What do I need to know before buying a wood router?
Question:I want to use it on the bookshelf im making today, boards are no more than 3/4'' think and 12 inches wide. besides the router itself and the attatchment I want. What else am I going to need to buy?
Answers:
About all you'll need is a workbench, or similar, and some clamps.
hopefully this will help you..
Routers are among the most versatile tools in a woodworker's workshop. They are often used to cut shapes and profiles into the edge of boards, cut patterns and duplicate shapes, trim edging and laminates, make signs, and numerous other uses. With a wide range of bits available, the router can be used for almost every project you decide to tackle. But before you buy a router there are a few things you need to know and WoodZone.com is here to help.
(more detail at site)
The router should accept 1/2" shank bits. These are sturdier than the 1/4" bits. You can buy bit sets, recommend carbide tipped bits for overall value because they last. If you want an even better tool most people opt for a shaper. I haven't used one but I believe it's an improved router that's stationary. A hand-held router also has its place in the workshop.
As I started getting into making cabinets and doors (raised panels) I found I needed a table saw and router, and a planer and a joiner are really needed as well when gluing boards together to make doors, etc. If you just use plywood for cabinet doors or panels you don't need the planer and joiner. A table saw is very handy, but you can get my with a circular saw on many projects.
Compare different routers in wood magazine reviews at your local library if possible. Otherwise find reviews at various wood tool sites on line.
well, that should be all you need, but routers are complicated depending on what bit you use and how much wood said bit will remove in one pass, also depends on if you are going with the grain as opposed to against or even if you are routing the end grain. if you are routing with the grain and are taking to much wood it will chatter and probably blow out. so in that case you must know which way to rout, either clockwise or counter clockwise, if you are just routing a profile on one side of the board and it is real wood, (not mdf or particle board) then run your router right to left for the first couple passes, then the final pass left to right. Less chance of blow out that way. and safety glasses probly wouldnt hurt. also some clamps to hold your stock while you rout.
Some clamps to hold the board onto a workbench/table edge. (The board will start to slide away from the router if it isn't clamped down.)
We own 3 or 4 routers and my favorite one has a light on it and a place to hook a vac hose onto it. The light may not be important to you if all you do are edges or trim strips (I do sign lettering so I like the light)
O. Practice wood! A few scraps to try out your setting will be more than a good idea!
Good luck!
Most of the other answers are good advice but a router can and will take a finger off if used improperly. Read all of the safety guides in the owners manual before using any tool. Always pull the router into the cut, you will have a lot more control that way. To explain it as easy as I can, if you are routing on the outside of a picture frame, go counter-clockwise and if you are routing the inside go clockwise. Don't take too much at a time,Patience
More Related Questions & Answers...