Freud 12-130 1/2-Inch Double Flute Straight Router Bit (Eclipse Grind) is a carbide-tipped straight router bit built for clean grooving, edge-routing, and general stock removal. This is a straight router bit designed for grooving, edge-routing, and general-purpose routing in wood and composite sheet goods. Model Number: 12-130. If you want a bit that can cut cleanly in common shop materials without stepping up to a specialty profile, this is the kind of bit that earns its drawer space.

The cutting geometry is what matters here. Freud uses a double flute design with precise hook and shear angles, which helps the bit pull through material efficiently while leaving a smoother wall and bottom in the cut. In practical terms, that means less cleanup after routing dados, grooves, and straight-edge work in hardwood, softwood, plywood, MDF, OSB, particle board, and other composite materials.

The relieved end geometry is another useful detail. Freud calls out tip relief for efficient plunge cuts, and that is a real advantage when you need to start inside the workpiece rather than entering from an edge. For cabinet parts, panel work, and pattern-based routing, that makes setup easier and helps the bit get to work quickly instead of fighting the material at entry.

This bit uses a 1/2 inch cutting diameter, a 1/2 inch shank, a 2-1/2 inch carbide height, and a 4-3/8 inch overall length. That combination makes it a solid choice for deeper straight cuts where extra reach matters, while the larger shank gives you better stability than a smaller-shank alternative. On the router table or in a CNC setup, that added rigidity is a big part of getting cleaner results.

Freud also builds this bit with Tico Hi-Density Carbide, which is one of the reasons the brand has a strong reputation with serious woodworkers. Carbide quality matters on a straight bit because it affects edge life, cut quality, and how long the bit stays productive when you are working through abrasive sheet goods and composites. The max RPM is 24,000, so it is ready for modern router speeds when used correctly.

As far as platform use goes, this bit is made for broad router compatibility. Freud specifies use in CNC routers, hand-held routers, and table-mounted routers. The key fit detail is the 1/2 inch shank, so your router or collet needs to accept that size. There is no bearing on this bit, which is exactly what you want for guided fence work, edge guides, templates, and controlled straight routing rather than bearing-following profile cuts.

Who should buy it? This one makes sense for woodworkers, cabinet builders, remodelers, and serious DIY users who need a dependable straight bit for repeatable clean cuts across a wide range of materials. If your work includes dados, grooves, edge clean-up, slotting, or general-purpose routing in sheet goods and solid stock, the Freud 12-130 hits that sweet spot between versatility, stability, and finish quality.

Freud 12-130 1/2-Inch Double Flute Straight Router Bit Gets the Everyday Work Done Right

This is a smart buy if you want one solid straight bit for clean grooves, edge work, and general routing without messing around with a specialty profile every time.

• Who it's for: Woodworkers, cabinet builders, remodelers, and serious DIY users working in hardwood, plywood, MDF, and other sheet goods.
• Why it stands out: The long carbide height, 1/2 inch shank, and plunge-friendly relief make it more useful than a basic short straight bit, especially in router tables and CNC setups.
• Worth knowing: This is a non-bearing straight bit, so plan to use a fence, guide, template setup, or CNC control. Also make sure your router has a 1/2 inch collet.

• What type of tool is this? This is a straight router bit designed for grooving, edge-routing, and general-purpose routing.
• What routers can use this bit? It is designed for CNC, hand-held, and table-mounted routers that accept a 1/2 inch shank bit.
• What materials can it cut? Freud lists solid wood, plywood, composites, hardwood, softwood, MDF, OSB, particle board, laminate, cellular PVC, and composite decking among the suitable materials.
• What is the maximum speed rating? The max RPM is 24,000.
• Does this bit include a bearing? No. This is a non-bearing straight bit.