A router is a great tool to have if you’re planning on doing woodworking projects. Routers are rotary cutting tools that cut decorative edges along wood. They can also be used to carve out scrolling, smooth grooves, and holes. Unlike a drill which bores into wood with the tip of the bit, a router uses the side of the bit. Routers can rotate as high speeds creating beautifully smooth cuts and designs. If you’re looking for a finishing tool that can create intricate designs and smooth edges, then a router is the way to go.
Standard routers cut along the edge of the wood, creating decorative edges and smooth joining surfaces. Plunge-cut routers start their cuts on the top of the wood. They “plunge” the bit into the surface. Many routers now come with attachments so that you can easily alternate between a plunge-cut and a standard router, depending on your needs.
Routers can also come with a base mount so that you can attach them to a table. This is useful if you are going to do a lot of repetitive work or if you’re working with large pieces. A router table either has a place for you to attach your router or it has a router already affixed to it. Routers can be used in almost any woodworking job and many jobs will require a router to complete.
Before you use your router for the first time, there are some things you should keep in mind. The spinning router bit is not shielded from anything. It can spin at speeds in upwards of 30,000 RPMs. Keep this in mind when you select your clothing. Long sleeves and loose fitting gloves can easily touch the bit and be sucked in with extreme speed. Objects and debris can also be ejected from the bit at an incredible rate. Eye protection should always be worn. You should also take extreme care not to cut through any nails, screws, or anything else that isn’t designed to be carved.
Practice with your router before you attempt to work on your actual piece. The torque can vary depending on what type of wood you are working with and how firmly you are able to hold the router. Make several practice passes with your router over some scrap wood to see which position and speed gets you the finish that you desire. With a little patience and practice, you’ll be able to create professional looking pieces in no time.
About the Author: Dave Murphy is the founder and president of Good Wood, Inc., which makes a high quality wood dowel and the best hardwood dowel on the market. They also create wooden balls, wood knobs, wooden toy parts, custom wood parts, and more. They offer safe wood finishing, wood turning and can import from off-shore when necessary. Visit http://www.goodwoodinc.com for all of your wood product needs.
