Last Updated on August 29, 2024 by James Walton

Router bits are a versatile tool that can be used to create dados. When choosing the best router bit for dados in plywood, there are a few specific bits worth considering. The most common type of router bit is the standard bit. This bit is designed to make small, precise cuts in wood. Unfortunately, it is not suitable for creating dados in plywood.

The next type of router bit is the plunge bit. This bit is designed specifically for creating dados in plywood. It has a larger diameter than the standard bit, which allows it to create deeper cuts.

This article will explore the best router bits for dados in plywood.

Top 7 Plywood Router Bits For Dados Comparison Table

The table below compares the top 7 best plywood router bits for dadoes so that you can easily see the differences between the router bits.

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
SpeTool Upcut Spiral Router Bits Extra Long(4 inch) with 1/2 Inch Shank SpeTool Upcut Spiral Router Bits Extra Long(4 inch) with 1/2 Inch Shank
  • 1/2inch cutting diameter
  • 2 inch cutting length
  • 4 inch for total length
Check Price
Freud 1/2 Freud 1/2″ (Dia.) Double Flute Straight Bit, Red
  • Overall Dia.1/2″,
  • Carbide Height: 2-1/2″
  • 1/2″ Shank, Best for CNC Router
Check Price
Yonico Dado Straight Router Bits Set Yonico Dado Straight Router Bits Set
  • Dimensions (LxWxH) 4 x 3.75 x 2 inches
  • 1/4-Inch Shank
  • For use on CNC, table mount and handheld routers
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BOSCH Carbide-Tipped Plywood Router Bit BOSCH Carbide-Tipped Plywood Router Bit
  • Diameter: 23/32 In. x 3/4 In.
  • Shank: 1/4″
  • Made for standard-size plywood
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Meihejia Straight Dado Router Bit Set - 5 Sizes Meihejia Straight Dado Router Bit Set – 5 Sizes
  • 1/4 inch shank 
  • Cutting diameter: 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″.
  • Suitable for solid wood, particleboard, MDF, plywood, etc.
Check Price
Whiteside Undersize Plywood Dado 3 Piece Router Bits Set Whiteside Undersize Plywood Dado 3 Piece Router Bits Set
  • Diameter: 7/32 ,15/32, 23/32-Inch
  • 1/2-Inch Shank
  • Industrial Quality 
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Bestgle Set of 5 Piece Straight Dado Router Bit (Yellow) Bestgle Set of 5 Piece Straight Dado Router Bit (Yellow)
  • 5 cutting diameter: 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″
  • 1/4 Inch Shank 
  • Heavy duty router bits
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What are the different types of dado router bits?

Straight router bit

A router bit is a specialized cutting tool used in woodworking. The router bit is inserted into the router bit holder and the router is turned on. The router bit cuts a square hole in the wood. There are many different types of router bits, each specific use. For example, some standard router bits used for dados in plywood are straight router bits and spiral router bits.

Angled router bit

An angled router bit is a specialized router bit designed to create angled cuts in wood. An angled router bit can be used to create a variety of different types of cuts, including dados, rabbets, and grooves.

T-shaped router bit

A few different router bits can be used for dados in plywood. The most common is the T-shaped router bit, which makes a V-shaped cut. Other router bits that can be used for dados in plywood include the U-shaped router bit and the J-shaped router bit.

Jigsaw router bit

A jigsaw router bit is a small, handheld tool used to cut various materials, including wood. Jigsaw routers come in different shapes and sizes and can be used for multiple tasks, including routing dados in plywood.

Coping router bit

When routing dados in plywood, using a coping router bit is essential. A coping router bit is a specialized bit designed to cut around curves and corners. It is vital to use a coping router bit because it allows you to create accurate and smooth cuts around curves and corners.

Best Router Bit For Dados in plywood – Reviews

A dado is a type of router bit that creates a rabbet in wood. The dado bit has a smaller diameter than the standard router bit and is designed to make deep cuts. Dados are a great way to join two pieces of plywood together.

Below, we’ll introduce you to the 7 best router bits for dados in plywood on the market today. We’ll also give you a comprehensive review of each one, so you can decide which one is right for you. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

SpeTool Upcut Spiral Router Bits Extra Long for Cutting Dadoes, Carving
SpeTool Upcut Spiral Router Bits Extra Long for Cutting Dadoes, Carving
SpeTool Upcut Spiral Router Bits Extra Long for Cutting Dadoes, Carving

A Spetool router bit is a tool that is used to cut wood. It is a popular choice for dados in plywood because it has a wide range of speeds and angles, making it ideal for a variety of tasks. SpeTool Upcut Spiral Router Bit is specifically designed to cut plywood, oak, and hardwood. It is made of solid carbide, which is very strong and durable. This bit is excellent for creating clean, accurate cuts in the plywood.

