Many woodworkers have the belief that the router power tool is absolutely necessary and essential in the cutting carpentry area and i cannot agree more .
In the old days , before the power router invention(1906) , maybe a router plane could do the job of the router , but in ourdays the versatile use and precision of the router cannot be replaced .
The power router , is an electric powered tool , moslty hand holded ( D handled – double knobs ) that consists of a vertically positioned , motor rotating a blade-bit , which expands of a metalic base and has the mission to route – milling wood into shaping – trimming – edging it , for a variety of patterns .
Certainly it’s an essential precision power tool , giving you the ability to shape – dig – milling wood , in all the variety of patterns you want and doing all that with extremely precise and finishing results .
Make a check to my favorite router & bits suggestions , in HERE .
What can you do with a Router Power Tool ?
The router tool , routs – milling – “digs” , specific shapes and depths patterns into a wood , in all the variety of designs , in order to provide to a woodworker all the variety of pattern cuttings , trimming , edging , hollowing , shaping wood .
The power router is used in al the range of the woodworking activity from the cabinetry to small carving woodworking , having no limitations . Choose the best and appropriate router bit and do whatever you like .
Can a Router cut through , Wood ?
Yes , certainly it can cut through all types of wood with easiness and extreme accuracy , providing excellent wood shaping – trimming – edging , in all the variety of patterns you want .
Of course you should always remember the reasons the routers invented and not try to use it in other woodworking jobs .
Can a Router be used as a Jigsaw ?
No , it cannot be used . The jigsaw is a saw and the router it isn’t a saw . These two are totally different woodworking power tools and do totally different jobs .
Otherwise we wouldn’t need both of them . We would do all the jobs we wanted with only one of them .
The power router is made to hollows out , dig , trimming edges , milling wood in specific widths and depths , in a variety of design patterns .
The Jigsaw is a saw , made for elite and very fine cutting all the wood’s mass even i a very tiny artistic scale .
How Deep can a Router cut ?
Even if the router can cut , up to 3 times the diameter of its bit , i highly recommend you not to exceed the 2 times of your bits diameter . Generally i highly recommend you not to reach your routers – bits , limits , even if they can handle the pressure .
It isn’t very wise for your tools and equipment lifetime , to reach their limits very often and when it isn’t necessary . If you want deeper router milling , just choose the appropriate router bit !!!
See a post relevant to your woodworking tools maintenance , HERE .
What Wood is Best for your Routing ?
For your routing you don’t want super soft type of wood and a wood type which isn’t solid enough to keep – follow – mainten the patterns you create – route to it .
You need good wood density to avoid wood chips while you’re routing . Some trees that are providing good wood for routing are the alder , white poplar , upright – growing prunus , birch , quaking aspen , the ghost gum , the acacia and the US Sycamore .
Remember all the basic wood types(57) and their properties in HERE .
What Horse Power(HP) Router do i need ?
I think that a 3HP(+-) power router is just perfect for a woodworker even if the 1HP – 2HP range of routers are very capable . The 3HP router is power enough to cut – trim all the variety of the wood types .
What should you Not do with a Router ?
I highly recommend you not to start routing your wood piece , going to the deepest depth at once and certainly , you should start very smoothly and gentle and then escalate . Imagine to start your routing with a 3HP power , in full power at once .
I don’t recommend you do this , you’ll face problems .
Is a Router tool Worth it ?
Yes , it’s certainly worths every penny you’ll give for its purchase . It gives you “millions” of carpentry abilities for shaping , trimming , milling , hollows out , et.c , your wooden pieces with the highest level of precision .
Keep woodworking and be always happy doing that .
