Amana adds a new line of router bits

Amana Tool has introduced a line of solid surface router bits - including roundover, ogee and bevel profiles - designed for undermount bowl and sink applications involving solid-surface countertops. The two-flute, carbide-tipped bits contain an Ultra-Guide high-performance ball-bearing guide assembly, which enables fabricators to craft decorative and finished countertop edges in a variety of sink and bowl installations.

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"If you go to a cabinet shop, they'll turn the countertop upside-down and glue the sink to the countertop and they'll drill a hole," explained Frank Misiti, technical director for Amana Tools. "When the glue sets, it's done. They undo the clamps, flip it over ... then take the roundover bit or a bevel bit and they'll go right to the edge and the sink acts as a template. You just go 'round until it is flush or gives you a little profile."

The bearings on these bits are steel surrounded by a plastic Delryn coating so it doesn't mar or scratch the bowl.

Two of the undermount bit profiles, roundover and ogee, are designed for trimming and profiling the countertop edges after the bowl is mounted. The bevel profile bit is designed for trimming the sink cutout flush with an installed undermount bowl or for use with a template to create a sink cutout for a bevel-mount bowl.

All of the bits can be used in undermount applications for a variety of sinks and bowls, including Corian items 802S, 804S, 805S, 809S and 871S.

The roundover (item No. 57128, $107.70) and ogee (item No. 57124, $109.05) profiles are designed for use with countertops up to 1/2" thick. The bevel profile router bit (item No. 57122, $99.11) can be used in bevel mount applications of Corian sink and bowl parts 804A, 805A, 830A, 852LA, 852RA and 845RA in addition to those previously listed.

Amana Tool's complete line of more than 30 solid surface router bits are recommended by Wilsonart International for use on a wide range of solid-surface materials.

Contact: Amana Tool, 120 Carolyn Blvd., Farmingdale, NY 11735. Tel: 800-445-0077. www.amanatool.com

This article originally appeared in the April 2010 issue.