Lessons from a Signmaker: The Router Bits I Keep Reaching For

After nearly three decades cutting signs, I’ve learned a few things about what it takes to do the job right. Cut clean, carve sharp, and never settle for tools that can’t keep up. Over the years, I’ve tried plenty—but these days, I stick with what works. That’s why I rely on router bits from ToolsToday to keep my cuts crisp, my workflow smooth, and my customers happy.

Precision Inlays: The AMS-126 5-Piece Spiral Down-Cut Bit Pack

AMS-126 Router Bit Set

If you’ve ever done wood inlays, you know the difference between “good enough” and tight as a glove comes down to your tooling. The Amana Tool AMS-126 pack has been a game changer for me when cutting detailed letters, logos, and decorative accents.

Last summer, we did a walnut and maple inlay for a local brewery’s taproom sign—logo about 42 inches across, mounted on a live edge slab. We used the 1/16" down-cut for the tight radii and a 1/4" for clearing. Not only did we avoid blowout, but the clean walls meant the epoxy took beautifully without bleed.

The brewery called the sign “the classiest thing in the building.” Not bad for a tool that fits in your palm.

Zero Point V-Groove Bits: Clean Letters, Crisp Lines, No Fuss

45° Bit | 60° Bit | 90° Bit

These three are my workhorses for V-carved signage—everything from cabin name signs to city welcome signs. And let me tell you, the Zero Point geometry on these Amana bits is no gimmick. It eliminates the “fuzzy tip” you get with cheaper bits, which means less cleanup and sharper detail.

I remember carving a cedar sign for a veterans’ memorial near Little Falls. The 60° bit cut deep enough to give bold contrast, and the fine details in the eagle emblem popped right out—clean as a whistle. I still drive by it sometimes just to admire the work (don’t judge me).

The 90° Zero Point is especially nice when I want wide, shallow lettering—like on barn signs or ADA-compliant wayfinding. It leaves a crisp valley that holds paint or gold leaf beautifully.

Built for Everyday Use—Even in a Small Shop Like Mine

My CNC doesn’t run 24/7, but it does work hard. Whether I’m cutting HDU, cedar, Corian, or ACM panels, I need bits that hold an edge and perform consistently.

I’ve tried other brands over the years—some cheaper, some that came “free” with machines—but they always let me down. Frayed edges, burning, premature dulling… Not worth it. Since switching to Amana bits from ToolsToday, I’ve noticed less rework, better edge finishes, and a lot less frustration.

One more thing I don’t take for granted: ToolsToday always has what I need, when I need it. I can count on them to keep these bits in stock, and their fast, free shipping has bailed me out more than once when I was on a deadline. For a small shop like mine, that kind of reliability matters just as much as the quality of the tools themselves.

Final Thoughts: Why It Matters

In the sign business, your reputation rides on two things: how your signs look on day one, and how they hold up over time. Using quality router bits is one of the easiest ways to ensure both.

So whether you're running a full-size shop or just a tabletop CNC in your garage, don’t skimp on the tooling. Your work deserves better. And frankly, so do you.

Thanks to ToolsToday for keeping my bit rack—and my customers—happy.