How to Operate a Wood Router

Decide which router you want to purchase.

1 Steps 1 min read Easy

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Decide which router you want to purchase.

    The most common wood router is a mid-size router that varies from
    1.5 to
    2.5 horsepower and comes either with a fixed or plunge base.

    This size router is used for a variety of tasks, including the trimming of laminates, routing of molding and the cutting of dadoes and rabbit joints.

    It usually comes with a .5-inch (12.7 mm) collet with a .25-inch (6.35 mm) adapter collet.

    You may also find European routers with a collett of 3/8-inch (8 mm).

    Next is the trim or palm router.

    It rarely comes with anything other than a fixed-router base.

    It can be gripped in the palm of your hand and operated with one hand due to its size and can be used for laminate trimming; light edging, such as rounding over an edge; and to cut small dadoes and rabbits.

    The heaviest and largest of the three types are the
    2.5 to
    3.5 horsepower routers.

    These routers come with a fixed base and are usually found in professional woodworking shops.

    They are also often found bolted under a router table and used in molding and trim work or dealing with hardwoods.;

Detailed Guide

The most common wood router is a mid-size router that varies from
1.5 to
2.5 horsepower and comes either with a fixed or plunge base.

This size router is used for a variety of tasks, including the trimming of laminates, routing of molding and the cutting of dadoes and rabbit joints.

It usually comes with a .5-inch (12.7 mm) collet with a .25-inch (6.35 mm) adapter collet.

You may also find European routers with a collett of 3/8-inch (8 mm).

Next is the trim or palm router.

It rarely comes with anything other than a fixed-router base.

It can be gripped in the palm of your hand and operated with one hand due to its size and can be used for laminate trimming; light edging, such as rounding over an edge; and to cut small dadoes and rabbits.

The heaviest and largest of the three types are the
2.5 to
3.5 horsepower routers.

These routers come with a fixed base and are usually found in professional woodworking shops.

They are also often found bolted under a router table and used in molding and trim work or dealing with hardwoods.;

About the Author

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Susan Webb

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