Bead & Reed Bits

About Bead & Reed Bits

Bead and reed router bits are specialised profiling cutters designed to create elegant decorative edges and mouldings on timber. These bearing-guided router cutters produce classic architectural details, from simple rounded beads to complex multi-reed profiles, making them essential tools for cabinetmakers, joiners, and restoration specialists working on both traditional and contemporary woodworking projects. Whether you're crafting skirting boards, architraves, panelling, or bespoke furniture, these precision cutters deliver professional results with clean, consistent profiles.

Our collection features premium bead and reed router bits from industry-leading brands including Trend and Draper, offering a comprehensive range of profiles to suit various applications. From corner beads and sunk beads to staff beads and multi-reed designs, these bearing-guided cutters ensure accurate tracking along edges and templates. Available in different shank sizes to fit standard routers, these tungsten carbide-tipped (TCT) bits maintain their cutting edge through extensive use, delivering crisp, tear-out-free profiles on both hardwoods and softwoods.

Modern bead and reed bits combine traditional profile designs with contemporary manufacturing precision, featuring high-quality bearings for smooth operation and extended tool life. These versatile cutters work equally well in handheld routers and router tables, making them invaluable for both site work and workshop applications. From radius sunk beads for door frames to staff nosing beads for staircase renovation, this category provides the specialist tooling needed for authentic period restoration and fine joinery work.

Jargon Buster

• Bead Profile: A semi-circular or rounded decorative detail cut into the edge or surface of timber, creating shadow lines and visual interest. Common in traditional joinery and period architecture.
• Reed Profile: Multiple parallel beads arranged side-by-side to create a fluted or reeded effect, often used on pilasters, furniture legs, and decorative mouldings.
• Bearing Guided: Router bits featuring a bearing that runs against the workpiece edge or template, controlling the cutting depth and ensuring consistent profile width without needing a fence or guide.
• Sunk Bead: A bead profile that sits below the surrounding surface rather than proud of it, creating a recessed decorative detail commonly found on door panels and drawer fronts.
• Staff Bead: A specific bead profile traditionally used in sash window construction to hold glass panes in place, featuring a distinctive quarter-round or stepped profile.
• TCT (Tungsten Carbide Tipped): Router bits with cutting edges made from extremely hard tungsten carbide material, providing superior edge retention and longevity compared to high-speed steel alternatives.

Who Uses Bead & Reed Bits?

• Joiners and Cabinetmakers: Creating decorative profiles on furniture, fitted kitchens, and bespoke joinery projects
• Carpenters and Chippies: Installing traditional skirting boards, architraves, and door frames with period-appropriate detailing
• Restoration Specialists: Matching existing mouldings and profiles in listed buildings and heritage renovation projects
• Shopfitters: Producing decorative trim work and architectural details for retail and commercial interiors
• Staircase Manufacturers: Creating handrails, newel posts, and balustrade components with traditional profiles
• Window and Door Manufacturers: Machining staff beads and decorative details for timber joinery products
• Serious DIY Enthusiasts: Adding professional finishing touches to home improvement and furniture-making projects

How to Choose the Right Bead & Reed Bits

Profile Type: Consider the aesthetic you're aiming to achieve. Simple corner beads suit contemporary designs, whilst multi-reed and staff bead profiles are ideal for period restoration. Sunk beads work well on panel doors and drawer fronts, whilst radius sunk beads provide softer, more subtle detailing.

Shank Diameter: Match the shank size to your router collet – typically 6.35mm (1/4") or 12.7mm (1/2") in the UK. Larger diameter shanks provide better stability and reduced vibration, particularly important when routing hardwoods or working with larger profile cutters.

Bearing Size and Quality: High-quality sealed bearings ensure smooth operation and accurate tracking. Check that the bearing diameter is appropriate for your intended application – some profiles require specific bearing sizes to achieve the correct cutting depth and detail placement.

Cutter Diameter and Depth: Ensure the profile dimensions suit your workpiece thickness and design requirements. Larger profile cutters may require multiple passes or a more powerful router to achieve clean cuts without burning or chatter.

