TCT vs Solid Carbide Router Bits: Which Should You Use?
Posted by Adam Malec on 5th Nov 2026
Router bits come in two constructions. Solid carbide bits are ground from one piece of carbide. TCT (tungsten carbide tipped) bits have carbide edges brazed onto a steel body. Neither is better in general. They suit different machines, sizes and jobs, and choosing the right one saves money and broken bits. Our ARDEN range is TCT, and our CNC router bits and end mills are solid carbide.
Solid carbide: small, stiff and spiral
- Small diameters. From 0.5mm upwards. A brazed tip can't be made that small.
- Spiral geometry. Up cut, down cut and compression flutes are ground into the body, which gives chip control and edge quality TCT straight flutes can't match.
- Stiffness. Carbide is much stiffer than steel, so a solid bit deflects less and holds size better in deep cuts.
- Every material. Wood, plastics, aluminium, composites and, with the right coating, steel.
Examples: up cut, compression, DLC for aluminium and the XB industrial range.
TCT: large, profiled and economical
- Large diameters and profiles. Round overs, coves, chamfers, flush trims, surfacing bits and V groove bits up to 80mm, where solid carbide would be very expensive.
- Bearings. Edge-following bits with a guide bearing for hand routers and router tables.
- Cost. Less carbide means a lower price, especially in big sizes.
- Built for speed. ARDEN TCT straights and compressions are industrial bits. Run them fast, because going slow builds heat and shortens tool life.
Examples: ARDEN 2 flute TCT straight, 3 flute chip breaker, TCT compression, round over and surfacing bit.
Which one for your job?
| Job | Choose |
|---|---|
| Cutting parts under 6mm diameter | Solid carbide |
| Clean faces on ply and melamine | Solid carbide compression (or TCT compression on a powerful machine) |
| Plastics, aluminium, composites | Solid carbide |
| Edge profiles: round over, cove, chamfer | TCT (ARDEN) |
| Hand router or router table work | TCT with bearing |
| Spoilboard and slab surfacing | TCT surfacing bit or insert cutter |
| Deep V-carving and large lettering | TCT V groove or insert V bit |
| Straight cutting timber fast on a big router | TCT straight or chip breaker |
Adam's Tip
On a light hobby machine, choose solid carbide for cutting and save TCT for profiles and surfacing. TCT straights and compressions want high feed rates to keep the chip load up, and a small machine often can't reach them, so the bit rubs and overheats. On a production router the reverse is often true, and TCT gives the lowest cost per metre.
Frequently asked questions
What does TCT mean on a router bit?
Tungsten carbide tipped: carbide cutting edges brazed onto a steel body. It's an economical way to make large and profiled bits.
Is solid carbide better than TCT?
For small diameters, spiral flutes and plastics or metals, yes. For large diameters, edge profiles and bearing-guided bits, TCT is the practical and economical choice.
Can I use TCT router bits in a CNC?
Yes. ARDEN TCT bits are made for CNC and hand routers. Run them at high RPM with enough feed to keep the chip load up, or they'll overheat.
Are ARDEN and HERO router bits the same?
Yes. They come from the same company, and only the colour and name differ. We'll supply either until the HERO stock runs out.