Use high quality, sharp router bits. Crappy bits can chip, burn, bog down and cause kickback. Use sharp router bits for cleaner and safer cuts.

When using a hand held router, it’s helpful to use a router guide or jig for more accurate cuts (like the circle jig seen above).

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. The larger router is much easier to control, too, so I feel more comfortable using it.

I’m not a router expert, but I’ve used one a time or two (or a hundred). 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.

The depth is adjusted by adjusting how far the router bit sticks out of the base. When routing a small decorative edge, you may be able to make one pass and cut your edge.

Most routers come with some type of attachment that will run along the edge of a board and allow you to cut a certain distance from the edge.

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.

They usually have two handles on each side so they can be held and controlled with two hands. And they are usually larger and more powerful than trim routers.

Take it slow and get comfortable using it on some small projects or with some scraps. Routers are a very useful tool once you learn how to handle one.

MillDrill

In this post, I’m sharing some tips on getting started using a router, breaking down the different types, and giving you some project ideas you can practice with!

However, there are some basic safety measures you should take when using a router. Many people are afraid of routers…and for good reason.

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.

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.

A good example is a circle jig. You can purchase a circle jig to mount your router onto that will allow you to cut a perfect circle. OR, you can make one as well.

That said, if you think you may ever want to use the functionality of a plunge router, I’d recommend getting a fixed base router that has the add on option to use it as a plunge router as well. Like a 2-in-1.

Can you use a mill as adrill press

I built a jig to hold a dowel rod so that I could route a slot to insert a 1×3 to make a modern dresser base. So I don’t have a lot of information to share. But, here is a link to a great guide to router tables.

Fixed base routers are routers that continuously cut at the same depth. Now, the depth is adjustable between cuts, but unlike a plunge router (I’ll discuss below), you can’t lift and plunge while it’s cutting–hence the term “fixed base.”

TaiwanMilling Machine

Specialized router bits can also be helpful in making cabinet doors, cutting key hole slots, and cutting pieces out from templates.

Sometimes they are called palm routers or hand routers. I’m currently using this corded Ridgid Trim Router in my shop. It also comes in a battery powered version if you want to ditch the cord.

But, if you are taking a lot of material off at a time or cutting through thick material (like cutting out a circle table top), it may be best to make several passes, going a little deeper each time.

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Drill PressVise

These are handy for applications like where you glued two pieces together and the edges aren’t flush. I used a flush trim bit in this pumpkin tray project where I glued a piece onto the top and they didn’t match up perfectly.

The scariest part of a router is that it’s not a trigger switch like a drill. You flip the switch and it’s on. And it stays on whether your hands are on it or not.

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.

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.

on the manualmillingmachine, one of the primary cutting tools is:

That’s a tricky question to answer because routers are SO VERSATILE, so you may use them a little differently for each application.

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.

TECHNICALLY, a trim router is also a fixed base router, but when I talk about fixed base routers, I typically think about mid and full sized versions. Trim routers are kind of an animal of their own.

Routers come in many shapes and sizes. 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.

BridgeportMilling machine

A collet is the metal sleeve on a router that you insert a router bit into. A shank is the part of a router bit that gets inserted into the router. (This is just like with drills and drill bits.)

Once you install the base back on, you can adjust the base up and down (mine has a turning wheel for extra precise adjustments) to set the correct cutting depth you want (see below for cutting depth details).

It’s the cheapest option, but also has the least amount of power. It’s great to start out with and you can upgrade later.

Router tables are basically a table base where you can attach a router upside down so that the router bit sticks up out of the table. Like a table saw…but for a router.

Or, you can simply clamp a straight edge to run your router along as well. There are also many jigs that you can make or buy to add to the functionality of your router.

The larger router cuts much thicker material than my small trim router without bogging down and is much easier to control with the two handles on each side.

Be sure to read manufacturer’s instructions on your routers and get comfortable using them on small projects before tackling anything huge.

So, when running the router along the outside edge of a board–for example around the outside edge of a picture frame–you should cut counterclockwise (or running from left to right).

In my experience, they don’t do well removing a large amount of material at one time. I’ve used mine in a circle jig to make a thick, round table top, but I don’t recommend it. It’s just too small for making large cuts.

Millvs drill

Clamp pieces to your workbench to route and keep your hands out of the way. If you are using a router with two handles, keep BOTH hands on it.

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Routers are a super versatile tool. And like any power tool, they pose a possible danger, especially if you aren’t sure how to use it.

A 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. It’s both a versatile, but specialized tool. Nothing else really takes it’s place.

Also, the ½″ router that I’m using comes with a ¼″ collet attachment so I can still use all my old ¼″ router bits with it even though they are a different shank size.

Millpress Machine

You can see the chamfer along the bottom edge of the tray in the first photo below, the Roman Ogee around the edge of the door, and the round over on the cabinet door frame below.

Routers can use A TON of different bits. Here are several different types you can browse through to see all the options.

Examine the area you plan to route. Do not route if you see cracks, knots, or loose pieces. This can cause damage to your project, or, in worst cases, can fly off and cause danger to you.

Straight bits come in different sizes and are commonly used for cutting dadoes. I also use them when I cut out round table tops.

Trim routers usually have ¼″ collets for ¼″ router bit shanks and are best used for small details like adding decorative edges shown here in this cutting board.

Typically, you simply slide it into the collet and use the included wrench (routers come with a wrench for this) to tighten the nut.

I can’t say much about router tables as I don’t personally have one. However, they can be a VERY useful tool to have–it’s on my wish list.

When using a router, I HIGHLY recommend doing a couple test pieces to make sure you’ve got your adjustments set how you want.

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.

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V groove bits, round nose (or juice groove bits), and other decorative groove bits come in various sizes as well and are often used for carving designs like the juice groove shown below in this stove top cover.

Some are for edges and they will have a little bearing at the bottom or the top. This bearing is designed to ride along the edge of the board while the cutter cuts a profile.