Selecting the cheapest granite router bit and hoping it lasts isn’t the same as picking up some snacks at the gas station. As you know, granite is super hard. If you choose the wrong one, you’ll be back at the store before your countertop edge is even halfway finished because it chews up inexpensive pieces like candy.
Therefore, before finalizing any Granite Router Bits, you should consider the following factors for making the best decision.
1. Bit Material – Diamond Is the Bare Minimum
Granite laughs at steel and chews through carbide. If the bit doesn’t have industrial-grade diamonds, don’t even bother. Router bit for granite are the only kind that’ll actually cut granite cleanly without burning up in 30 seconds. Look for vacuum brazed or sintered diamond bits—these last longer and cut smoother.
Pro tip: Vacuum-brazed bits are great for speed and dry cutting; sintered ones shine when precision and long life matter.
2. Dry vs. Wet Cutting – Know Your Setup
Not all bits are made equal when it comes to cooling. If you’re using a wet router, you need a bit that can handle water—no rust-prone junk. Dry cutting? Then you’ll want something with heat-resistant bonding, or you’ll see your bit glowing like it’s part of a fireworks show.
Choose based on your machine setup. Wet cuts reduce dust and extend life. Dry cuts are faster and simpler, especially for quick touch-ups on-site.
3. Shank Size – It Must Fit (Literally)
It’s obvious, but believe me, this is easy to get wrong. Your router’s collet size and the bit’s shank size need to match—no exceptions. You don’t want to be the person grinding down a bit to make it fit. It’s dangerous, and it damages your equipment.
Standard shank sizes are ½ inch or ¾ inch, but always verify.
4. Bit Design – Learn Your Edge Style
Granite comes not only in flat slabs. We are talking about different stuff, like bevels, ogees, bullnoses and that fancy power stuff. So, match the shape of the router bit to the profile you want to create on your edge. Don’t fiddle and try to “make it work” with some random bit — it won’t.
If you’re working on kitchen counters, bullnose and ogee are trendy. A straight or bevel bit is fine for a simple trim.
5. Speed Rating – Don’t Over-rotate the Thing
Do not exceed the maximum RPM of a granite router bit, because you will surely regret it. Most granite bits are designed for slower RPMs than wood bits — like in the 4,000-to-10,000 RPM range. Your router has to be variable-speed, or you’re asking for cracks and burnt edges. Seriously—speed matters.
6. Bit Life – You Get What You Pay For
Yes, budget matters. But if you’re buying a $10 bit to cut a $2,000 granite slab, you’re setting yourself up for pain. Cheap bits wear down fast, especially on hard materials like granite.
Look at user reviews and lifespan claims. Some good-quality bits can go through 20+ linear feet of granite without blinking. Others? They’ll die halfway through a sink cutout.
7. Brand Reputation – Don’t Gamble Blind
There are a few names that come up over and over—like Amigo, Alpha Tools, or Stadea—and it’s not by accident. They’ve earned their rep by not selling junk. If you’re buying from a mystery brand with no reviews and a blurry photo, just don’t.
Stick with suppliers that actually know stonework. You’ll save more in the long run.
Wrapping It Up: Don’t Let a Bit Wreck Your Project
Granite’s not soft. You’re not shaping foam here, so you need to put more effort in order to achieve your desired tasks. If you’re cutting corners on the bit, the slab will let you know, usually with sparks, chipped edges, or a bit that gives up halfway through. So take a few minutes, consider these factors, and buy smart the first time.