Finger Pull Router Bit Buying Guide: Whiteside 6046 vs 6026
By Premium CNC & Router Bits for Precision Cutting | Published: 2026-10-23
Category: Buying Guides
Compare Whiteside 6046 and 6026 finger pull router bits: edge profiles, drawer groove cutting, and which suits your project. Get clear trade-offs and fit guidance.
Quick Answer
Choose the Whiteside 6046 for a rounded finger edge on drawer or door fronts, especially when you want template-following flexibility. Choose the Whiteside 6026 when you need a hidden groove across the bottom of a desk drawer for finger pulls.
What Each Bit Does Differently
The Whiteside 6046 and Whiteside 6026 are both finger pull router bits, but they create different features. The 6046 is designed to cut a rounded finger edge on the front of drawers or doors, giving you a comfortable grip along the edge. The 6026 cuts a groove across the bottom of a desk drawer, providing a hidden place for fingers to pull the drawer open.
Because they serve different purposes, your choice depends on the style of pull you want and how the drawer or door is constructed.
Key Trade-Off: Edge Profile vs. Bottom Groove
The 6046 creates a visible rounded edge that becomes the finger pull. This works well on drawer fronts and door edges where you want a clean, modern look without adding hardware. The 6026 cuts a groove on the underside of the drawer, so the pull is hidden and the front face stays flat.
If you're building a desk drawer and want a minimalist front, the 6026 is the right choice. If you're making cabinet doors or drawer fronts and want a tactile edge, the 6046 is more suitable.
Decision Trade-Offs
- If you want a visible rounded edge: Go with the Whiteside 6046. It cuts a rounded finger edge on the front of drawers or doors, giving a clean, hardware-free look. Use it with a router fence for straight edges, or add a bearing for template work. Check if your router fence is compatible with the 1-7/16-inch diameter bit.
- If you want a hidden pull groove: Go with the Whiteside 6026. It cuts a groove across the bottom of a desk drawer, so the front stays flat and the pull is hidden underneath. This is ideal for minimalist or modern desk designs. Ensure your drawer bottom thickness allows for the 13/16-inch cut length without weakening the structure.
- If you need template-following capability: The 6046 is the better choice because it can be used with a shank-mounted bearing to follow a template or straight edge. The 6026 is designed for a fixed groove position and does not offer the same template flexibility. If template work is a priority, confirm the bearing and lock collar are available for the 6046.
Product Facts
- Drawer Edge Finger Pull Router Bit – Whiteside 6046: Originally designed to cut the front edge of window sills, this bit is also popular for making a rounded finger edge on drawer and door edges. It can be used with a router fence or with a shank-mounted bearing for following a straight edge or template. This versatility means you can use it for both straight edges and template work, making it adaptable to different projects.
Drawer Edge Finger Pull Router Bit – Whiteside 6046 - European Style Drawer Pull Router Bit – Whiteside 6026: This bit cuts a European-style groove across the bottom of a desk drawer, providing a place for fingers to pull the drawer open. It has a 1/2-inch shank, 1/4-inch large radius, 1-1/2-inch large diameter, and 13/16-inch cut length. The specific dimensions are designed for a comfortable grip and clean cut, and the 1/2-inch shank offers stability in most routers.
European Style Drawer Pull Router Bit – Whiteside 6026
Which Bit Should You Choose?
Best for
- Whiteside 6046: Cabinet makers who want a visible rounded finger edge on drawer fronts or door edges, and who may need template-following capability.
- Whiteside 6026: Desk builders and furniture makers who want a hidden finger pull groove on the underside of drawers for a clean, flat front.
Not for
- Whiteside 6046: Projects that require a hidden pull groove to keep the front face completely flat.
- Whiteside 6026: Applications where a visible edge profile is desired, or where template-following is required.
