![]() The larger router is much easier to control, too, so I feel more comfortable using it. I got my fixed base router because my trim router just wasn’t cutting it (pun intended) to help me cut out circles in 2x material. If you plan to use it to cut out circles, table tops, cut large dadoes, or you are going to be using it on a lot of thick material, I’d upgrade to a larger fixed base router. It’s great to start out with and you can upgrade later. It’s the cheapest option, but also has the least amount of power. If you just want to add some decorative edges to your projects and are on a budget, a trim router is probably your best option. It all just depends on what you plan to use it for. It’s handy to have the ability to plunge and some fixed base routers have a separate attachment you can purchase to give you both fixed and plunge base options. This is useful for carving signs where you need to lift the bit between letters or designs you are carving. I don’t have a plunge router to show you pictures of, but basically, a plunge router is just a router that has a “springy looking base” that allows you to plunge the bit into the wood and lift it back up. It also comes in a battery powered version if you want to ditch the cord. I’m currently using this corded Ridgid Trim Router in my shop. Sometimes they are called palm routers or hand routers. Trim routers are small routers that can typically be held with one hand like shown here. These typically come in ¼″ and ½″ diameter sizes on routers. (This is just like with drills and drill bits.) A shank is the part of a router bit that gets inserted into the router. Let’s also cover the terms collet and shank before I dive into this.Ī collet is the metal sleeve on a router that you insert a router bit into. They may come in different sizes and they may be called different names, but they generally fall into one of these categories: trim, fixed base, or plunge. But, there are three basic types of routers. There are several types of routers and some of the terminology overlaps. Specialized router bits can also be helpful in making cabinet doors, cutting key hole slots, and cutting pieces out from templates. These are a just a few of the many ways you can use them: Add a decorative edge on a projectĬheck out how I used a router on this scrap wood cutting board project.Ĭheck out how I used a router on this dining table build to join the legs and apron.Ĭheck out how I used a router to cut a perfect circle to build these round coffee tables.Ĭheck out how I used a router to flush cut the edges of this DIY pumpkin tray after gluing the pieces together.Ĭheck out how I used a router to cut dadoes to assemble this large DIY modern shelving unit.Ĭut out a hole in the middle of a projectĬheck out how I used a router to route out a hole to install a clock mechanism in this DIY round wood clock project.Ĭheck out how I used a router to build these DIY shaker style cabinet doors. Here are a few examples of how I’ve used my router. They are great for not only adding some decorative touches to your projects, but they also can be used to cut slots, grooves, and dadoes for joinery methods, flatten table tops, carve, and smooth out rough or uneven edges when needed. It’s both a versatile, but specialized tool. I don’t use mine on every project, but I have used them on several.Ī router is one of those tools that you may not use every day, but there’s not really an alternative to use when you need it. Routers are really handy to have in a woodshop. And like any power tool, they pose a possible danger, especially if you aren’t sure how to use it.īe sure to read manufacturer’s instructions on your routers and get comfortable using them on small projects before tackling anything huge. ![]() I’ll cover the various types below, but, basically, a router is a power tool that uses a shaped cutter (or a bit) to make decorative edges, or grooves in wood. So I wanted to put together this router guide with all the information that I’ve learned over the years to help others who had questions and are just starting out. I’m not a router expert, but I’ve used one a time or two (or a hundred). After a recent poll on my Facebook page, I was overwhelmed with how many people had so many questions about how to use a router. ![]()
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