Routers are very interesting and versatile tools used to impress groves or decorative shapes and edges in wood.
Routers are important tools to be used in a woodshop, and although they’re not often used for every project, they come in really handy for some projects, especially when you need to make slots, make decorations, or carve. They also come in handy for dadoes, grooves, tabletop flattening, and smoothing uneven edges.
Let’s talk about the things you can do with your woodcutting router.
- You can add decorative edges to your project using a woodwork router
- You can cut and shape out rabbets for joinery
- You can smooth uneven edges as a post-glue-up phase
- You can cut perfect circles using a router
Types of Routers
There are three basic types of routers, which are fixed base routers, trim routers, and plunge routers.
1. Fixed Base Router
Fixed base routers are medium to full-size routers that are used to cut into wood at the same depth, which has previously been imputed before the router starts being used.
Fixed base routers will cut through your wood continuously at the depth you set unless you cease cutting and then adjust the depth, after which you must continue with the adjusted depth until you stop cutting and then make another change. That is how these routers got named fixed base routers.
Due to the weight, size, and power of fixed base routers, they often come with two handles, so that they can be held properly with both hands.
2. Trim Routers
Many people would categorize trim routers as fixed base routers because they share all the basic features in common. However, the most prominent difference is that trim routers are small and can simply be held in one hand.
3. Plunge Router
A plunge router is first identified by its base that looks springy and also serves a unique function. This spring base makes it possible to send the bit deep into the wood and get it back out.
Plunge routers can work at varying depths which can be adjusted as you go. They are most suitable for carving signs where it is imperative to raise the bit between the designs and letters being carved.
Frequently Asked Questions about Woodwork Routers
What is a collet
A collet refers to the metal sleeve located on a router where you insert the router bit.
What is a shank?
A shank is that router bit part that is inserted into the router in a similar manner as drills and drill bits. Shanks are of two sizes, which are ¼″ and ½″ diameters.
Final Thoughts
For more tips on woodwork and woodwork tools, keep up with The Router Workshop, which is a TV program that teaches you all about woodwork procedures and router usage. Produced by Woodgrain Productions in 1995, The Router Workshop has about 14 series and 183 episodes. Find out how to watch these videos and navigate the channel to get the best experience here.