Cutter assistance guide
Find the right cutter starting point.
Use the guide below to narrow your options by material, finish, chip clearance and flute count. Then browse the matching range or contact us if your setup needs checking.
This page gives starting points, then helps unsure buyers build a useful request before ordering.
Step 1
Start with what matters most.
Pick the question closest to your job. Each route points you toward a cutter style to start looking at.Guide by material
Choose based on whether chip clearance, top-edge finish or both-edge finish matters most.
View route →Often used when both top and bottom edge finish matter on sheet material.
View route →Plastics usually need good chip evacuation and reduced heat build-up.
View route →Chip evacuation, rigidity and lubrication matter heavily. Setup is critical.
View route →Guide by finish or cutting result
Best top-edge finish
Start by looking at: Downcut
Pushes chips downward and can improve top surface finish, depending on material and setup.Better chip clearance
Start by looking at: Upcut
Pulls chips upward and can help clearing the cut, especially in deeper passes.Cleaner top and bottom edges
Start by looking at: Compression
Often used for laminated or veneered sheets where both faces matter.Simple straight flute style
Start by looking at: Straight
Use when you specifically need a straight flute style and know the size required.Guide by chip clearance
Need chips pulled out of the cut?
Start by looking at upcut cutters.
They can help evacuation, but may affect top-edge finish depending on material and setup.Need to reduce heat in plastics?
Start by looking at single flute / O-flute style cutters.
Chip clearance and heat control are usually key.Cutting deeper slots or pockets?
Chip evacuation becomes more important.
Cutter diameter, pass depth and machine rigidity matter more as the cut gets deeper.Getting burning, melting or poor finish?
The cutter may not be the only issue.
Feed, speed, pass depth, sharpness and chip evacuation should all be checked.Guide by flute count
Often useful where clearing chips and reducing heat is important.
Shop 1 flute →A common starting point for many users, depending on cutter style and size.
Shop 2 flute →Can be useful where the setup and material suit the extra cutting edges.
Shop 3 flute →Usually more setup-dependent; not always the best starting point for routers.
Shop 4 flute →Step 2
Check the setup before you choose.
The same material can require different cutters depending on the job. Use this checklist before ordering.Still unsure?
Build a better cutter request.
Vague questions lead to vague answers. Use this builder to send the details that actually matter before choosing a cutter.- Tell us what material you are cutting
- Add your machine, cutter size and finish goal
- Explain the problem you are trying to solve