If you’re looking to make a woodworking project at home, a router saw will come in handy. There are three basic types: spindle, plunge, and fixed base. Knowing which one to buy is the first step in getting the most from your tool. Using the proper blade will prolong the life of your router.
Using a router to cut
If you’ve ever wanted to make some grooves in a piece of wood, you should know that a router saw can be a great tool to use. When using a router, the bit that you use needs to be aligned with the edge of the template that you’re cutting. If you’re cutting close to the line, you can place a scrap piece of wood in front of the router bit and align the edges. You can then use a C-clamp to secure the scrap piece.
If you’re cutting thicker wood, you may be better off using a jigsaw. A jigsaw’s blade is sharp and can tear through wood and plywood. In this case, sanding will be useless. To avoid this problem, you should use a fine-toothed router bit. You may have to make several passes before getting the desired results. You may also want to cut a small piece of wood at a time to get a more consistent result.
Using a fixed-base router
Using a fixed-base router is a great option if you are looking for a versatile tool that can be used on a variety of projects. With a variable speed control and 2-1/4 horsepower motor, this tool is a powerful addition to any toolbox. This tool is also versatile, with a tabletop design allowing you to work upside down.
Fixed base routers are less expensive than plunge routers, and their simpler design makes them ideal for newbies and those on a budget. One popular model is the Bosch GKF125CEN, which has a 1.25-HP motor and a variable speed setting. This will allow you to adjust the speed to suit different materials. The Bosch GKF125CEN also has a rubber-grip and a durable aluminum base.
Using a spindle router
When you’re considering a spindle router saw, you should consider the runout, or cutting accuracy, of the machine. Generally, a spindle has less than 0.0002 inches of runout, but this is still a substantial difference and may impact the cut quality of your workpiece. Also, spindles are quieter than routers and are better for continuous operation. And finally, spindles require less maintenance than routers and can be easily replaced.
One of the most common cuts with spindles is a plunge cut, which is made by pushing the router down and cutting the entire bit at once. However, this can cause the router to slam up and ruin the flute, so it’s important to make a series of light passes until you reach the full depth of your cut.
Using a spindle router to engrave
Before using a spindle router to enlarge your engraving capabilities, you’ll want to check the size of the material you’re engraving. Typically, the material to be engraved or cut will be approximately two to three millimeters in diameter. The router should be able to handle this. The bit used for the engrave operation should be of the same size as the material you’re engraving. This way, you’ll be able to get the desired results without overdoing it.
When cutting the material with a spindle router, the router will use absolute and relative coordinates. The latter will be 5mm right or left of the current position. To move the spindle manually, you’ll need to press a button called jogging. This will cause the router to move the spindle by a certain amount. However, it’s important to remember that longer bits will cause greater leverage, which could lead to bit breakage and extra strain on the router.
Using a spindle router to cut grooves
Using a spindle router to make grooves is one of the best ways to create beautiful woodwork. You can use this hand-held tool to cut a variety of shapes, including V-grooves, wavy lines, and straight lines. Several types of router bits are available at your local hardware store and online.
Spindle routers are designed to cut a variety of shapes, including grooves, edges, chamfers, radiuses, and joints. You can also use them to surface-plane surfaces and to drill holes.
