A router is a power tool that uses a flat base and a rotating blade to cut on a wood edge. It can be hand-held or fixed on a router table.
A router is used for a wide range of applications in woodworking, from edge profiling to routing dadoes and rabbets. Its versatility makes it a jack-of-all-trades tool.
Variable speed
When using a router, it’s important to set the speed properly. Too high or too low and your cut quality will suffer.
Variable-speed motors allow you to adjust the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the cutter head to fit your project’s cutting diameter. For example, you might need to slow the bit down when routing through a 1”-diameter cutter or a 3-1/2” cutter in a trap cut such as a dovetail.
Generally speaking, the slower the bit speeds, the less burn you’ll have. But, keep in mind that different species of wood have different density.
If you have trouble getting the right bit speed, try making practice cuts in scrap stock. That way, you can get the feel of your tool before you start work on a live project.
Plunge or fixed base
The plunge or fixed base of a router woodworking machine is an important part of the tool. It makes it possible to create a wide range of cuts.
Typically, a plunge router is used for through cuts, deep grooves and mortises, as well as pattern and template work. It can also be used to cut rabbets and dadoes, making it an ideal general-purpose router.
A fixed-base router, on the other hand, is a simpler option for beginners. It can be used for a wide range of shaping and edging jobs, but it can be more difficult to adjust to the desired depth, so new users may find it less convenient than a plunge router.
Both fixed-base and plunge routers have their advantages, but the right tool depends on the specific needs of a project. When choosing your new router, it’s important to consider the type of woodworking you want to do and your skills.
Interchangeable base
A router is an essential woodworking tool that performs a wide range of functions. Choosing the right one is essential to getting a job done quickly and efficiently, but there are several factors that must be considered before purchasing a router.
Handles, for example, are important to comfort when using a router. They provide a secure grip to control the router and prevent it from spinning away from your hands while you’re working.
The handles are also available in a variety of shapes, sizes and positions. Plunge router handles, for example, are typically higher than fixed-base ones to provide proper leverage for cutting deeper grooves in your wood pieces.
Both plunge and fixed base routers feature a height-adjustment mechanism that allows the motor to move vertically during the cut, and most offer variable speed settings for more versatility. Both designs offer power and precision for routing grooves, dadoes, rabbets and dovetails.
Safety
Routers are powerful power tools that can make a wide array of cuts, grooves and joints. They can also be used for a variety of decorative edges.
Because routers produce a lot of noise and dust, they need to be handled with proper safety measures. This includes wearing eye-, ear- and dust-protection when routing.
Always use a quality bit and check its shank strength, cutting length, cutting diameter and sharpness. A dull bit may burn, bog down or cause backlash and should be replaced immediately.
When using a router, it’s important to make several shallow passes instead of one deep pass. This will protect you, your project and your router.
Clamping a workpiece securely to your bench or table is the best way to keep it from shifting during routing (unless it’s a large cabinet or furniture piece that can stay put on its own). Placing a friction mat atop your bench or table before clamping will help prevent wood from slipping out of place while you’re routing it.
