A router tool can be an effective way to make any ordinary project into a work of art. Routers can be used on a wide range of mediums such as wood, plastic or fiberglass. They can be used to engrave designs, make slots for inlays, make groves and channels. Unlike a drill, the routers cutting action is generated from the side rather than the tip and you should always cut with the grain when using a router tool

Types of Router Tools

There are a wide range of router tools that do a broad assortment of jobs ranging from a small hand held dremel router to a bench router for larger jobs. A diamond wheel accessory allows the router to be used on glass and ceramics.

It requires a fair amount of skill and practice to use a router well, so don’t get discouraged if it requires a bit of trial and error to get the desired result. The result will be worth it, for a router is a most versatile tool.

Speed is important when working with a router and if you work too slow you are liable to scorch your work but if you work too fast your work will not be smooth and you might break the bit. Working on scrap wood to get the feel of the router tool is highly recommended in order to get a good idea as to what pressure and speed works best for what you are trying to do.

There are many top manufacturers of power tools and most of these have at least one router model in their arsenal.  These include the following:

• the Bosch router
• Makita routers
• Dewalt routers
• Hitachi Routers
• Milwaukee routers
• Black and Decker routers

And the list goes on and on. (and on and on……)

The Parts of a Router Tool

A router tool is a simple but powerful tool with 3 main parts, the base,

motor and the collet. The motor is in the base and the collet holds the bit. Because the router rotates the bit at very high speeds following safety protocols is vital when using a router as with any power tool.

There are a few base variations, a fixed base has a round bottom plate and side

handles, while a D-shaped handle base offers a convenient trigger that controls the router motor and a plunge router allows you to “plunge” your router bit down to the job so you can ease into the job. Each base has its advantages but you can buy a kit that has both bases which might be desirable if you do a variety of jobs with your router.

Talking about it is nowhere as effective as seeing it so click here to see some short videos on how to use a router.

Routers have more bits and accessories than just about any other power tool on the market with the possible exception of a Dremel rotary tool. The largest accessory is a router table which completely changes the way you use the router and gives a location for all of the smaller bits and accessories.

Router Safety

As I mentioned earlier safety is very important when using a router and a respirator and eye protective glasses are very important safety items that should be used when working with a router. It is not uncommon to be intimidated by a router tool because of it extreme velocity and whirling sharp bits. With practice this usually can be overcome but one should always respect the power of a router and always use proper safety measures.

Used properly a router can make routine projects approach the class of “art”. The  to learning how to use a router tool is practice. So practice, practice, practice and you might be amazed at what you can do.