Ovolo & Round Over Bits

About Ovolo & Round Over Bits

Ovolo and round over router bits are essential profiling cutters designed to create decorative edges and smooth, rounded profiles on timber workpieces. These bearing-guided router bits allow woodworkers, joiners and cabinetmakers to transform sharp, square edges into elegant curves that enhance both the aesthetic appeal and safety of finished pieces. Round over bits produce a simple, uniform radius along an edge, whilst ovolo bits create a more complex convex profile with a distinct shoulder, popular in traditional joinery and architectural mouldings.

The versatility of these router cutters makes them indispensable for both professional workshop environments and dedicated DIY projects. Many bits in this category feature interchangeable bearings that enable the same cutter to produce both ovolo and round over profiles, maximising value and reducing the number of tools required in your routing kit. Tooled-Up.com stocks a comprehensive range of ovolo and round over bits from trusted manufacturers including Trend, Draper and Faithfull, with tungsten carbide tipped (TCT) cutting edges that deliver exceptional durability when working with softwoods, hardwoods, MDF and plywood.

Available in various shank sizes including 1/4 inch and 8mm options, these router bits suit different router models and application requirements. From small radius profiles for delicate edging work to larger bull nose configurations for substantial timber sections, the selection at Tooled-Up ensures tradespeople and enthusiasts can find the precise cutter for their specific joinery, furniture making or architectural woodwork projects.

Jargon Buster

• Bearing Guided: Router bits fitted with a bearing that runs along the edge of the workpiece or template, controlling the cutting depth and ensuring consistent profile reproduction without requiring a router fence.
• TCT (Tungsten Carbide Tipped): Router cutters with cutting edges made from extremely hard tungsten carbide material, offering superior edge retention and longevity compared to standard high-speed steel, particularly when routing abrasive materials like MDF and chipboard.
• Ovolo Profile: A decorative edge profile consisting of a convex quarter-circle curve with a flat shoulder or quirk above it, commonly used in traditional joinery, skirting boards, architraves and panelling to create visual interest and shadow lines.
• Radius: The measurement of the curved section produced by the router bit, typically expressed in millimetres. Common radii range from 3mm for subtle edging to 16mm or larger for substantial rounding over work.
• Shank Diameter: The cylindrical portion of the router bit that fits into the router collet, with standard sizes being 1/4 inch (6.35mm), 8mm and 1/2 inch (12.7mm). The shank diameter must match your router's collet capacity.
• Bull Nose Profile: A semi-circular profile that rounds over the entire edge thickness of the timber, creating a half-round appearance popular for handrails, table edges and decorative trim work.

Who Uses Ovolo & Round Over Bits?

• Joiners and Cabinetmakers: Creating decorative edges on doors, drawer fronts, skirting boards, architraves and bespoke furniture pieces
• Carpenters: Finishing window boards, door frames, shelving units and architectural timber features with professional-quality profiles
• Shopfitters: Producing consistent edge profiles on retail displays, counters, shelving systems and commercial joinery installations
• Furniture Makers: Crafting table edges, chair components, cabinet doors and decorative mouldings with traditional or contemporary profiles
• Staircase Specialists: Shaping handrails, newel posts and balusters with comfortable, rounded profiles that meet building regulations
• Restoration Professionals: Replicating period mouldings and architectural details in heritage and conservation projects
• DIY Enthusiasts: Enhancing home improvement projects, creating custom shelving, and adding professional finishing touches to woodworking projects

How to Choose the Right Ovolo & Round Over Bits

Radius Size: Select the appropriate radius based on your workpiece thickness and desired visual effect. Smaller radii (3-6mm) suit delicate edging on thin stock, whilst larger radii (9.5-16mm) work better on substantial timber sections. Consider that the radius should generally not exceed half the material thickness for structural integrity.

Shank Compatibility: Ensure the router bit shank diameter matches your router's collet capacity. Quarter-inch shanks suit smaller palm routers and trim routers, whilst half-inch shanks provide greater rigidity for heavy-duty routing in larger workshop routers, reducing vibration and improving cut quality.

Bearing Configuration: Look for bits supplied with multiple bearings of different diameters, as these allow you to vary the profile depth and switch between ovolo and round over configurations using the same cutter body. This versatility represents excellent value and reduces tool storage requirements.

Cutting Edge Quality: Professional tradespeople should prioritise TCT router bits for longevity and consistent performance across multiple projects and materials. The Tooled-Up range includes both professional-grade and CRAFTPRO options to suit different usage frequencies and budget considerations.

