Rockler 45° Lock Miter Router Bits - 1/2'' Shank
Tight miter joints are a hallmark of fine woodworking, and this bit will cut them in spades.
Item #
GRP40073
The interlocking fingers of our Lock Miter Router Bit provide a strong mechanical locking action that makes it much easier to clamp. There is no tendency for the joint to slide out of alignment under clamping pressure, and the wedged tenons tighten up nicely for a strong corner joint. The increased long grain gluing surface also helps to strengthen the joint over a basic rabbet or butt joint. Machining parts with the Lock Miter Bit is easy—with the bit height set, one part is cut horizontally on the router table, while the corresponding part is cut vertically. The bit is ideal for joining drawer boxes, cabinet parts, and for building 4-sided columns.
Note: To make setting the cutter height easy and fool-proof (Applicable for Item 22627), use the Rockler Router Bit Set-up Jig (53817, sold separately) to center the bit on your stock.
(1) Rockler 45 Degree Lock Miter Router Bit
| Brand | Rockler |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.7000 |
| Tech Spec |
|
| Bit Type | Drawer Lock |
| Shank Size | 1/2" |
| Flutes | 2 |
4.2 / 5.0
73 Reviews
Great bit
Got this to make some 60" X 2.75" square posts for a headboard for my granddaughter. It did a great job on Ponderosa pine running around 16K rpm at a reasonable feed rate. Good edges and fit even though she wants it painted. It did even better on some ash scraps I tried. Setting it up with Rockler's setup block was a snap. Originally I was just going to use biscuits at the joints but this is a MUCH better option and it will get a lot of use in the future.
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Special project
I purchased a locking miter bit from another source then purchased Rockler's set up block. I found out after MANY attempts, the Rockler set up block can ONLY be used with a Rockler bit. I then purchased a miter bit from Rockler and with some minor adjustments was able to make the 45 degree locking miter cut and it fit nice and tight.
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Lock Miter Bit
After testing the router bit on a few wood scraps, I was able to produce a beautiful walnut box. The fit was perfect, and I like the jig for setup. For me it was much easier than making a box joint.
Walnut Pistol Box
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Ten stars
If I could give it ten stars I would. Set up correctly this makes the most perfect and incredibly strong joints you could want.
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I'm an amateur and this was EASY!!
I bought this for making drawers and other small boxes and nailed the setup using the setup jig on the first attempt. It was super easy. I'm using a Porter Cable 690 and a Bosch premade router table from a big box store (I'm in amateur but learning). I just set the depth, running the bit up until it just hit the bottom of the jig and then set my fence and it made a perfect joint on the first cut. I love it.
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Surprisingly easy to use, great results
Based on some of the comments and online videos I expected a very protracted setup. Was surprised by the ease of use. After only 2-3 test passes was producing high quality boxes in both 3/4" poplar and 1/2" maple. Tight joints, very strong. Highly recommend. One caveat - I am using a router lift and Incra micro-adjustable fence, and those gave the the ability to make very exact and minute adjustments - I'm sure this helped.
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Worked great
Bought the bit to make columns for new screen porch. Used 1/2” pvc sheet stock and made four 8”x8’ sides. Routed both edges and put the columns together. Corners were very tight and sharp. Very pleased with the results.
Set up is a little tedious. Used two test pieces and slowly tweaked it till it was right. Made a set up block for the future. Download the set up instructions. Page 2 was very helpful.
Set up is a little tedious. Used two test pieces and slowly tweaked it till it was right. Made a set up block for the future. Download the set up instructions. Page 2 was very helpful.
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45 degree miter bit
Design well and cuts very well. would recommend.
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Works like a dream
This was a bit touchy to set up but once you have it dialed in it’s just perfect. I’ll be using this bit all the time.
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Rockler lock miter bits
Excellent bit very clean-cuts. Just make sure to route in increments when doing lock miter projects.
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Start typing your question and we'll check if it was already asked and answered. Learn More
Browse 38 questions
Browse 38 questions
and 75 answers
I'm getting kickback from this bit. I'm using it to cut 1/2" oak, and even if I use a 1/4" spacer to cut in two passes, and go slow (so slow the wood burns) , I still sometimes get kickback. Any advice?
Can the bit be used on 1- 1/2 PT stock?
BEST ANSWER: Possibly if set up correctly. I used it 3/4" stock for bookcase carcasses.
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- Andrew V on Jul 27, 2015
- Purchased on Mar 3, 2015
What is each sized bit good for? I will probably be using mostly 3/4" and 1/2" plywood.
BEST ANSWER: Rockler specs: small bit 3/8 to 3/4 stock, big bit 5/8 to 1-1/8 stock
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- Donald R on Mar 6, 2019
Hi. I need to purchase a lock miter router bit. It's to cut Brazilian Walnut and Cumaru. The stock is a little over 5/8" (21/32"). Given that this thickness is in the sweet spot available to both #22627 and #91722 lock miter router bits, is there a benefit to using the smaller radius of #22627? Any further recommendations? Thanks.
