A bit designed to push chips downward, resulting in a clean top surface with minimal tear-out.

• Down-cut: smooth top surface, rougher bottom
• Up-cut: clean bottom edge, risk of top tear-out
• Straight: general-purpose, less chip evacuation efficiency

Plywood, laminates, veneer, and finish-grade panels where a clean top surface is crucial.

When the top surface will be visible and needs to be perfectly clean (e.g., dados, grooves, or templates).

Not ideal. Downward chip compression can cause clogging and heat buildup in deep cuts.

They can if chip evacuation is poor. Use multiple shallow passes and proper feed rate to avoid it.

Make shallow passes and avoid pushing the bit too fast. Ensure your router is powerful enough.

Yes, especially when the template is on the top surface — it helps prevent tear-out along the template edge.

You can, but remember the chip direction will push back toward the workpiece, so dust collection and safety are key.

Poor chip ejection on deep cuts. Not ideal for cutting all the way through thick material.