How to Inspect and Clean Your Router and CNC Bits

Heading back into the shop after a summer off? Start by checking your bits! Clean, well-maintained bits cut smoother, last longer, and make your projects look professional. Taking a few minutes now will save frustration later.

Bit Inspection: Check for Wear and Damage

Before you start cleaning, take a few minutes to inspect your bits and collets:

• Cutting Edges: Look for chips, nicks, or dull spots. Burnt edges indicate overheating and may require sharpening or replacement.
• Bearings: Spin any bearings to ensure they rotate smoothly. Stiff or damaged bearings can ruin cuts.
• Shank & Body: Check for bends, rust, or heavy resin build-up that can’t be cleaned.
• Collets: Clean your collets using compressed air to blow off any dust and debris that can hinder the collet’s grip.

Click here ff you need replacement bearings.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

• Soft brushes for flutes and edges, nylon or brass bristle are best.
• Cleaning solution: bit cleaner (like Boeshield), warm soapy water, SimpleGreen or mineral spirits.
• Microfiber cloth or paper towels
• Compressed air for drying
• 3-in-One Oil for bearings.

Optional:

• Bladeclean system from Micro Jig
• Ultrasonic cleaner
• Router Bit Vice

Step 2: Remove Bearings

Carefully holding the bit (router bit vice works the best), use a hex key or screwdriver to loosen screws on the capscrew or setscrew. Slide the bearing off and place it aside in a clean area.

Step 3: Soak and Scrub the Bit

Depending on what solution you’re using, you can either soak or spray the bit, then gently brush the cutting flutes with the brass or nylon brush.

• Mineral spirits for tough resin, soapy water for light dirt
• Scrub flutes, cutting edges, and bearing areas thoroughly

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

• Rinse if you used soapy water
• Wipe with microfiber cloth or paper towel
• Use compressed air to remove moisture from flutes and bearings

Step 5: Reassemble Bearings

• Slide bearing back onto shaft
• Tighten screws securely (don’t over-tighten)
• Test spin before storing

Step 6: Lubrication & Storage

• Light coat of machine oil protects shanks
• Store in a rack or case to avoid knocking bits together
• Keep frequently used bits accessible for workflow.

A clean bit is a happy bit! Inspecting, cleaning, and properly storing your bits after summer downtime will save frustration and give your projects the sharpest results.