve the hardness, durability, sharpness, and service life of the tools.
Thanks to precision machining, FindBuyTool router bits for raised panels provide accurate dimensions and high-speed cutting while minimizing vibration. And they offer excellent high-temperature resistance up to 1000℃, ensuring optimal heat dissipation during high-speed routing, protecting them from overheating and wood burning.
The Whiteside raised panel bits are known for their high-quality Tungsten Carbide, manufactured with the greatest emphasis on precision and durability, but the supplier is not clearly noted.
Cost-Effective
Both Bits & Bits and FindBuyTool router bits for raised panel cabinet doors are suitable for professional woodworking and industrial-grade work. However, in contrast to Bits & Bits, FindBuyTool has a more affordable price while offering high quality and precision. The price range for its router bits is in the $30-$60 range, while the price range of Bits & Bits raised panel bits is in the $60-$170 range.
It's worth noting that we offer a 12-month warranty, 30-day return, and international delivery options. While Whiteside offers a warranty itself, the Bits & Bits platform does not specifically state a return process. You don't have to worry about after-sales issues when buying on our platform, and we have a professional support team to solve your problems.
Wide Variety
Router bits of Bits & Bits cover common types like ogee, cove, and bevel, focusing on classic styles. However, the overall selection is more niche, with fewer styles available for most woodworkers. In contrast, we cover a wide variety of router bit profiles and styles, including types ranging from the common cove, ogee, bevel, horizontal, and vertical to the less common wavy raised panel.
Not only can they make standard shapes and traditional cabinet door panels, but they are also suitable for stylized and innovative door designs. And the back cutter, stile & rail router bits are available in the same product line for complete door system molding.
Product Description
One last thing, our product parameter page has a clear display, including the product’s description, features, technical information, applicable materials and machines, and shipping diameter. The detailed information facilitates your selection, budget & project planning.
Choosing the Best Raised Panel Bits
To summarize, when you are planning to cut a raised panel cabinet door, you need to invest in the preferred raised panel router bit according to the shape you desire. When choosing a router bit, you need to consider comprehensively, including: the shape and angle of the cutter, the wings, the dimensions, the material to be cut, safety, precision, and your budget.
Combined with what was mentioned in the previous section, Bits & Bits, while having an excellent brand reputation and durable accuracy, are a little less versatile in terms of selection and price flexibility. FindBuyTool raised panel router bits are particularly well suited for woodworkers who need a combination of multiple styles on a modest budget.
