Straight 2 Flute Cutters
Straight 2 flute cutters are the go-to router bits for plunge cuts, grooves, dados and trenching in timber, MDF and ply. Clean, accurate and simple to control — they're a core bit in any routing setup.
Where Are 2 Flute Straight Bits Used?
These bits are designed to plunge directly into material and cut clean, straight-edged grooves and rebates across sheet materials:
- Grooves & Dados – For shelf housing, trim channels and infill slots.
- Trenching – Remove long, clean trenches for cable runs or joinery setups.
- Plunge Cuts – Drop-in routing without needing an entry slot or edge start.
- Template Work – Run along jigs and patterns with consistent wall finish.
Perfect For:
- Cabinet and carcass joinery
- Furniture construction in MDF, chipboard and ply
- Panel recessing and hinge mortices
- Shopfitters and installers routing on-site
Choosing the Right Straight Cutter
Match bit size, cutting length and material for the cleanest results:
1. Cutter Diameter
Smaller bits (3mm–6mm) suit detail work. Larger diameters are more stable in wider slots and trenches.
2. Cut Depth
Make sure the bit reaches required trench depth — allow for clearance and chip removal.
3. Cutter Coating or TCT Tips
Tungsten Carbide Tipped (TCT) bits hold edge longer and give smoother cuts in sheet material and hardwood.
New to Routers?
If you’re new to routing or want a clearer understanding of how routers work, our beginner’s guide explains the basics in plain terms. It covers router types, plunge techniques, bit selection and practical setup advice to help you get clean, controlled results. Read our Beginner’s Guide to Routers before choosing your cutters.
2 Flute Router Bit FAQs
What is a straight router bit used for?
It’s a router bit that creates clean grooves or plunge cuts into timber or sheet material — ideal for dadoes, mortices, recesses and trenching.
What materials are these suitable for?
Timber, MDF, chipboard, ply and laminates — most cutters are TCT tipped for long-lasting performance on composite materials.
Can I use these in a plunge router?
Yes — they’re designed for direct plunge work as well as edge routing with jigs or fences.
Are these better than spiral cutters?
They’re more budget-friendly and great for general purpose use. Spiral cutters give cleaner cuts in laminates but cost more.
What speed should I run them at?
18,000–22,000 RPM is typical. Always check bit size and material for safe operation — smaller bits can run faster.
Straight 2 flute cutters are the go-to router bits for plunge cuts, grooves, dados and trenching in timber, MDF and ply. Clean, accurate and simple to control — they're a core bit in any routing setup.
Where Are 2 Flute Straight Bits Used?
These bits are designed to plunge directly into material and cut clean, straight-edged grooves and rebates across sheet materials:
- Grooves & Dados – For shelf housing, trim channels and infill slots.
- Trenching – Remove long, clean trenches for cable runs or joinery setups.
- Plunge Cuts – Drop-in routing without needing an entry slot or edge start.
- Template Work – Run along jigs and patterns with consistent wall finish.
Perfect For:
- Cabinet and carcass joinery
- Furniture construction in MDF, chipboard and ply
- Panel recessing and hinge mortices
- Shopfitters and installers routing on-site
Choosing the Right Straight Cutter
Match bit size, cutting length and material for the cleanest results:
1. Cutter Diameter
Smaller bits (3mm–6mm) suit detail work. Larger diameters are more stable in wider slots and trenches.
2. Cut Depth
Make sure the bit reaches required trench depth — allow for clearance and chip removal.
3. Cutter Coating or TCT Tips
Tungsten Carbide Tipped (TCT) bits hold edge longer and give smoother cuts in sheet material and hardwood.
New to Routers?
If you’re new to routing or want a clearer understanding of how routers work, our beginner’s guide explains the basics in plain terms. It covers router types, plunge techniques, bit selection and practical setup advice to help you get clean, controlled results. Read our Beginner’s Guide to Routers before choosing your cutters.
2 Flute Router Bit FAQs
What is a straight router bit used for?
It’s a router bit that creates clean grooves or plunge cuts into timber or sheet material — ideal for dadoes, mortices, recesses and trenching.
What materials are these suitable for?
Timber, MDF, chipboard, ply and laminates — most cutters are TCT tipped for long-lasting performance on composite materials.
Can I use these in a plunge router?
Yes — they’re designed for direct plunge work as well as edge routing with jigs or fences.
Are these better than spiral cutters?
They’re more budget-friendly and great for general purpose use. Spiral cutters give cleaner cuts in laminates but cost more.
What speed should I run them at?
18,000–22,000 RPM is typical. Always check bit size and material for safe operation — smaller bits can run faster.
