subject: A Summary Of Woodworking Routers And Router Bits [print this page] Expert and beginner wood workers alike need to be familiar with routing. This procedure entails using a woodworking router to "rout out", or hollow out, wood materials for ornamental or practical purposes. Stair case designers and furniture makers frequently use routers to shape and make elaborate patterns on wood materials.
The Many Varieties of Routers
Electric routers are common now, but routers began as simple hand tools. The initial tool, known as "Old Woman's Tooth", consisted of a wide wooden foundation with a slim blade connected to it. This tool is so useful that some wood workers still use it even with the development of spindle routers and electric routers. Today's woodworking routers could be categorized according to their base and handling varieties.
Routers may be plunge-based or fixed-based. The primary difference between these two types becomes noticeable when you put them to use for routing. With a plunge-base router, you set the unit's base plate on top of the wooden surface, with the router bit elevated a little above it. It's only once you turn the motor on that it comes down on the surface. A fixed-base router performs practically the same way, only the bit is in contact with the surface even before the cutting begins. Plunge-base routers are much better for more sophisticated, delicate work.
Routers are also classified as table-mounted or handheld routers. Table-mounted routers provide a lot more steadiness than handheld ones, which depend heavily on the users' capability to manoeuvre them and keep them steady. Table-mounted routers are good for more elaborate projects involving small pieces of wood. They are also safer for newbie or amateur wood workers to utilize.
Router Bits
You need to familiarize yourself with router bits regardless of what type of router you need to make use of for your Do-it-yourself project. They are the components which do the actual cutting or shaping. These make use of cutting blades made out of carbide or high-speed steel, which you can attach, remove, and swap. These come in various shapes and sizes to make numerous effects and patterns.
Router bits are generally classified based on the dimension of their shank. Standard diameters include 6mm, 1/4 in, 8 mm, 3/8 in, 10mm, 12mm, and 1/2 in. Half-inch bits are generally more costly, but they are less vulnerable to vibrations or breakage. This makes them more durable and easier to take care of than other bit types.
Don't assume all routers may support every bit size. If you think you need to utilize many bit varieties, search for routers with removable collets. Collets are holding units that keep the routers in place. You may need specific collets for various bit sizes.
Do not be concerned if you cannot find a router that correctly matches your specifications. A number of businesses providing bits online also create customized bits for almost any type of project. This is very useful if no other bits fit your project's unique design, or if you're doing a delicate project like home furniture restoration.
Before purchasing your router and router bits, make sure you know exactly what you need and the way use them. Talk to expert craftsmen or woodworkers about your Do-it-yourself job if you're lost. Do not forget to buy protective gear like work gloves, earplugs, and safety goggles. If you operate in a closed space or a make shift working area, search for routers that have a built-in vacuum in order to avoid getting saw dust everywhere or in your nose.
