How to Select the Right Bits for Isoloc Joints

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To cut Isoloc joints you need only a 5/16" or 8mm router bit. For best results use solid carbide spiral upcut bits. Solid carbide's great rigidity and excellent edge retention, together with spiral bits superbly clean cutting, gives you the best performance possible with your Isoloc template. A plunge router is recommended as it's preferable to rout the horizontal socket boards in mutiple passes. The depth stops on plunge routers make this process safe, efficient and precise. To cut inlaid Isoloc joints you need additional 1/4" and 3/8" bits. Check the shank sizes and order the appropriate collets or collet reducers.

Isoloc Cutter Selection Leigh Cutter Item No. A Cutter Diameter B* Cutting Depth Range C Shank Diameter D Shank Length E Overall Length F Joint Length HSS Spiral Upcut HSS   Item 168 1/4" up to 1" 1/4" 1 7/8 " 3" 5/8" $11.00 USD Item 170 5/16" up to 1" 5/16" 1 7/8" 3" 5/8" $17.00 USD Item 173 3/8" up to 1" 3/8" 1 7/8" 3" 5/8" $15.00 USD Carbide             Carbide Spiral Upcut Item 168-C 1/4" up to 1" 1/4" 1 7/8 " 3" 5/8" $21.00 USD Item 170-C 5/16" up to 1" 5/16" 1 7/8" 3" 5/8" $32.00 USD Item 173-C 3/8" up to 1" 3/8" 1 7/8" 3" 5/8" $27.00 USD

Bit Sets for Isoloc Joint Templates

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Item 1617I-C* Set of three solid carbide spiral upcut bits ....... $64.00 USD

Item 1617I* Set of three HSS spiral upcut bits ....... $35.00 USD










Note: Leigh does not sell 1/4" collet reducers because they come standard with most 1/2" collet routers, but for 8mm shanks use our 172-8 1/2" to 8mm collet reducer and for 3/8" shanks use our 172-375 1/2" to 3/8" collet reducer.

Item 172-8 One 1/2" to 8mm collet reducer 1 1/4" long. Note Comes standard with sets 5116-8, 1618F and 1618C ..... $6.00 USD

Item 172-375 One 1/2" to 3/8" collet reducer 1 1/4" long. Note Comes standard with sets 1618C and 1618F ...... $6.00 USD


*Not required if you buy the F1 cutter sets.