I seem to be getting a lot of chip out on the vertical cuts with my lock miter bit. Up to this point I've only been using poplar. What can I do to control the amount of chip out? There is no problem with the horizontal cuts.
BEST ANSWER: You are cutting across the grain with the vertical cuts. I would setup the bit correctly as others have said and then add two 1/4" thick fence spacers to effectively push the piece out 1/2" and make a pass with a stop block to push it through and feather boards. Once you make that pass, remove one 1/4" spacer and run it again. Then remove the last spacer and run it a final time. Once you set it up you don't want to move the fence from the correct position. Slow the router down and go fairly slow. You also need to keep the piece perfectly in place.
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- Jimbo on Jun 6, 2016
Can this bit be used on plywood?
BEST ANSWER: I think there would be to much chip out. It works well with hard wood not so well with soft woods. The tenons don't hold up with with pine and poplar.
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- KENT C on Jul 20, 2015
- Purchased on Mar 17, 2015
Anybody used this #22627 (sm one) on 3/8" thick stock?
Can this bit be used to build columns and or beams?
BEST ANSWER: I have not tried that but I believe after using it for a keepsake box it is possible and had considered that. 3/4 inch material and minor adjustments for set up are the key or buy the set up blocks from Rockler. Good Luck! Let us know how it works.
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- Jim on Jun 6, 2015
- Purchased on Mar 7, 2015
What is the recommended speed setting?
BEST ANSWER: The short answer might be NO MORE THAN 18,000 RPM. The longer answer is best developed by carefully reading a web page found by searching for "router bit speeds" Now, this will take some interpretation, but, you should be able to come up with a safe working speed. I do recommend the set up jig Rockler item # 53817 as it will get you better results.
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- Bruce G on Jul 26, 2016
- Purchased on Mar 14, 2015
Can this bit (91722) be used for jointing picture frame corners?
BEST ANSWER: The bit creates a 90 degree box joint as shown. So creating a picture frame can be done with the bit, but it depends on the width of the picture frame sides. If the width exceeds the profile of the cutter, it will not work.
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- James S on May 6, 2016
- Purchased on Mar 13, 2015
Has anyone used this router bit to make a locking joint on 1/2" clear acrylic sheet? Hoping to make a clear 4 sided tower that is 8 feet tall without a framework and wondering how well it performs.
BEST ANSWER: Mike, I haven't used a Lock Miter Router Bit on acrylic sheet, but I have tried to mill a slot into acrylic sheet and it melts and even can burn to a dark brown. I probably was running at about 600 RPM. I would imagine a router spinning much faster would be worse. You might find a machine shop who could use the 45° Lock Miter bit in a mill running slower RPM and using a coolant/lubricant and get the job done, but dry is almost a sure thing to melt and gum up the bit. I would also expect a lot of chip out with it. You might try drilling some acrylic at different speeds and you can see the difference that RPM makes. I wish I had a better answer for you. If someone else does I'd love to hear it. Rockler does make the plastic setup jigs for the bits like the Lock Miter, but not with acrylic. They use HDPE which cuts much better than acrylic and has almost a lucubrating quality to it. Good luck with your project. It would be a great teaching tool for a wood class to have a clear example of how the joint goes together.
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- David G on Sep 24, 2018
- Purchased on Sep 23, 2016
Is there any way to use this bit with a fixed or plunge base? I do not have a router table.
BEST ANSWER: I don't believe I would recommend it due to the size of this bit in a handheld. A makeshift router table could be had from a hole in a Workmate top, a piece of 3/4 ply fastened to a bench, etc. This definitely require a fence to use correctly and safely though. Clamp a fence to your table securely!
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- Jim on Dec 20, 2015
- Purchased on Mar 7, 2015
How would this bit work for joining MDF?
BEST ANSWER: I have used it to wrap posts using MiraTEC witch is like an exterior MDF I don't see why it wouldn't work on MDF with a good glue.
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- mgreflex on Mar 7, 2017
- Purchased on Apr 18, 2015
Does it work with plywood?
BEST ANSWER: not sure , never tried it on plywood. Probably ok with backup to reduce splintering
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- Robert B on Jan 7, 2019
- Purchased on Jan 7, 2017
Will this bit work with 3/8" hardwood stock, endjoints?
BEST ANSWER: No, it’s designed for 3/4 stock.
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- Brian T on Sep 20, 2017
- Purchased on Sep 29, 2015
Can this be used on 1/2" thick stock?
BEST ANSWER: I completed my first drawer box using this bit on 1/2 inch stock. I had purchased a set up block only to learn that it is designed for three-quarter inch stock. To make the 1/2 inch cuts, I had to lower the bit to fit within the confines of that 1/2 inch. Once you have it set, make sure and make your own reference block for future cuts and go to town.
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- Scubadoog on Nov 20, 2017
- Purchased on Nov 17, 2017
making a box frame; how to set up an end cut on the router table,using this bit?
BEST ANSWER: There are some good videos on You Tube you can use as a reference but I would suggest the set up jig from Rockler as an indispensable tool. The Rockler site has a technical document that is well done and free for download also. Look up the bit and scroll down to the Technical document. Have fun and be safe.
