What are the different types of

scribe and profile router cutter?

Scribe and profile cutters

Scribe and profile cutters can be bought in pairs or individually.

Ovolo scribe and profile cutters

Ovolo scribe and profile cutters are used to create joints for door and window frames. Using the scriber, the ends of both side pieces of the frame can be cut so that they fit together perfectly with the profiled edge of the top and bottom. Ovolo scribe and profile cutters are available in two different sizes to suit the two most commonly used thicknesses of timber used for door and window frames. These are 35mm and 44mm.

Glazing bar scribe and profile cutters

Sash and glazing bar scribe and profile cutters are used predominantly for the construction of window frames. They are named after bars that support each individual pane of glass within a larger window frame, and feature a flatter radius than ovolo cutters.

Glazing bar scribe and profile cutters are available for 44mm thick timber only.

Classic scribe and profile cutters

Classic profile cutters create a more ornate shape than ovolo or glazing bar cutters. As such, they are often used for creating panelling for internal doors.

Classic scribe and profile cutters are available for both 35mm and 44mm thick timber frames.

Bevel scribe and profile cutters

Where classic scribe and profile cutters are ornate and decorative, their bevelled counterparts are much plainer and simpler. The bevels on these cutters are available at 32 degrees (for 35mm timber) and 33 degrees (for 44mm timber).

Ogee scribe and profile cutters

Another common shape used for framing, ogee scribe and profile cutters can be bought in two sizes. 'Small' cutters are designed for use with 35mm timber, and 'large' cutters are for 44mm timber.

Profile scriber sets

These sets are used in frame and panel construction to cut the panel groove and moulding (also called the profile) on the side edges of all the frame pieces, as well as the mating profile and a tongue (also called the scribe) on the ends of the rails.

They are often used in conjunction with raised panel cutters, which cut away the panel edge so that it fits into the frame groove made by the profile scriber cutters, and produces a decorative moulding.

Combination profile scriber sets

These cutters usually arrive in the scribe set-up, and parts must be rearranged to cut the profile section.

It's recommended that you cut the scribe first, then rearrange the parts on the arbor, invert the rails, and cut the profile. 

There are found in the Professional TCT range.

The one you choose will depend on what kind of moulding you want to impart on your frame edge. This will largely be down to personal preference, but may also be affected by the style of raised panel cutter that you choose. 

The Trend range of raised panel router cutters matches the Trend range of scribe and profile cutters, so by choosing similar styles from both ranges you can create frame and panel door constructions that will fit together and be visually appealing.
 

Simply consult the product description of your particular raised panel cutter for a complementing scribe and profile cutter.

The material thickness these cutters can be used in varies between ranges. See specific cutters for details. 

Profile scriber Easysets

These sets produce the same joint and use the same components as the combination profile scriber sets. However, both parts of the joint are cut by changing the cutter height, so no reassembly of parts is required to convert the tool from scribing mode to profiling mode and vice versa.

Easysets are available with various designs, including ogee, classic ogee, ovolo, and bevel designs. They can be found under profile scribers in the CraftPro range and Easysets in the Professional TCT range.

These cutters can be used in material that is between 18mm and 22mm thick, with 20mm being the ideal thickness.

Adjustable profiling sets

Chamfer sets

These chamfer sets are used to produce a chamfer on the top and bottom edges of a workpiece simultaneously. 

The width of material accommodated by the cutter can be varied by adding spacers above and below the guide bearing. Smaller timber thicknesses can be accommodated by moving the bearing above or below both blocks and following a template.

Some types of chamfer set have profile blocks which are designed to produce two possible angles – 45 and 30 degrees. The angle is chosen by reversing the positions of the profile blocks depending on the angle you want. 

Spare bearings and winged blocks are also available.

Rounding over sets

These sets are used to round over the top and bottom edges of a workpiece simultaneously. 

Like chamfer sets, the width of material accommodated by the cutter can be varied by adding spacers above and below the guide bearing. Smaller material thicknesses can be accommodated by moving the bearing above or below both blocks and following a template.

Some types of rounding over set have profile blocks which are designed to produce two possible radii e.g. 6.3mm and 5.8mm. The radius is chosen by reversing the positions of the profile blocks depending on the size you want. 

They are available as standard ovolo and rounding over cutters or for use with solid surface materials.