Routers

[Steven P]

OK I know this is a dub question but I'm just starting out so give me a break. My father-in-law has offered me his router. I know I need one (or at least think I do, and have told my wife I definately do) but can someone explain to me exactly what I can do with it and how to use it (or direct me to somewhere that can).

[Rod Smith]

Hi Steven. Go to your local library and get a book on basic routing. Very handy tools. You stick a cutter in them and cut shapes and other things mostly on the edges. You can use them by hand or inverted in a table like a poormans spindle moulder. If you know a woodworker get he/she to show you the basics. You can get sets of bits quite cheap ($120 for 12) at carba tec. There are other brands also, some cheap and nasty and some much more pricey. Or you could just buy bits as you require. Cheap is good, free is better. Rod

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[Steven P]

Thanks Rod, I'll take your advice.

[Neil Ellis]

G'day Steven here is a little more information

A Router with the right cutters will mould various shape edges , yes! But it is much, much more than that. It will also cut mortice and tenon joints, dovetail joints, finger joints and make dozens more specialised and decorative joining cuts. It can be used freehand, inverted in a bench or overhead similar to a radial arm saw.

It can be used in a pantograph to copy carvings, with special jigs or freehand to create patterns, do lettering for signs and much more. In woodcarving it is also used to remove waste from the background saving hours of work. You can also use it in conjunction with a lathe to put flutes onto turned legs make barley sugar twists and lots more decorative cuts.

This barely touches the surface of what a router can do when in the hands of the right person and used with a bit of thought. This is an extremely versatile machine and much more than just an edge shaper.

Rod's advice is good. Go to the library and have a look for books on routing. You will also find router info hidden within other woodworking type manuals. Many libraries also have a couple of videos on routing. These are produced by Taunton Press and one is on using and making router jigs, and I think there is info under Small Shop Tips & Techniques or something similar and Making Mortice & Tenon Joints with Frank Klaus.

As Rod also said go see someone who has one and get them to show you the basics. Some schools may run courses for adults in using routers. Check this out with your local Council of Adult Education or TAFE.

Hope this is of some more help to you.

Neil Ellis http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/smile.gif

[Steven P]

thanks for the info Neil

[Tom O Donnell]

Steven It is important as to what router you buy. This will depend on whether you will be content to use it to do the things that are written in the books but as Neil has said the router is capable of doing many other things if you will set your mind to it and learn how to use the Template Guide which I consider is the most important accessory supplied with the router.

There is a need to have as many template guides as possible.
Tom

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TomnJarrah

[This message has been edited by Tom O Donnell (edited 10 November 1999).]

[AlexS]

I agree with all that has been said above - the router is one of the most useful and versatile tools available, and a paragraph about how every woodworker needs one should be included in the marriage vows.

That said, it can also turn expensive wood into sawdust in the blink of an eye, and that masterpiece that you've almost finished can suddenly become firewood. Don't let this scare you. Read some good books and practice on radiata pine or scrap.