T-slot Cutter Router Bits:
Contents
What are t-slot router bits and what do they do? These bits are also known as T-slot cutter bits and they are used to create t- shaped slots in a variety of materials like wood, plastic and aluminum. Wood workers use these bits to cut slots in wood in the shape of a T to make their own router guides, create away to hang up items in the house or garage for storage or make rails out of soft metal like aluminum. The t slots can then hold T shaped bolts allowing the wood crafter to slide them into the slot on the wood. Another use for these bits is making slat wall panels and edging pieces for counter tops.
These bits come in both the ½ and ¼ inch shank sizes and a variety of widths to accommodate different sizes of t head bolts on the market.
Square T-Slot Router Bits ½ shanks:
These bits create square edges and are designed to slide t head bolts in to the cutout slots. The three products that I am featuring for this size shank are from Yanico and Freud. The Yanico bits are made from Tungsten Carbide Steel that is designed with an Anti-Kickback system. These bits are industrial quality router bits. The 14189 cuts T-slots for bolts that are 1-1/8″ wide x 5-16″ high bolt heads and up to 3/8″ thick. The 14188 t-slot router bit cuts slots that are 1-1/16″ wide x 5-16″ high and up to 3/8″ thick. These two slot cutter are my first choice due to the quality and design. The third choice is the Freud 52-522 1-1/8-Inch Diameter T-Slot. The Freud bits just like the Yanico, have a lifetime warranty, but they are precision ground for the smoothest cuts. All three of these t-slot cutters are a good buy for the price, but the Yanico seems to be the one most wood worker prefer as it has the best quality for the price.
¼ Shank T-Slot Cutter Bits:
The three companies at this time that make a ¼ inch shank bit are Yanico, Infinity Tools and Woodteck although it seems like they only have one. The 14190q T-Slot Router Bit is made to cut 7/16 inch groove in soft wood. The Woodteck 942865 is able to cut ¾ inch slot and the revolutionary briteview™ coating will protect the bit making it last for years. The shear angle of this bit places less demand upon your routing equipment. The last bit in this size shank is the Infinity Tools 50-002 this t-slot cutter is precision machined from fatigue-proof steel for extra strength with a carbide tip with repeated sharping for a long life. The PTFE coating on this bit helps to reduces build-up for fast and easy cleaning. The ¼ inch shank t-slot cutter bit that wins out between these three is the Yanico 14190q for overall quality and price.
T-Slot Router Bits for Slat Wall:
These bits cut t-groves into wood or other material for wall coverings to hold items on a wall for displaying or storing in the wood shop/garage. These are panels, usually 4 ft. by 8 ft., made with horizontal grooves that are configured to accept a variety of accessories. All the above bits can also be used for cutting slat wall, but only Rockler, Grizzley and Roman make bits just for this task. These bits are made from carbide steel and can only be used on routers that have a ½ inch shaft. The first bit is the Roman Carbide DC1629 it creates a 7/8 inch length with a 1 inch dia. Roman Carbide DC1629 t-cutter ½ inch shaft bit is a nice one for the price, but only has a 90 day warranty. The Grizzley C1629 has the same specs as the Roman bit. This one is shaped and sharpened with diamond wheels to 600grit. This outstanding router bit is constructed with a high-tensile, silver-based brazing material, which offers the utmost in strength and durability. The Last t- shape panel cutter bit is the 22602 from Rockler. This bit was designed specifically for the task of creating slat wall panels. The carbide-tipped on this bit cuts 5/16″ x 1-1/16″ slot with 3/8″ groove and works best with MDF and soft woods. But can handle hardwood, but requires a much lower rate of feed to eliminate burning and breakage. This make the Rockler 22602 t-slot bit for slat wall the better buy.
Summary:
These router bits are designed for woodworkers to make their own jigs, guides and to organize their tools that they use in the shop every day in a customized slat wall storage system. This bit allows you to reuse scrap wood or left over panels for creating storage. These bits are the handiest ones that you can have for your router for creating storage wall units in the shop, garage and home.