Woodworking Routers
Recommendations
Shapers and routers carve into the profile of a piece of wood with a bit mounted on a spindle. Both are built to hollow out wood; however, the main difference is that a stationary shaper is mounted on a bench and a router is primarily a hand tool. However, routers can also be mounted on
router tables.
These models are recommended by
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Buying a Router
Plunge Routers'''
** Plunge routers are a little more refined with this type you lay the router base flat on the wood face and the bit lowers slowly as you start working.
** Routers usually have a fence built in to help guide the cut along the edge of the wood.
** You can also attach a straightedge to accomplish the same thing. This makes the router much more precise and easier to control the cuts.
** Plunge routers are more adept at through cuts.
** However, plunge routers may be top-heavy and can be more difficult to adjust and maneuver.
* '''
'''Sizes'''
* '''Trim Routers'''
** The smallest routers also known as laminate trimmers or just trimmers.
** Some are sold with multiple bases for trimming plastic; others are more all-purpose and come with only one base.
** Light enough to use with one hand.
** Usually 1 hp or less.
* '''
Large Routers'''
** Useful for professionals and advanced amateurs with large projects (such as doorframes).
** Usually pack 3hp or more.
** Can be quite heavy.
** You may also want to consider a shaper.
'''Features'''
* '''Variable speeds''' provide maximum versatility with different bit sizes.
* '''Dust control''' is crucial. Either find a model that has a dust collection basket, or hook it up to a vacuum hose.
* '''Removable bases''' make changing bits easier and allow both table and handheld work.
* Can be mounted on a table or hand-held.
Router Bits
Router bits can be switched out to use your router for myriad tasks.
* 1/2" and 1/4" bits are both available.
** 1/2" became much more common after the introduction of commercial plunge routers.
** Although 1/2" bits are more powerful and more frequently used, there is still a place for 1/4" bits for fine detail work and for use in trimmers.
* Could be highcarbide.
* Can have an edge to keep from damaging the piece.
* Can be anti-kickback (has extra material near base to limit depth) to lower the chance of digging too deeply into the piece.
* Spin 8,000-30,000 rotations per minute.
Major Manufacturers
*
Makita
*
Bosch
*
DeWalt
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