Carbide spiral router bits with shank sizes of 1/2″ and 1/2″ are intended for use in routers with a maximum collet size of 1/2″. The bit has a cutting length of 2 inches and a diameter of 1/2″, which help contribute to the 4-inch length in total. Along with being able to be used on plywood, oaks, hardwoods and other materials, the spiral portion of the route bit also allows them to obtain clean edges and bottoms while making curved trails, slots, mortises and dados on projects.

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Freud 1/2″ (Dia.) Double Flute Straight Bit with 1/2″ Shank (12-130),Red
Freud 1/2″ (Dia.) Double Flute Straight Bit with 1/2″ Shank (12-130),Red
Freud 1/2″ (Dia.) Double Flute Straight Bit with 1/2″ Shank (12-130),Red

The Freud 1/2″ (Dia.) Double Flute Straight, Red is a great router bit for dadoes in plywood. It has a straight cut and is designed with routers with a 1/2″ shank. The router bit is made from solid carbide. It has a 1/2inch cutting diameter as well. The cutting length is 2 inches, and the total length is 4 inches.

Freud Double Flute Straight Bits are made with high-quality steel heat-treated and micro-polished to a high-gloss finish. Freud Double Flute Straight Bits have a heavy-duty design and provide superior performance. Freud Double Flute Straight Bits are available in various sizes to fit your needs. This is a tool that can be used to cut various materials, including composites, plywood’s, hardwoods, and softwoods. It also can be used on CNC and other automatic routers and hand-held and table-mounted portable routers.

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BOSCH Carbide Tipped Router Bit – Best for Standard size Plywood
BOSCH Carbide Tipped Router Bit – Best for Standard size Plywood
BOSCH Carbide Tipped Router Bit – Best for Standard size Plywood

Bosch Carbide-Tipped Plywood Mortising Router Bit is a versatile router bit perfect for routing dadoes, rabbets, and other openings in plywood. It has a micro-grain tungsten carbide cutting edge that is durable and efficient, and its carbide-tipped design makes it ideal for tough materials.

A micrograin carbide-tip router bit design ensures a consistently smooth finish cut with superior wear resistance. The tight-fitting plywood-mortise joints are designed with undersized cut diameters to match the actual thickness of standard plywood. The router bit is made for standard-size plywood, which creates a cutting diameter to match the thickness of 3/4 inch plywood. The reinforced shanks feature fully hardened and tempered steel shanks that provide ultimate durability. 

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Meihejia Straight Dado Router Bit Set – 5 Sizes
Meihejia Straight Dado Router Bit Set – 5 Sizes
Meihejia Straight Dado Router Bit Set – 5 Sizes

Meihejia 1/4 Inch Shank Straight Dado Router Bit Set is designed explicitly for dadoes in plywood. It can not be used in electric drill & drill machines. It creates very smooth cuts, which is perfect for solid wood, particleboard, and MDF. This tool is specifically designed to be used with routers that have table-mounted bases.

The C3 micro-grain tungsten carbide blades are designed with a heat-resistant Teflon coating. The cutting diameter is 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, and 3/4″. The length of each is 1-1/4″, making this an excellent set for all sorts of domestic and professional tasks.This dado router bit set can create patterns and designs that will last for a long time. It comes in five different sizes to pick the right one for the job. These bits are also very durable and long-lasting.

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Whiteside Router Bits 3 Piece Set for Undersize Plywood Dado
Whiteside Router Bits 3 Piece Set for Undersize Plywood Dado
Whiteside Router Bits 3 Piece Set for Undersize Plywood Dado

Whiteside Dado 3 Piece Set Router Bits has a cutting diameter of 3/8-inch, 7/16-inch, and 1/2-inch. It has a 1/2-inch shank and is made with hardened and tempered steel as well. This set comes with three different size dado bits that will make it easy to create the perfect cut.

The Whiteside router bits are manufactured with high-quality carbide. They’re appropriately ground, so you’re able to achieve the highest possible RPM. In addition, the long life of these bits produces a spike in heat, which results in a smooth finish. As a result, This makes them the best plywood router bit for dados.

