Quick answer
For a classic raised-panel look in MDF, pair a straight stile bit with a straight panel bit. If you want a decorative bead detail on the stile, choose a bead stile bit instead. For a softer, concave panel profile, go with a cove panel bit.
Profile differences and design impact
The stile bit creates the vertical frame profile. A straight stile bit produces a clean, flat reveal, while a bead stile bit adds a rounded bead along the edge for a more traditional or decorative look.
The panel bit shapes the raised center. A straight panel bit gives a crisp, square-edged raised panel. A cove panel bit creates a concave sweep, offering a softer, more elegant transition.
Both stile and panel bits can be mixed and matched—Whiteside designs them to work together. For example, a bead stile bit paired with a cove panel bit yields a distinctly different look than a straight stile with a straight panel.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Straight stile vs bead stile: Straight stile (Whiteside 5645) gives a clean, flat frame ideal for modern or minimalist doors. Bead stile (Whiteside 5610) adds a decorative rounded bead but reduces the flat gluing surface slightly. Choose bead stile only if the decorative bead is essential to your design.
- Straight panel vs cove panel: Straight panel (Whiteside 5720) creates a sharp, square raised panel—best for shaker or contemporary styles. Cove panel (Whiteside 5710) produces a concave curve, offering a softer, more traditional look. Match the panel profile to the overall door style, not just personal preference.
- Single-pass vs multi-pass routing: All four bits are designed for single-pass profiling on a CNC or router table, saving time. However, the larger diameter cove and straight panel bits (1-1/2") require a more powerful router to avoid bogging down. Check your router’s horsepower before choosing a large-diameter panel bit.
Product facts
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Straight Stile Profile MDF Door Bit – Whiteside (5645): 1/2" shank, 1-1/4" large diameter, 2-1/2" overall length. Designed for CNC or router use. Its larger diameter cuts a wide, flat profile in one pass, making it ideal for clean, modern stile designs.
Straight Stile Profile MDF Door Bit – Whiteside (5645)
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Bead Stile Profile MDF Door Bit – AstraHP Coated – Whiteside (5610): AstraHP coated, 1/2" shank, 7/8" large diameter, 2-1/2" overall length. Designed for CNC or router use. The coating reduces heat and friction when cutting MDF, and the bead profile adds a decorative edge without a separate routing step.
Bead Stile Profile MDF Door Bit – AstraHP Coated – Whiteside (5610)
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Cove Panel Profile MDF Door Bit – Whiteside (5710): 1/2" shank, 1-1/2" large diameter, 2-1/2" overall length. Designed for CNC or router use. The larger diameter creates a deep, concave panel profile in one pass, giving doors a softer, more traditional appearance.
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Straight Panel Profile MDF Door Bit – Whiteside (5720): 1/2" shank, 1-1/2" large diameter, 2-1/2" overall length. Designed for CNC or router use. Its flat, wide profile produces a crisp raised panel that pairs naturally with a straight stile bit for a classic shaker-style door.
Which bit profile is right for you?
Best for
- Straight stile + straight panel: Shaker, modern, or minimalist cabinet doors where clean lines matter.
- Bead stile + cove panel: Traditional or farmhouse-style doors that benefit from decorative detail and soft curves.
Not ideal for
- Ultra-detailed multi-step profiles that require more than one router bit per edge (these bits cut in one pass).
- Solid wood doors where wood movement may cause issues with wide panel profiles (MDF is dimensionally stable).
