Using a wood router does not require expertise in woodworking. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are actually quite easy to learn. By utilizing a router, you can transform your woodworking projects into artistic pieces. Now, we will explore all the necessary information regarding the usage of a wood router.
This article will focus on the method of using a handheld router, which is the less costly and more commonly used way, in contrast to the expensive and space-consuming stationary router table option, of utilizing a router for woodworking.
How to Choose a Router
Here are three important considerations to help you choose the right router for you amidst the numerous options and prices available.
Consider your projects
What type of router should you buy will depend on whether you are making a dining table or a tea box, taking into consideration the size of your present and future projects.
If your work involves large and heavy tasks, you will require a powerful router with a capacity of 2-1/2 to 3 horsepower to handle 3-inch mortises in white oak. Conversely, for smaller projects, it is unnecessary to use excessive power. A trim router is more than sufficient for smaller joinery applications and offers greater ease and safety in handling.
Consider your space
Put aside all the exciting future plans that are occupying your mind and take a moment to observe your work area. Reflect on the amount of available space you currently have. Consider what is the largest object you can practically produce within this limited space while still maintaining enough room to work comfortably.
If your space is small, like a one car garage that is approximately 260 square feet or smaller, it is unlikely that you will need to construct large entryway doors. Therefore, there is no requirement for you to spend $350 on a large router. Instead, opt for a smaller router and utilize that additional money to purchase lumber.
Consider your work style
When considering the most crucial inquiry, one may ask: What brings happiness to me? If one finds pleasure in undertaking small projects, it would be advisable to purchase a trim router. Conversely, if a preference lies in creating larger items, such as dining tables, acquiring a plunge router would be more suitable. However, if one finds solace and tranquility in the meticulousness of hand-tool work, foregoing the use of electricity entirely and purchasing a router plane would be the best choice.
The whole point is to know yourself and enjoy your work, so don’t allow a salesperson or well-meaning friend to persuade you into purchasing a tool that you don’t actually need, solely based on someone claiming its versatility.
How to Use a Handheld Woodworking Router
Handheld routers, which are also referred to as freehand routers, are available in various styles. One of these styles is the plunge router, which features an attachment enabling the user to sink the router bit into the inner part of the material. However, in this discussion, we will focus on fixed base routers due to their relatively simpler learning process. It should be noted that a plunge router base can be interchanged with certain fixed base models.
To ensure the material you are working with stays in place, it should be firmly attached to a level work station. The usual approach is to use clamps to secure it and prevent any sliding. In the case of working with thin material, you have the option of attaching a guide board to your workbench to provide additional support for the material.
Place your router on the material adjacent to the edge you will be working on, ensuring that the bit does not come into contact with the material. Switch on the machine and begin moving along the edge in a counterclockwise direction (from left to right), with the router bit positioned between you and the material.
To ensure safety and prevent damage to the material, it is important to maintain a slow and steady pace while operating the router. When reaching the end of the material, remember to remove the bit from the material before switching off the machine. This will protect against potential burns and avoid any harm to the material.
To preserve the material’s quality, avoid halting the router’s movement when the bit is rotating. Additionally, ensure that the bits are sharp and in proper condition to prevent causing damage or imperfections to the material, which may result in difficult-to-conceal blemishes that cannot be easily removed.
How to Use a Plunge Router
Plunge routers can be used in various ways due to their special base, which prevents the bit from touching the material when it starts spinning. Furthermore, there are additional steps that need to be followed when setting up a plunge router before using it.
The process of using a plunge router is almost identical to using a fixed base router, except for the method of adjusting the depth of the bit.
The base of the router is equipped with a spring mechanism that lifts the bit away from the material’s surface. After installing the bit, you can adjust the depth by pressing the router down onto the material. To achieve the desired depth, make small adjustments to the depth gauge.
To ensure precision, it is advisable to test the bit depth on a scrap material as you make adjustments. You can use a scrap material with the same thickness as the material you are working on. This way, you can make delicate modifications without risking any damage to your good material.
Next, proceed to connect and activate the router. Ensure that the base is securely placed on the surface before switching it on. Apply pressure downwards to correctly position the bit. Many plunge router bases possess a locking mechanism to maintain the bit at the desired depth. This lock also enables the plunge router base to function as a fixed router.
When controlling the router at this stage, operate it in the same manner as you would with a stationary router. Progress in a counterclockwise direction along the material, and make sure to move the bit away from the material before turning off the power.
Changing Router Bits
To change router bits, the initial step, similar to any other power tool, is to disconnect the plug. Avoid the possibility of your equipment inadvertently switching on during the maintenance process.
1. Locate the spindle lock near the collet and press it using your thumb. 2. Simultaneously, use an open ended wrench to turn the collet. 3. Ensure you carefully observe the directions in which the threads are moving. 4. Be cautious as it is common to unintentionally tighten the collet when attempting to loosen it.
If a router lacks a spindle lock, there will be a slot on the shaft near the collet where a second wrench can be used. To loosen the collet, both wrenches must be turned in opposite directions.
Routers bits are commonly available with two shaft sizes, namely ¼” and ½”. Each of these sizes corresponds to specific collets that are used together. If the size of the bit differs from the corresponding collet, the bit will not fit firmly into the router.
1. Start by loosening the collet until it is no longer tight. 2. Insert the shaft of the router bit into the collet. 3. Ensure that there is a small gap between the bit and the collet, approximately the thickness of a coin. 4. Firmly tighten the collet, making sure it is securely seated, but avoid overtightening it to ease future removal.
After the bit is installed, the next step is to plug in the router. Once you have done this, you can start using your wood router.
Pro Tips for Router Rookies
If you’re new to routers, follow my five tips – routers can initially appear intimidating with their loud and powerful nature accompanied by sharp pointy components.
Don’t be distracted
Maintain your focus and pay attention to the router instead of getting distracted. The router provides audible feedback, so if anything seems off, stop right away. Evaluate the situation and analyze what is happening.
Is the collet, which is the nut that secures the bit, not tight? Is the bit not sharp? Is the depth of cut excessive? If the router is making a high-pitched noise, there is an issue. Make adjustments and attempt again. It is always important to pay attention to the router’s notifications!
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The rotation of the router bit is always in a clockwise direction. When feeding the router into the wood, the direction in which you push determines whether you are pushing against the cut (which is ideal) or with the cut. If you push with the cut, it can cause the router to climb cut and run away from you.
It is important to first ensure that you are feeding the router counterclockwise around the workpiece, especially when starting. As you gain more experience, you will be able to employ more advanced techniques in the future.
Take it 1/8-inch at a time
To begin, it is important to not remove more than 1/8-inch at a time. As you become more familiar with the router, you can gradually increase that amount to 1/4-inch. Initially, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the router and operate within its limits to ensure safety.
Start slow
Take your time and proceed slowly when cutting. It is highly probable that you will experience router burn, and it will be a tedious task to clean it up afterwards. However, as you gain more confidence, you can gradually increase your speed to prevent router burn without harming the workpiece or putting yourself at risk of injury.
Keep your router bits sharp
There is no worse thing than a dull tool in terms of frustration and danger. A dull tool will damage your work, result in tear-out, and potentially lead to catastrophe if you exceed the tool’s capabilities.
If you find that the bit is black or blue, or if it is causing difficulties, it is necessary to either sharpen or replace the bit. Numerous router bit sharpening services can be found across the country, and conducting a brief internet search can assist in locating one.