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Bestgle Set of 5 Piece Straight Dado Router Bit (Yellow)
Bestgle Set of 5 Piece Straight Dado Router Bit (Yellow)
Bestgle Set of 5 Piece Straight Dado Router Bit (Yellow)

Bestgle 5-Piece Straight Dado Router Bit Set is perfect for creating straight dado cuts in wood. It has a cutting diameter of 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, and 3/4″. It has a 1/4″ shank and is made with hardened and tempered steel. A router bit is a high-quality blade made of micro-grain carbide. It is very sharp and smooth, making it ideal for cutting through materials. It is also impact resistant and tough, making it an excellent choice for heavy-duty use.

The Woodworking router tool features a heat-resistant coating to prevent the build-up of sawdust, resin, and pitch. The hook and shear angles allow the cutters to slice smoothly into the stock, producing clean, splinter-free cuts. This is a heavy duty router bit that is good for trimming operations and CNC. It is an excellent choice for all kinds of dado and straight-cut routing.

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How To Use Router Bits For Dados In Plywood

Below is the guide about using router bits to make precise cuts in the wood to build your projects with greater precision and accuracy. You will need to follow these simple steps to use a router bit for dados in plywood.

1. Make sure your plywood is correctly clamped to the router table. 2. Mount the bit on the router and adjust the height of the bit. 3. Place the plywood on the bit and make sure that the edge of the plywood is against the fence. 4. Hold down the trigger and start routing the dados. 5. To finish routing the dados, turn the plywood to face away from the router and use a chisel to remove any excess material.

What To Look For In A Plywood Router Bit For Dados

The most crucial factor to consider when selecting a router bit for dados in plywood is the bit’s compatibility with your router. You’ll need to ensure that the bit you choose is specifically designed for use with routers, as not all bits are compatible with all routers.

Another critical factor to consider when selecting a router bit for dados in plywood is the bit’s profile. You’ll want to choose a bit that has a profile that is specifically designed for cutting dados in plywood. Typical profiles used for cutting dados in plywood include bevel and taper bits.

There are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing a router bit for dados in plywood:

1. Make sure the bit you choose is compatible with your router

Your router bit is the primary tool you will use to create dados in plywood. First, make sure the bit you choose is compatible with your router. There are many different types of routers, and each one may require a specific bit. If you are unsure which router you have, check out the manufacturer’s website or ask a friend.

2. Choose a bit that is the right size for the task at hand

When it comes to router bits, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best router bit for dados in plywood will vary depending on the size and shape of the dados and the type of wood being used. In addition, some bits are specially designed for use with plywood, while others can be used on various materials. Therefore, it is important to choose a bit that is the right size for the task at hand.

5. Finally, be sure to consider the bit’s price and quality 

The bit’s price will depend on the type and the manufacturer, while the quality will be based on the brand and how well the bit is made. It is vital to choose a bit made from high-quality materials and tested for accuracy.

What are some tips for routing dados in plywood?

If you’re looking to route dados in plywood, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure the plywood is of the right thickness. Too thin a sheet and you’ll have a difficult time routing the dados accurately, while too thick a sheet will result in increased manufacturing costs and decreased accuracy.

Second, use a routing bit that is specifically designed for plywood. 

Third, be patient – routing dados in plywood can be a time-consuming process. Finally, use a jigsaw to clean up any mistakes that you make – a router would be too difficult to use on small areas.

4. Be sure to use a clamp when routing dado to prevent the bit from moving and damaging the wood

When routing dados in plywood, it is essential to use a clamp to prevent the bit from moving. If the bit slips, it could cause the router to override the cut, leading to damage. If the bit moves, it can cause dado cuts to be off-center and uneven, leading to problems with the overall finished product.

The Best Applications for a Router Bit for Dados in Plywood

A few applications for a router bit are designed explicitly for routing dados in plywood. One application is to create rabbets. A rabbet is a recess in a piece of wood that is cut perpendicular to the edge of the wood. A router bit specifically designed for routing rabbets can be used to create smooth, accurate edges in plywood.

Another router bit application specifically designed for routing dados in plywood is to create rounded corners. A router bit specifically designed for rounding corners can be used to create perfectly round corners in plywood.

Conclusion

 A router bit is essential for creating clean and precise dados in plywood. The right bit can make the process easy and efficient. 

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Author

James Walton is an active woodworker & maker who is passionate about all things woodworking. He loves to play with power tools and machines.

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