What are the different types of

chamfer and V-groove router cutter?

There are three main types of chamfer and V-groove router cutter: chamfer and V-groove; bevel; and engraver.

The largest selection of V-groove and chamfer cutters can be found in the Professional TCT range, and the CraftPro range currently carries 26 chamfer cutters. Other ranges are more limited, with Rota-Tip V-groover cutters available with either a ½" or ¼" shank and Trade range chamfer cutters have three to choose from, including a guided chamfer cutter. 

Chamfer and V-groove cutters

Chamfer and V-groove cutters without tip-mounted guides have the bottom cut facility, making them suited to general purpose V-grooving tasks. All cutters (with or without guides) can be used for chamfering.

Professional TCT chamfer and V-groove cutters are available in an array of standard types of cutter without guides, as well as bearing guided chamfer cutters, engraving cutters (see below for more details), and Alucobond cutters, specifically designed for use with aluminium composite cladding material (polyethylene core with an aluminium cover), such as Dibond or Alucobond.

Chamfering

Chamfers are often made on corners or sharp edges to soften them. This may be for a practical purpose - for example, chamfering the edges of a child's toy box or set of building blocks can help to prevent any injuries caused by sharp corners or edges, or it may be for aesthetic reasons. Decorative chamfered edges are often found on stair newel posts or furniture legs. 

Fluting

Cutters with the bottom cut facility are often used to produce V-shaped grooves in the surface of materials, for the purpose of fluting. This is carried out on items such as table legs, bed posts and fireplaces. 

Concealing a glue line

A V-shaped groove can also be made along a join between two materials in order to hide the glue line.

Bevel cutters

Bevel cutters are available with a wider range of cutting edge angles than standard chamfer and V-groove cutters. Those that are not self-guided tend not to have the bottom cut facility, as they are intended for use only on the edges of a workpiece. 

Bevel cutters from the Professional TCT range not only include a range of chamfer and V-groove cutters, but also, bevel shoulder scribe and profile cutters, various bevelled trimming and profiling cutters, bevel cutters for use with solid surface materials, and bevel raised panel cutters. One type of miniature bearing cutter for bevels is also available. 

CraftPro bevel cutters include chamfer cutters, trimmers, panel raisers, and a large bevel panel door set.

What is the difference between a chamfer and a bevel?

A chamfer is a sloped edge that connects a horizontal surface to a vertical surface. A bevel refers to a slope that extends all the way down from the top edge to the bottom edge of a piece of material. The term 'bevel' is often used to describe both bevels and chamfers in the world of retail and general DIY.

Bevels are often used when creating mitre joints. Mitre joints are often used in picture frame or box construction.

There are bevel cutters with different angles to allow you to make boxes with different numbers of sides. 

Bevel cutters can also be used for chamfering, but bear in mind that they may have a different cutting edge angle from dedicated chamfer cutters.

Engravers

These cutters are typically much thinner than regular V-groove cutters, which makes them suited to the often intricate and delicate task of engraving. 

The CraftPro engraver has three flutes for a clean cut with a fine V-groove point, and the Professional TCT engravers are solid carbide cutters for extra long life. 

Engraving

Engraving cutters are typically used in conjunction with a guide bush and template to rout lettering or numbering for a sign or plaque. They can also be used to create decorative shapes for furniture items such as chests or headboards. With the right template, an engraving cutter can be used to produce almost any shape or design.