Material Compatibility: Premium TCT cutters from brands like Trend handle both softwoods and hardwoods effectively. Consider the timber species you'll typically work with – exotic hardwoods demand the highest quality cutting edges for clean, tear-out-free results.

Budget and Frequency of Use: Professional tradespeople benefit from investing in premium Trend cutters with superior carbide quality and precision grinding. For occasional DIY use, mid-range options like Draper provide excellent value whilst maintaining good performance standards.

Popular Accessories

• Router Tables: Essential for controlled, repeatable profiling work, particularly when machining smaller components or creating consistent details across multiple pieces
• Routers: Quality plunge and fixed-base routers from Makita, DeWalt, Bosch, and Festool provide the power and precision needed for clean profile cutting
• Guide Bushes and Templates: Useful for creating consistent stopped profiles and following curved work when combined with bearing-guided cutters
• Router Bit Storage Cases: Protect expensive TCT cutters from damage and keep your collection organised with dedicated storage solutions
• Bearing Sets: Replacement bearings in various diameters allow you to modify cutting depths and adapt profiles to different applications
• Dust Extraction Equipment: Essential for maintaining visibility and protecting your respiratory health when routing timber, particularly important on site work
• Sharpening Services: Professional re-sharpening extends the life of quality TCT router bits, maintaining cutting performance and edge quality

Safety Information

Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear appropriate safety glasses or face shields when routing to protect against flying chips and dust. Use hearing protection, as routers operate at high noise levels that can cause hearing damage over time. Dust masks or respirators are essential – timber dust is a known carcinogen and falls under COSHH regulations.

Router Operation: Ensure your router is unplugged before changing bits. Always tighten collets securely and check that cutters are properly seated before operation. Feed workpieces against the direction of cutter rotation to maintain control and prevent kickback. Never start the router with the bit in contact with the workpiece.

Workspace Safety: Secure workpieces firmly using clamps or a router table fence. Maintain a clean, well-lit workspace free from trip hazards. Connect routers to dust extraction systems to minimise airborne particles. Allow router bits to come to a complete stop before setting down the tool.

Bit Condition: Inspect router bits regularly for damage, wear, or resin build-up. Damaged or blunt cutters are dangerous and produce poor results. Clean bits with resin remover and replace any showing signs of cracking, chipping, or excessive wear in line with HSE guidelines for powered woodworking equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a bead and a reed profile?

A bead is typically a single rounded profile cut into timber, whilst a reed consists of multiple parallel beads creating a fluted effect. Bead profiles are more commonly used for edges and frames, whereas reed profiles often feature on decorative columns, furniture legs, and architectural details.

Can I use bead and reed bits in a standard power drill?

No, these bearing-guided router bits must only be used in proper routers operating at speeds between 18,000-24,000 RPM. Power drills lack the speed, stability, and control required for safe and effective profile cutting, and attempting to use router bits in drills is extremely dangerous.

How do I achieve a clean finish without tear-out?

Use sharp, high-quality TCT cutters and feed the workpiece steadily against the cutter rotation. For difficult grain, take lighter passes and consider climb-cutting the final pass (feeding with the cutter rotation) whilst maintaining firm control. Working from both ends towards the middle helps prevent break-out on cross-grain work.

What router speed should I use for bead and reed profiles?

Most bearing-guided profile cutters work best at 18,000-22,000 RPM. Larger diameter cutters may benefit from slightly reduced speeds to prevent burning, particularly in hardwoods. Consult the manufacturer's recommendations for specific cutter sizes and always start conservatively, increasing speed only if necessary.

How long do TCT router bits typically last?

Premium Trend TCT router bits can profile hundreds of metres of timber when properly maintained and used correctly. Lifespan depends on timber hardness, feed rate, routing technique, and whether the cutter contacts abrasive materials. Regular cleaning and professional re-sharpening significantly extends usable life, making quality bits a sound long-term investment.