Router bit and routing method

A router bit for use in a routing machine for cutting predetermined configurations in a workpiece, comprising:

• body portion having an axis of rotation, a radial extent about said axis, and an axial extent;
• a shank member for retaining engagement in the rotating machine said shank member extending generally along said axis and being formed integrally with said body portion;
• a pair of relatively large cutter elements mounted on said body in generally diametrically opposed relation to each other;
• a pair of relatively small cutter elements mounted on said body in generally diametrically opposed relation to each other and circumferentially spaced from said relatively large cutter elements, said relatively small cutter elements each having a generally axially extending cutting edge portion;
• said relatively large cutter elements each having a hook angle and a positive shear angle;
• and
• said relatively small cutter elements each having a hook angle and a shear angle in a range from zero to negative.

A method of cutting a predetermined configuration in a workpiece with a router tool, the configuration including a first portion extending generally parallel to a major surface of the workpiece and a second portion connected with said first portion and extending generally perpendicular to the major surface of the workpiece, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a router bit having an axis of rotation and a body portion having a radial extent about the axis;
• rotating the router bit about the axis of rotation;
• positioning a first pair of cutter elements on the body portion to travel in a perpendicular path about the axis that will cut the first portion of the configuration;
• positioning a second pair of cutter elements on the body portion circumferentially spaced from the first pair of cutter elements and to travel in a predetermined path about the axis that will cut the second portion of the configuration;
• and
• guiding the workpiece against the cutter elements for cutting of the configuration in the workpiece.