How to Use a Router
Introduction
When used correctly, a router is a useful tool to completing everything from a household project to a construction-building task. There are a few things to keep in mind in terms of safety before engaging in a routing job.
Primarily, outfit yourself with safety goggles and a dust mask before beginning the project. Make sure the intended wood surface is free of knots, warps or nails. Do not use a router on wet or damp wood. If you will be using the router for the first time, take a few extra moments to look over the owner’s manual. This will familiarize you with the equipment you are about to use. It is also a good idea to send in all warranty paperwork for the router after purchase. Keep the receipt and any related paperwork for future reference, if needed.
Equally important is the maintenance of router bits. Keep in mind that steel bits require more frequent sharpening time than carbide bits. On the contrary, carbide bits are more expensive. Router bits contain either a ball bearing or a solid pilot. Either is what aids the router in moving along the intended surface.
Materials Needed
Safety goggles
Work gloves
Dust Masks
Router
Router Bits
Intended Wood Piece
Instructions
Determine what type of router bit to use. This depends largely on the project scope and desired finished product. Always make sure to use sharpened bits. Use the following guide to determine router bits:
Round over bit: simple, finished edges on furniture and molding.
Classic bits: fancy woodwork corners.
Rabbet bit: creates step cuts for drawers, pulls and handles.
Laminate Trimmer bit: provides clean, finished edging.
Plunge bit: start any work away from edging first.
Dovetail bit: creates wedge-shaped grooving on corners
Straight bits: create flat bottom square-shaped grooving on corners.
Veining bits: allows for lettering or pattern creations.
Always Remember:
Secure work piece to a table surface with a clamp.
Secure a piece of wood of equal thickness to intended surface piece for stability. This will prevent movement from a workbench, router or surface piece.
Move the router across the wood surface from left to right. This ensures that the cutting edge of the bit comes in contact first with the intended surface piece.
Start with shallow movements of the router over the surface piece. This extends the bit into the piece at a slower pace. Making initial deep routed cuts could result in binding or burning the wood. You also run the risk of twist the router in your hands that would cause damage.
Allow the router to guide your movement over the wood surface. Forcing it to move may result in engine slow down. This further complicates things when the blade slows down as well. In addition, wood chips and splinters form and fly up from the router. You run the risk of burning the wood surface as well.
Always have an edge guide in place. Using a router to cut freehand pieces requires skill, patience and practice. Not to mention a steady set of hands.
Begin with plunge cutting. Cut away from an edge or corner. Lower the router blade into wood piece.
Always remember to wear safety goggles and a dust mask.
Never start a router or use a router on a wet surface.