Freud 89-660: 3-Piece Undersized Plywood Bit Set (1/4" Shank) – Precision Plywood Joinery

Overview

Freud 89-660 is a compact 3-piece set engineered for plywood joinery, delivering precise grooves and dados with a 1/4" shank. The undersized bits are designed to match the true thickness of common plywood, helping you achieve tight, near-perfect joints in shelving, bookcases, cabinets, and more.

Key features include a down-shear design on the 23/32" bit to minimize edge tear-out, a TiCo Hi-Density Carbide edge for longer life when routing plywood with high glue content, and a Non-Stick Perma Shield coating to limit heat buildup and pitch adhesion during routing.

Design and materials

Freud uses TiCo carbide for edge retention and a protective Perma Shield coating to reduce heat and buildup. The down-shear geometry guides chips away from the surface, helping maintain clean cuts across plywood panels.

What’s in the set

• Three bits: 04-111, 16-098, 16-103; all with 1/4" shanks
• Includes Freud's wooden shadowbox case with a bit mount for safe storage
• Bits sized to match true plywood thickness of 1/4", 1/2", and 3/4"

Performance and versatility

• Rout hardwood, softwood, plywood, and composites with handheld or table-mounted routers
• Down-shear geometry reduces splintering on plywood edges
• Coatings protect against heat and pitch buildup to preserve edge life

Real-world uses

Ideal for shelving, bookcases, and cabinet construction where tight dadoes and grooves improve alignment. The undersized bits align with common plywood thickness, supporting clean lines and sturdy joints across panels.

Tips for best results

• Use appropriate feed rate and steady passes for your router and panel thickness
• Start with partial-depth passes to minimize tear-out
• Regularly inspect the bit edge and clean with a soft brush

Care and compatibility

Designed for use with handheld and table-mounted routers, store all bits in the included shadowbox case to protect tips and mounts.