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- Jim on Oct 26, 2015
- Purchased on Mar 7, 2015
Will the bit work on stock that is slightly larger or smaller than 3/4 inch?
BEST ANSWER: if you take care to place the tongue and groove of the lock mitre in the centre of the board then it will work as the rest of the cut is a straight up 45 degree. if the stock is too much larger then you might have to clean up with handplane or chisel. Not hard just fiddly. be sure that the stock is thick enough to get the tongues plus a few mm either side.
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- Rahn Y on Oct 26, 2015
- Purchased on Mar 16, 2015
think this can work with a hand router w/guide bar, and a bit of set up to hold material proper? Need to make some 3-sided box columns
BEST ANSWER: You probably can, take your time and be methodical
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- kerry p on Sep 18, 2019
- Purchased on Oct 15, 2017
Do you have to have 2 different bits to make to joint?
BEST ANSWER: No, watch video see how it’s vertical and then horizontal, look around on YouTube
Also the overview helps explain process. Does this help?
Also the overview helps explain process. Does this help?
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- Lynard B on Feb 7, 2019
- Purchased on Feb 15, 2017
how can this bit do both side?
BEST ANSWER: You run 1 piece flat to the router table and the mating piece vertical against the fence.
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- mgreflex on Mar 3, 2018
- Purchased on Mar 23, 2016
There is a glue-up technique for miters by aligning the joint edges while on the flat, then tape the corners together, firmly, and still open. Flip it over to expose the 45's and apply glue. Fold the taped joints closed and "done" -- no clamps!.
I have an 8' 4x4 column I want to wrap in that manner and my question is: There Is an angle to the tendon and the mortar as well. Is it sufficient to allow the joint to swing together in such a taped manner?
I have an 8' 4x4 column I want to wrap in that manner and my question is: There Is an angle to the tendon and the mortar as well. Is it sufficient to allow the joint to swing together in such a taped manner?
BEST ANSWER: If I'm understanding your question correctly you are intending to form a close fitting box surrounding a 4 x 4 using the lock miter for the joinery. If you mean to joint the mating surfaces of the lock miter then splaying them open to introduce the glue then taping instead of clamping. There is a risk of snapping off that little tenon but if you are very careful you might pull it off. The lock miter is a pretty good gripping joint if you cut the mating parts very well. I'm not sure why you are avoiding clamping but have your reasons. There are stretchy band type clamps available that would wrap around you four sided assembly you might look for. Another thought would be to assemble the whole thing and only glue two joints leaving one of the side dry and use clamps. when they cure you can glue and slip the remaining side in. Of course I may have your intent wrong. Seek some tension band and see if that might apply to your application.
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- MICHAEL W on May 19, 2017
- Purchased on May 24, 2015
Are the lock miter bits made in the USA?
BEST ANSWER: I don't know i buy them and put them in my bit dwar till i find time to use them, tools are something you want to have when you want them on hand, not when you needed it yesterday.
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- Dennis R on Dec 30, 2016
- Purchased on Mar 27, 2015
Will this work with 3/4 Baltic birch or Maple plywood?
BEST ANSWER: yes but don't push it go slow so it will not brake out the wood.
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- Chuck N on Aug 15, 2015
- Purchased on Mar 21, 2015
Can this (bit # 22627) be used for a butt joint to make a plank out of multiple boards? It looks like it would be perfect for thinner (1/2") material.
BEST ANSWER: No it cannot. It is made for 90-degree joints.
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- Randy on Jun 17, 2019
- Purchased on Jun 20, 2017
Will this bit work on plywood?
BEST ANSWER: It should, although you may get some splintering depending on the quality of plywood you purchase. I used mine on solid wood and on plastic deck material and it worked great. I also purchased the plastic jig for setting up the router depth and found that to be quite helpful.
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- Thomas C H on Mar 27, 2019
- Purchased on Apr 5, 2017
Which bit do I purchase for 3/4" material?
Can you make a completely enclosed (six sided) box with this bit?
BEST ANSWER: I haven’t tried that, but it is a bit for 4 corners being as it’s a 45 degree but. Thanks
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- Brian on Jun 20, 2018
- Purchased on Jun 14, 2016
I was sent a router template that pertains to rpm. I created a router table using a conventional hand router. The highest speed setting is 3200 rpm. I bought this larger 45 degree 1/2 to use because I’m using a 1” board thickness. Can I use this larger bit, do I have enough rpm for it?
I will be using this bit on 3/4 red oak. I understand that the pieces wood to be joined are routed vertically and horizontally. Is this bit designed to rout the wood in a single pass or multiple shallow passes?
BEST ANSWER: I use multiple passes when I use this bit, but I really like the joints it makes. They are nice tight and square, it does take some time to get the height setup right. I made a template out of a teflon block to speed the setup time.
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- Tim B on Apr 30, 2018
- Purchased on Apr 30, 2016
WARNING: Cancer & Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.govWARNING: Drilling, sawing, sanding or machining wood products can expose you to wood dust, a substance known to the State of California to cause cancer. Avoid inhaling wood dust or use a dust mask or other safeguards for personal protection. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/wood.
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