Router Basics 101 – Everything about Routers Which You Must Know

While working with any appliance, we need to consider a lot of points in our mind. With the proper consideration of all these points, the task of working on the appliance becomes extremely simple for us. The present article on, Router Basics 101 – Everything about Routers Which You Must Know in 2024 explains us about the basic considerations that we must make while using the router.

What is a Router in Woodworking? – Router Basics

Basically, The Router is a powerful tool with the help of which we can carry out a variety of tasks while woodworking. With the help of this tool, we can easily form grooves, decorate the molds and create an artistic workpiece within the permissible dimensions.

An Overview of Wood Router Types – Router Basics

As we already said, there are plenty of differences between the design and mechanism of the router. Here are the various types of Routers that are available in the market. Kindly go through each of them and understand their significance and the main point of differences.

1. Plunge Router

The main significance of using the plunge router is that it allows us to change the depth of cut of the router even while it is running. We would recommend the plunge router only to the professional users. Because any kind of mishandling while using it can result in a severe accident.

2. Fixed Base Router

In such kind of router, the base of the wood router is fixed. Hence, while the router is running we cannot change its depth of cut. Due to this, the speed and feed will stay uniform and we wouldn’t be able to make any kind of changes in it.

3. Compact Router

The compact routers are basically the small size routers. These routers are more suitable if you are looking for some router for your home. Such kind of appliance is an easy fit at any kind of place, where we want to use or store it. It is more suitable for fulfilling small kind of woodworking requirements.

4. Combo Router

The combo router is the combination of both fixed base as well as plunge base router. We can transform it into one type to another type with an ease. Hence, we will be able to enjoy the functions of both the router in the single one.

Features to look for in a Router – Router Basics

Here are some of the essential features that are necessary for a Router. Kindly go through them and make a perfect choice with regards to your router.

Electronic Feedback System

This is the feature that isn’t available on every router. With the help of this feature, the machine automatically adjusts the speed of routing the workpiece according to the load laid upon it. Such kind of feature results in the reduction in the amount of effort that we have to make while routing the workpiece.

Easy reach to the Power Switch

While we are routing, we frequently require switching the power switch ON and OFF. Due to this, it becomes a necessity for us that the power switch of the appliance is within our reach. Hence, we must try to get a router, whose power switch is in a nearby position and we can reach out there quickly.

Horsepower of the Motor

As we all know, the Horsepower indicates the power of the motor. More the horsepower more is its routing capacity. Therefore, depending upon the kind of application that we wish to have from our router, we need to check the power capacity of the same. In this manner, we will be able to get a perfect appliance which will work with us without any kind of trouble.

Variable Speed Control

While routing the wooden workpiece, we often require varying the speed of the router. The change in the router is necessary, as different wooden profile requires different speed so as to make cuts with fewer efforts. However, this feature is now available in most of the routers in the market. There is a need to check, that whether your router is having this feature or not.

Size of the Bit

The size of the bit of the router also plays a major role while we are making a wooden workpiece. If you are having a single speed router, then we would recommend you to use small size bits. But, the larger bit results in the reduction of the cutting speed. Due to this, considering the kind of router we are using, we have to select the bit of the appropriate size.

Diameter of the Collet

Different type of bits offers us with a different kind of performance. Hence, while beginning with the routing we have to consider the diameter of the collet in a proper way. As of now, there are two kinds of bits available to us i.e. a 1/4 inch bit and a 1/2 inch bit. One thing that we must note is that we can use 1/4 inch bit in the collet of size 1/2 inch. However, the reverse is not possible in this case.

Ergonomic Handles

The handles of the router should be made keeping all the necessary ergonomic considerations in mind. A handle made with such kind of considerations provides us with a firm grip. Due to this, we can easily carry out our work of routing the wooden workpiece with an ease. Therefore, we must check the handles before getting the router.

Essential Accessories for Routers – Router Basics

Here are some of the important accessories that we must have while working on the router. All these accessories will make our work of using the router extremely convenient. Kindly go through them and know about them in a proper way.

1. Router Table

The router table is perhaps the most important accessory that we must have for using the router. We have to mount the router on this table. With the help of this table, carrying out woodworking on large size workpieces become a simple task for us.

2. Dust Collection Port

Maintaining the cleanliness of the appliance which we are using is the essential thing. With the help of the dust collection ports, we can easily get rid of each and every kind of impurity existing within the system of our router. Hence, our router must carry a dust collection port in it.

3. Safety Appliances

We already listed out the importance of safety appliances. These safety appliances include face protection, safety goggles, safety gloves and a lot more. Even the router produces a lot of noise while operating. Due to this, we also need to have some ear protection aid while we are working on the router.

How to use a Router? – Router Basics

Here is a step by step procedure that we must follow while using a Router. Kindly go through these points and understand the perfect process we must follow while woodworking at our home.

Installing the Bits

Making it sure, that the router is not connected to the electrical power source, we have to begin with the installation of the bits. First of all, you have to remove the base of the router. Then, you have to lower down the shank and then install the bits within the collet. Once it is done, you have to tighten the collet.

Securing the Workpiece

In the next step, you have to secure the workpiece so that it doesn’t make any kind of moment while routing. After placing the workpiece in its place on the bench, we have to clamp it with the surface. There are clamps available for the same reason. However, if the clamp comes up as an obstacle, you can also use a router mat which can act as a non-skid surface.

Assure the Safety of the Operator

Safety is the foremost consideration while working with any appliance. Therefore, before you begin with the routing of the workpiece, you have to make it sure that you have worn all the safety appliances. These appliances include helmet, safety goggles, ear protection etc. In this manner, you can protect yourself against any kind of accident while you are routing.

Start Routing

Once you are done with all the above-given steps, now there is a turn of beginning with the routing of the workpiece. Keeping the router at its proper place, you have to move the machine all over the workpiece in the desired shape that you want. Hence, the profile of the workpiece that we want will be readily available to us in just some time.

Our present comprehensive article on, Router Basics 101 wookworking guide deals with the basic points of consideration while we are using a router. We hope that our compilation on the above-given router basics will be helpful to you for understanding about the Router in a better way.