Plunge router bits

[sailor55330]

Hi again. I just acquired my first plunge router and have not even unbowed it yet. From what I am reading it apprears that there are special plunge router bits that should be used. Obviously I don't have any

can anyone please confirm that there is such a thing a a plunge router bit and does anyone have a recommendation for a good basic set?

thank you

[Pappy]

They don't show a set but MLCS has plunge straight bits.

https://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/bt_plung.html?zoom_highlight=plunge

Additionally, many of the round nose, sign cutting and core box bits can be used to make plunge cuts.

[LCHIEN]

Yeah, plunge router bits have to have cutters that meet in the center. If they don't, the center under the bit won't get cut as you plunge it and it'll just burn under the bit!

See the bit pictured on this page of MLCS's catalog
https://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shop.../bt_plung.html

[leehljp]

Here is a list of bits from MLCS that can be used in a plunge situation:

GROOVE FORMING

Bottom Cleaning

Bowl & Tray Dish Cutter

Core Box

Dish Cutters

Flat Bottom Round Over

Hinge Mortising

Point Cutting Round Over

Round Nose

Screw Slot

Sign Lettering

Solid Carbide 45°/15° Sign Making NEW!

Solid Carbide 60°/90° Double End NEW!

V-Groove

[Pappy]

Add Key Hole bits to the list.

[JimD]

You may realize this but, just to be sure, plunge routers can be used for cuts other than plunging into work, like to make a mortise, and when they are doing an edge route, they use the same bit as a fixed base router. I use the motor off an old plunge router in my router table. It is only for plunging into work that a different bit is recommended. Not required but recommended. I have plunge cut with regular straight bits but it is rough going on you, the router, and especially the bit. Either a straight bit with a bottom cutter or a spiral bit will plunge a lot better. But plunge routers can be general purpose routers using many other bits.

[tfischer]

In a pinch you can also drill a starting hole, and "plunge" into it with a standard bit.