Description:

Key Features

Clean Decorative Profile The Freud 38-302: 1-5/32" (Dia.) Cove & Bead Bit with 1/4" Shank is built to cut a classic cove-and-bead edge for furniture, cabinets, plaques, and millwork. That means you can add a finished profile in one pass instead of piecing together the look with multiple bits. Fits 1/4 Inch Routers The 1/4 inch shank makes this router bit a practical choice for many handheld routers and router tables that accept 1/4 inch accessories. It is an easy fit for trim work, edge work, and smaller profile routing where a full-size shank is not required. Works Across Materials Freud rates this bit for hardwood, softwood, plywood, and composition materials. That gives you one edge-forming bit you can keep in rotation whether you are building painted trim, hardwood parts, or veneered panels.

Overview

Freud 38-302: 1-5/32" (Dia.) Cove & Bead Bit with 1/4" Shank is a decorative edge router bit for adding a classic molded profile to woodworking projects. This is a router bit designed for decorative edge treatment on cabinets, furniture, plaques, and millwork. Model 38-302 uses a 1/4 inch shank, a 1-5/32 inch overall diameter, and a 3/8 inch bearing to guide consistent edge shaping on the workpiece.

Where this bit earns its spot is in profile work that needs to look finished without looking overdone. The cove-and-bead shape gives you a traditional furniture and trim detail that works well on face frames, shelf edges, plaque borders, and custom molding runs. If you are trying to build your own trim instead of buying it by the foot, this is the kind of profile bit that can make that move worth it.

Freud lists this bit for use in hardwood, softwood, plywood, and composition materials, so it is not limited to one type of stock. That matters in a real shop because decorative edge work often jumps between solid wood parts, veneered panels, and paint-grade material. The 18,000 RPM maximum gives you a clear operating ceiling, which is important on larger-diameter profile bits where speed control affects cut quality and edge burn.

The geometry is built around a 1/8 inch large radius, 7/32 inch minor height, and 5/8 inch carbide height, which tells you this is not a tiny detail bit. It is sized to leave a visible profile that reads well on finished pieces. The 2-3/16 inch overall length provides enough body for stable routing, while the bearing-guided design helps follow the edge cleanly without needing a fence for many standard edge-forming passes.

Freud also calls out its Perma-SHIELD coating. On the job and in the shop, coatings like this matter because resin buildup and heat are what turn a good cut into a cleanup job. Less pitch sticking to the bit means easier maintenance and a better chance of keeping the profile cutting clean over time, especially when you are running plywood, composites, or resin-heavy woods.

Compatibility is straightforward. This bit is made for routers that accept a 1/4 inch shank and Freud states it can be used in both hand-held and table-mounted routers. That gives you flexibility. Run it handheld for edge details on installed or awkward workpieces, or move to a router table when you want better control on smaller parts and repeated runs.

This router bit makes the most sense for woodworkers, finish carpenters, cabinet installers, and serious DIY users who want to make their own decorative edges instead of settling for square stock. If your work leans toward custom trim, furniture details, or dressing up shelves and panels, this is a useful profile to have on hand. If you mainly break edges or round corners, it is more specialty than necessity. But if you want a classic molded edge from one bearing-guided bit, it is right in the lane.

Built for Decorative Edge Work

This profile is made for adding a finished, molded look to straight edges without stacking multiple operations. For cabinet parts, plaques, and furniture details, that saves setup time and gives you a repeatable result.

• 1-5/32 inch overall diameter for a noticeable decorative profile
• 1/8 inch large radius and 3/8 inch bearing for guided edge forming

Run It Handheld or in a Router Table

Freud rates this bit for both hand-held and table-mounted routers, so you can match the setup to the part. Handheld routing is useful for longer edges and installed work, while a table setup gives you better control on smaller parts and repetitive runs.

• 1/4 inch shank fits routers designed for 1/4 inch accessories
• Bearing-guided design helps simplify edge-following cuts

Handles Common Woodworking Materials

This bit is rated for hardwood, softwood, plywood, and composition materials, which is a big deal if your projects mix solid stock with sheet goods. One bit can cover trim details on paint-grade parts, cabinet panels, and hardwood furniture components.

• Rated for hardwood, softwood, plywood, and composition materials
• Perma-SHIELD coating helps reduce heat and buildup during repeated cuts

What's in the Box

• (1) Freud 38-302 Cove & Bead Router Bit

Key Specifications

Compatibility

Router Collet Fits routers that accept 1/4 inch shank bits. Router Type Designed for use on hand-held and table-mounted routers.

Built For

Woodworking Cabinetry Furniture Making Millwork Decorative Edge Routing Plaques and Trim

Pro Tip

On a profile bit this size, stay under the 18,000 RPM max and make a test pass in scrap first, especially on veneered plywood. You will dial in feed rate and reveal exactly how bold the finished cove-and-bead edge will look before touching the real part.

Warranty & Support

Freud Limited Tooling Warranty. Contact Freud customer service for details at 800-334-4107.

Tool Nut's Take

Tool Nut's Take

Freud 38-302 Cove & Bead Bit for Classic Edge Detail

The Freud 38-302: 1-5/32" (Dia.) Cove & Bead Bit with 1/4" Shank is a smart buy if you want one bit that can put a real furniture-style edge on wood parts without getting overly fussy.

• Who it's for: Woodworkers, trim guys, and cabinet builders making decorative edges on furniture parts, shelving, plaques, and custom molding.
• Why it stands out: It gives you a classic cove-and-bead profile, works in handheld or table-mounted routers, and is rated for hardwood, softwood, plywood, and composition materials.
• Worth knowing: This is a profile bit, not an all-purpose edge breaker. If you only need a quick soften-the-corner pass, it is more detail than you need. If you want visible trim character, it is right on target.

Common Questions

• What type of tool is this? This is a decorative edge router bit used to cut a cove-and-bead profile on wood and sheet goods.
• What routers will it fit? It fits routers that accept 1/4 inch shank bits, and Freud states it can be used in hand-held and table-mounted routers.
• What materials can it cut? Freud lists hardwood, softwood, plywood, and composition materials.
• What is the maximum operating speed? The maximum rated speed is 18,000 RPM.