You don’t need to be an expert woodworker to use a router. Even though they seem intimidating, they are a lot easier to learn than you think. Your router will turn your woodworking projects into pieces of art. Now let’s take a look at everything you need to know about using a wood router.
There are two main ways to use a router for woodworking. One way is with having it attached to a stationary router table. These are expensive and take up a lot of space, especially in a small woodshop. The less expensive and more common method is to use a handheld router. This is what this article will be covering.
How to Use a Handheld Woodworking Router
Handheld routers, also known as freehand routers come in several styles. Plunge routers include an attachment that allows you to plunge, or sink the router bit into the inside portion of the material. Fixed base routers are what we will be covering here because there is a smaller learning curve to them. Just know a plunge router base is interchangeable with some fixed base models.
The material you are working with should be fastened securely to a flat work station. The most common method is to clamp it down, ensuring it won’t be slipping. If you are working with thin material stock you can screw a guide board to your workbench to give more support on your material.
Rest your router on the material near the edge you will be working on, without touching the bit with the material. Turn the machine on and make contact with the edge going in a counter clockwise (left to right) direction. This is with the router bit between yourself and the material.
Keep the router moving at a slow and steady pace. Once you come to the end of the material slide the bit off of the material before turning the machine off. This will protect you from burning and damaging the material.
DISCLAIMER: You don’t want to stop your router from moving along the material while the bit is spinning. Also make sure your bits are sharp and in good condition. It’s easy to burn or disfigure the material, creating unsightly marks that are hard to hide or clean up.
How to Use a Plunge Router
Plunge routers have a special base that increases the number of ways they can be used. This ensures the bit will not be contacting the material when it starts spinning. There are also extra steps that should be addressed to set up a plunge router before use.
Using a plunge router is essentially the same as using a fixed base router, except for how the depth of the bit is adjusted.
The base has a spring mechanism that raises the bit off the surface of the material. Once the bit is installed adjust the depth by pushing the router down while on the material. Make slight adjustments to the depth gauge to get your bit at the desired depth.
It’s smart to test the bit depth on a piece of scrap material as you adjust it. This can be done on a piece of material that is the same thickness as the material you are working with. This will let you make fine adjustments without possibly messing up your good material.
Now it’s time to plug in and turn on the router. Make sure the base is flat on the material before turning it on. Press down on it to lower the bit into position.
Most plunge router bases have a lock that will keep the bit at the right depth. This lock allows the plunge router base to double as a fixed router as well.
At this point control the router the same way you would be using a fixed router. Move counterclockwise along the material, and pull the bit away from the material before powering down.
Changing Router Bits
The first step for changing router bits, just like any other power tool is unplug it. Don’t run the risk of your equipment accidentally turning on while being worked on.
The spindle lock is located near the collet. Press this with your thumb, while turning the collet with an open ended wrench. Pay attention to the directions the threads are going. It’s easy to tighten the collet when you think you are loosening it.
For routers that don’t have a spindle lock there will be a slot for a second wrench on the shaft near the collet. The two wrenches will need to be turned in opposite directions, loosening the collet.
The shaft of most router bits comes in two sizes: ¼” and ½”. These two options will have available collets that they are used with. If the bit is a different size than the collet the bit will not fit securely into the router.
When you get the collet loose, slide the router bit’s shaft into it. Keep the bit away from the collet about the thickness of a coin. Tighten the collet until it’s firmly seated, but not too tight to remove later.
Once the bit is installed it’s time to plug the router in. Congratulations, you are ready to use your wood router.
Woodworking Router Buyer’s Guide
The first step with picking a wood router is to think about what you will be using it for. Will you be making cabinet doors with multiple patterns on it? Is it going to be cutting different types of joints in furniture parts?
Next you want to consider what your price range is. You don’t need to break the bank to get a quality router. If you can afford it I recommend getting a router with both fixed and plunge bases included. Oftentimes these can also be retrofitted into a router table in the future.
FAQ’s
What Are Wood Routers Used For?
Routers are woodworking tools that have many uses. They can cut grooves in materials like dados and dovetail joints. They also can create decorative edges on your material, giving an attractive look to the project.
Do I Need a Router Table to Use a Wood Router?
Router tables can make it easier to use a wood router, but are not required. Handheld routers can be used in the place of a router table, for a fraction of the cost.
What Is The Best Woodworking Router For Beginners?
This depends on what it will be used for. If you need something that is more versatile I recommend a router with both fixed and plunge bases. But if you will be using it for lighter jobs, get a palm router.