SKU: 17-550

Infinity Tools 1/2" Shank 17th Century Router Bit, Surbase Molding

Regular price $74.90

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Cap molding for chair rails, wainscoting and pedestals.

A surbase is the molding that caps the top of a paneled dado or pedestal, much like a chair rail. Use this bit for chair rails, wainscot caps and the upper moldings on case furniture.

It's part of our 17th Century Profile series, based on the moldings found on late-1600s British furniture, so it pairs naturally with the other bits in the series when you're building or restoring period pieces.

Specifications: 1/2" shank | Cutter diameter 2-1/4" | Cutting height 1-5/16" | Overall length 3-1/4" | Profile: 17th Century surbase molding

Tip: At 2-1/4" in diameter, this bit should be used in a router table with a variable-speed router turned down to a lower speed. See the Router Bit Suggested RPM & Safety Guidelines on the Documents tab.

This bit is also included in the Infinity Tools 1/2" Shank 11-Pc. 17th Century Profile Router Bit Set (00-175).


17th-Century Router Bits

This exclusive, one-of-a-kind router bit set takes its inspiration from William & Mary, Queen Ann, and Georgian furniture. Certainly some of the most iconic furniture ever made came from these periods and remain relevant today.

Bits are available individually or in our exclusive 11-Piece Profile Set (Item 00-175).


17th Century Router Bits from Infinity Cutting Tools can create a wide variety of classic trim and molding details for your furniture projects.
17th Century Router Bits from Infinity Cutting Tools can create a wide variety of classic trim and molding details for your furniture projects.

Lots of woodworkers ask if there are any router bit sets they should add to their collection once they have the basic roundover, cove, chamfer, and straight bits covered.

If you like to build furniture and boxes in classic 17th-Century styles I would recommend the Infinity 17th-Century Router Bit Collection.

This 11-piece router bit set includes profiles taken directly from antiques from some of the most iconic periods of British furniture.

If you're like me, the term "17th-century furniture" doesn't conjure up any specific images in my mind. If you break down this time frame into design periods this router bit set takes its inspiration from William & Mary, Queen Ann, and Georgian furniture.

Certainly, some of the most iconic furniture ever made came from these periods and remain relevant today.

Individual moldings can be combined and stacked to create eye-catching complex profiles to projects. This profile was made with 17-520 (top), 17-555 (center), and 17-510 (bottom).
Individual moldings can be combined and stacked to create eye-catching complex profiles to projects.

This profile was made with 17-520 (top), 17-555 (center), and 17-510 (bottom).

These router bits replicate old molding profiles and, as such, are perfectly suited for standalone use. However, with a little creativity, you can stack profiles to create complex molding profiles, as shown above.

These eleven profiles make it very easy to add these classic details to both large and small furniture alike. Everything from large ogee details for the crown and skirt on large chests of drawers, thin drawer division bars with double bead details, or even a final touch to the base of a jewelry box, this set will open up a world of possibilities for your woodworking projects.

We've shown the bits and the profiles they create below.

Individual moldings can be combined and stacked to create eye-catching complex profiles to projects. This profile was made with 17-520 (top), 17-555 (center), and 17-510 (bottom).
Individual moldings can be combined and stacked to create eye-catching complex profiles to projects. This profile was made with 17-520 (top), 17-555 (center), and 17-510 (bottom).
Individual moldings can be combined and stacked to create eye-catching complex profiles to projects. This profile was made with 17-520 (top), 17-555 (center), and 17-510 (bottom).
Individual moldings can be combined and stacked to create eye-catching complex profiles to projects. This profile was made with 17-520 (top), 17-555 (center), and 17-510 (bottom).
Individual moldings can be combined and stacked to create eye-catching complex profiles to projects. This profile was made with 17-520 (top), 17-555 (center), and 17-510 (bottom).
Individual moldings can be combined and stacked to create eye-catching complex profiles to projects. This profile was made with 17-520 (top), 17-555 (center), and 17-510 (bottom).
Infinity Tools 1/2" Shank 11-Pc. 17th Century Profile Router Bit Set

Available individually, or in our money-saving set pictured above, feel free to put your creativity to work to recreate, or create amazing moldings.


The Infinity Cutting Tools Difference

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Frequently Asked Questions

What shank size does this surbase molding bit use?

It has a 1/2" shank and requires a router with a 1/2" collet, which is recommended given the bit's large cutter.

How big is the cutter on this bit?

The cutter diameter is 2-1/4" with a cutter height of 1-5/16", and the overall length is 3-1/4".

What is a surbase molding bit used for?

It produces a large, bold molding profile suited to furniture, casework, and architectural trim. Explore more carbide router bits.

Which profile letter is this bit?

This is the letter J bit in the 17th Century range, designated as a surbase molding bit.

Can I use this large bit handheld?

Because of its 2-1/4" diameter, it should always be used in a router table and never handheld, for both control and safety.

Should I take the cut in one pass?

No. With a cutter this large, take the profile in multiple lighter passes for the cleanest result and to avoid overloading the router.

What historical style does this profile reflect?

It reflects late-17th-century British furniture moldings made famous by makers like Garret Johnson and Grinling Gibbons, with roots in classical Greek and Roman forms.

Who makes this router bit?

It is made by Infinity Cutting Tools as part of their 17th Century router bit profiles.

Are matching 17th Century profiles available?

Yes. Infinity Tools offers 17th Century router bits in an array of elegant profiles. Browse router bit sets to coordinate your moldings.

What is the overall length of this bit?

The overall length (O.A.L.) is 3-1/4".