What are scribe and profile cutters?

Scribe and profile router cutters are tools that shape the edges of two pieces of material so that they fit together perfectly. This is necessary when making frames, usually for windows or doors, but also for things like pictures, mirrors or even cabinet doors.

Which is the scriber and which is the profiler?

Scribers are the tools that cut shaped grooves or recesses. They tend to widen towards the tip. Profilers shape material to fit into the groove or recess that is created by a scriber. They tend to widen towards the shank.

Design

Flutes

Most scribe and profile router cutters have two flutes and so should produce a reasonably clean finish in materials.

Bottom cut

Scribe and profile cutters cannot plunge cut, as they are only designed for edging work.

Guides

Scribe cutters have bearing guides mounted on their shanks. Profile cutters have bearing guides mounted on their tips.

Applications

Scribers and profilers, when used as a pair, are most often used for specific jointing applications such as the creation of decorative door, window or picture frames, or skirting boards.

It's very rare that a scriber would be used on its own for decorative purposes. However, many of the profilers used are popular shapes such as ogee or ovolo, and could be used in the same way as those specific router cutters. 

Ranges

Sribe and profile router cutters are available in the following Trend ranges:

• Professional TCT router cutters - Ovolo jointers and scribers and Profile Scriber Sets

• CraftPro router cutters