Buying a Wood Router

A wood router is an incredibly versatile tool that can cut and shape a wide range of materials. It can be used to profile edges, cut grooves, trim wood flat, drill holes, recess hinges, and more.

A wood router is a motor-driven tool that uses a wood cutting bit to perform a variety of tasks. Some common router cuts include rabbets, dovetails, and dadoes.

Variable speed

A router is a high-speed wood working power tool used to cut or rout straight or decorative profile grooves and moldings into the face or edges of timber. It is available in fixed spindle, plunge and combination variants and can be supplied with a wide range of cutting bits of different sizes and profiles.

Variable speed is a critical feature for routing wood of varying densities. Running a router at high speeds increases vibration and imposes excessive stress on the bit, which can cause it to break.

Using variable speed helps you avoid burning or overheating your workpiece, which will reduce the number of hours spent sanding it. Also, running a router at a slower speed means your bit will last longer and will cut cleaner and more accurately.

Another key feature for a router is a soft start system which prevents the tool from lurching up to full speed when turned on. These systems are popular and add safety to the tool.

Plunge

If you’re interested in a wood router that can handle a variety of tasks, a plunge model might be your best bet. Plunge routers offer controlled vertical movement while cutting a wide range of deep grooves and mortises as well as detailed pattern work.

Using a plunge router is simple and requires minimal set-up. Simply place the sole of the base on the face of a project, activate the motor and lower the bit into the workpiece.

One of the best features of a plunge router is its maximum depth, which reaches 2 3/4 inches. This allows you to make full-penetration cuts without having to use a router table.

A plunge router is also much more affordable than a fixed-base model. However, it does lack some of the features and capabilities of more expensive tools. Despite these limitations, a plunge router is still a great choice for a home DIYer looking to complete a wide variety of projects.

Fixed base

A fixed base router is a type of wood router that locks the bit at a specific depth. It is a powerful tool that allows you to mill shapes and profiles on wooden materials, trim laminate to size, and route dados and mortises.

These routers are a great choice for woodworkers who need extreme precision in their cuts. They feature a lower center of gravity, an extremely accurate cut depth, and light weight, all of which limit the space for human error.

In addition, most fixed-base models feature speed control and a depth stop. This helps you maintain consistent speed as you cut, which makes for a smoother, cleaner finish.

Plunge-style routers are more versatile, giving you the ability to make many more different cuts than a fixed base model can. However, they have some disadvantages that you should be aware of.

Bits

Router bits are an important part of any wood router. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with specific features to suit different types of work.

Bits are generally made from either carbide or high-speed steel. Carbide-tipped bits are harder and hold their sharpness longer, but they’re also more brittle.

These bits are often used to make dadoes, rabbets and grooves. They can also be used for making joints, such as for a drawer front or cabinet door.

Another type of bit is the roundover bit, which allows you to cut a precise shape based on a radius selected by you. Its design is similar to the straight bit, but the roundover bit has a bearing at its base or tip that lets you follow a curved path for shaping.

Flush trim bits and pattern bits are also very useful. They cut patterns in the material, allowing you to produce multiple identical pieces of furniture, doors or other items.