Material Compatibility: Verify that your chosen router bit suits the materials you'll be working with most frequently. Quality TCT bits handle softwoods, hardwoods, MDF, plywood and manufactured boards, but specialist applications may require specific cutter geometries.

Application Type: Consider whether you need general-purpose round over bits for straightforward edge softening, or more specialised ovolo profiles for period joinery, glazing bars or architectural mouldings. Some combination bits offer both profile options in a single tool.

Popular Accessories

• Router Tables: Provide stable, controlled cutting environments for consistent edge profiling, particularly beneficial when routing smaller workpieces safely
• Guide Bushes and Templates: Enable precise pattern routing and replication of complex shapes when combined with bearing-guided router bits
• Collet Extensions: Allow deeper cutting operations and improved access in restricted areas whilst maintaining bit security
• Router Bit Storage Cases: Protect cutting edges from damage and keep your router bit collection organised and readily accessible
• Digital Callipers: Essential for accurately measuring radii and profile dimensions to ensure consistency across multiple workpieces
• Push Sticks and Blocks: Maintain safe hand positioning when routing smaller components or working close to the cutter
• Dust Extraction Accessories: Router hoods and vacuum attachments minimise airborne dust, particularly important when routing MDF and manufactured boards
• Replacement Bearings: Keep spare bearings for frequently-used router bits to minimise downtime from bearing wear

Safety Information

Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety glasses or a full face shield when routing, as the high-speed rotation can eject chips and dust. Use hearing protection, as routers operate at noise levels that can cause hearing damage during prolonged use. Dust masks or respirators are essential when routing MDF or hardwoods that produce fine, potentially harmful airborne particles.

Router Operation: Ensure your router is disconnected from the 240v mains supply before changing bits or adjusting settings. Always feed the router against the direction of bit rotation to maintain control and prevent dangerous kickback. Never force the router through the workpiece—let the sharp cutting edges do the work at an appropriate feed rate.

Workpiece Security: Always secure workpieces firmly using clamps, vices or a router table before commencing cutting operations. Unsecured timber can shift unexpectedly, causing poor cut quality and potentially dangerous situations. Never attempt to rout very small pieces without appropriate jigs or holding devices.

Bit Inspection and Maintenance: Regularly inspect router bits for damage, wear or resin build-up before use. Damaged or blunt cutters require excessive feed pressure, increasing the risk of workpiece movement and poor control. Clean bits after use and store them properly to protect cutting edges from impact damage.

Speed Settings: Consult manufacturer guidance for appropriate router speed settings based on bit diameter and material type. Larger diameter cutters require lower RPM settings to maintain safe tip speeds. Follow HSE guidance on safe operating procedures for powered woodworking machinery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between ovolo and round over router bits?
Round over bits create a simple, uniform quarter-circle radius along an edge, producing a smooth, rounded profile. Ovolo bits create a more complex convex curve with a distinct flat shoulder or quirk, resulting in a decorative profile with greater visual interest commonly used in traditional joinery and architectural mouldings. Some router bits come with interchangeable bearings that allow the same cutter to produce both profiles.

Can I use ovolo and round over bits in a handheld router and a router table?
Yes, bearing-guided ovolo and round over bits work excellently in both handheld routers and router tables. Handheld routing suits larger workpieces like table tops and door panels, whilst router table mounting provides greater control and safety when profiling smaller components. Router table use also allows for more consistent results when processing multiple identical pieces.

How many passes should I make when routing deep profiles?
For profiles deeper than 6mm or when working with hardwoods, it's best practice to make multiple passes, gradually increasing the cutting depth with each pass. This reduces strain on the router motor, produces cleaner cuts with less burning, and provides better control over the workpiece. A final light pass often improves surface finish quality.

Why does the bearing on my router bit get hot during use?
Some bearing heat is normal during routing, but excessive temperature indicates problems. Ensure the bearing rotates freely before use—seized or damaged bearings cause friction and heat. Slow your feed rate if you're moving too slowly, as this allows the bearing to dwell on one spot. Keep bearings clean and occasionally lubricate them according to manufacturer instructions to maintain smooth operation.

Can ovolo and round over bits be used on materials other than wood?
Quality TCT router bits successfully profile various materials including MDF, plywood, chipboard and other manufactured boards. However, different materials may require adjusted feed rates and router speeds. Avoid using woodworking router bits on metals, plastics or composites unless specifically designed for those materials, as inappropriate use damages cutting edges and creates safety hazards.