The D.I.Y Approach To Using a Router

 In the spirit of "The D.I.Y Tool Shed Podcast" topic of the month for January 2021, "D.I.Y. and simplification", we're going to look at using a router.

The most basic aspect of D.I.Y is getting something done yourself to meet a certain expectation or to achieve a certain result.  As stated elsewhere, the point of D.I.Y isn't to be a craftsman or artist.  Those require a level of knowledge and experience with the tools and materials involved that exceed D.I.Y general needs.

Craftsman router under a Skil router table

Which is fine.  Those aren't diminishing D.I.Y, they are taking a skill or ability beyond routine need of performance by choice.

So, what is a router?  It is a cutting tool.  It is generally used to cut wood but it can, with the use of specialty bits and accessories, cut other materials such as metal or plastics.

So basically there are 

  • Edging bits
  • Cutting bits
  • Joinery bits
  • Moulding bits
Edging bits are mostly used for smoothing or taking sharp edges off of boards.  Some bits are simple and some are more fancy.  If you want to make the corners or edges of your workpiece safer or more attractive, using edging bits will do the job.

Cutting bits allow you to literally cut out material not only from the edges of the material but on the inside of the material too.  Everything from mortices (the shallow square or rectangular holes cut into doors, windows, and other pieces for installing locks, hinges, and other types of hardware) to complete cutouts of material from inside the material.  You can also use cutting bits to make signs and do engraving.

basic 15 piece MasterForce router bit set

 Joinery bits are sort of like edging bits but these are mostly to make it so the ends of boards will fit together in certain ways to join them together. This is when one is making boxes, frames, etc...  These also range from simple rabbit joints to more sophisticated joints requiring special bits.

Moulding bits can be simple by creating basic angles on board edges to very artistic and sophisticated designs for custom molding that you find along the top of the walls along the ceiling, windows, and doorways.

Much of the work we do with routers is repetitive and involves several pieces requiring consistency.  Because of this, much of what we do with routers also includes jigs.

You don't need to be a professional carpenter or woodworking artisan to use a router.  In fact, a router is one of the most commonly used and most useful tools in your craft, hobby, or repair toolbox.  Unfortunately, Because of some of the more artful and complicated works people show off online and elsewhere, far too many people are intimidated by the router.  Don't be intimidated.  It doesn't have to be any more challenging than a circular saw or jigsaw to use.

What the router requires most is confidence and a steady hand.  Don't rush it.  Don't drag it out either but treat it with respect and it will give you all you're looking for and more.

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