One of the most versatile and most used power tools in the home wood shop would have to be the router. These tools are capable of so many things that you could spend an enormous amount of time learning their full potential. From cutting slots to making moldings and making raised panel doors, these tools, equipped with the right bit, can handle a host of woodworking tasks.
There are a number of things to consider when shopping for a router. The first thing to consider is deciding if you plan to own more than one of these modern marvels. In most professional woodshops, dedicated routers are common. This simply means that the cutters, or bits as they are commonly called, are left in the router and set to perform a certain function. These routers are not good for anything else, since once they are adjusted for a specific task, they are only good for that. This may be to cut the back edge of the cabinets, to allow the back panel to sit in this recess, or to install it with a commonly used edging bit. The advantage of this is the saving of time in changing bits and adjusting them.
Obviously, a woodshop isn’t likely to have ten or more routers, but having more than one is a very good idea. If you want to have one installed on a router table, it is very convenient to have a dedicated one. You’ll usually want a plunge router for this, and one with enough power to handle larger cutter sets, like raised panel cutters, for making cabinet doors. Trying to use one of these big bits on a handheld router would be pretty dangerous.
Being aware of router security is imperative, as these tools, while considered relatively safe, can cause a lot of damage. It is important to use the proper feed direction, whether with a hand router or a router table. This isn’t a huge safety factor on a handheld router, as it is with a router table, but it’s still pretty important.
With a router table, when you feed a board into a rotating bit, in the same direction the bit rotates, you’ll likely end up with the board ripped from your hands and shot like a missile across your shop. If you were to hit someone, there is a high chance that it would be fatal.
The feed direction on a manual router is from left to right and on a router table it is from right to left. The feed direction is opposite, as the router is held in the opposite position.
Eye protection is a must and a dust mask is highly recommended. If your router has a vacuum port, it’s helpful to use it. One tool that will fill the air with dust very quickly is the router.
Some routers have a toggle switch, so it’s important to check that it’s in the off position before plugging it in. It’s also important to hold a router with both hands when turning it on, as the torque on these tools can cause you to lose control or come into contact with your body. Therefore, it is best to keep the router flat on your work surface, without the bit coming into contact with the plate, and then turn it on. Then gently contact the work piece.
Getting the best results with a router depends on a few things. First is the sharpness of the bit. Next would be the feed rate. If you move the router too slowly, it will cause burn marks on the plate. Moving the router too fast will not only put unnecessary stress on the motor, but will also result in a poor cut. Either it will be wavy or it will tear. The best feed rate will require some experimentation, and it will be different for various woods and also for different router bits.
The learning curve for using a router is relatively small for basic uses, but with all the possibilities these tools provide, you can spend a considerable amount of time mastering them.
