Solid surface router bits

[mouppe]

I want to route a 1/4" wide groove 1/16" deep along the edge of some shelves. Ordinarily, I would use a plough plane and be done in less than a minute, but the problem is the edge is curved.

I have found a router bit which will cut the required groove, but it is a solid surface bit. What makes solid surface bits different from router bits designed for wood, and would it be ok to use this bit for this very light application?

Cheers.

P.S. If anyone has any better ideas about how to do this cut, they would be welcome.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Richard,

It's a slightly different carbide on the bits and the bearings (if there are any) are non-marring, different than normal steel bearings.  Yes, it's ok to use the solid surface bit for that application, but keep in mind that it might not have the proper shear angle for cleanly cutting wood fibers.