Definition: a power tool that shapes wood by spinning a cutting bit to carve edges, grooves, or patterns; often used in furniture and decorative work
What exactly is a router?
A router is a power tool used in woodworking to hollow out or shape surfaces, edges, and grooves in materials like wood, plastic, or metal. It features a high-speed rotating bit that can cut or carve intricate designs, make joints, or add decorative details.
Routers can be handheld or mounted on a table for more precise control and are versatile tools for furniture-making, cabinetry, and crafting.
With interchangeable bits, routers can perform a variety of tasks, from creating smooth edges to cutting precise slots or grooves. They’re essential tools for professional woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts alike.
The Anatomy of a Plunge Router
The Anatomy of a Trim Router
Types of routers
Fixed-base router:
- cutting depth is set before use and stays constant
- great for precise edge work, straight cuts, and beginner-friendly woodworking
Plunge router
- the bit can move up and down during use, allowing you to start cuts in the middle of a board or create grooves and patterns
Trim router:
- smaller, lightweight router designed for detail work, like trimming laminate, rounding edges, or making light cuts
- easy to handle and perfect for finer tasks
Combo router:
- these combine fixed-base and plunge features, for added versatility
Key components of a router
Motor
- powers the spinning of the cutting bit, typically adjustable for different speeds
Collet
- essentially a steel sleeve positioned at the end of the motor’s spindle
- holds the cutting bit securely in place
- rotates when the router is running to spin the cutter so it can cut into the material
Base:
- flat surface that stabilizes the router as it moves over the material
Speed control:
- allows user to adjust the rotation speed of the cutting bit, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM)
Depth adjustment:
- allows user to set how deep the cutting bit will go into the material
Common uses for a router
Edge profiling
- most common application in the home shop
- a roundover or a clean chamfer (a small bevel) can be made in minutes with an appropriate router bit
Joinery
- where the router really earns its jack-of-all-trades badge
- with appropriate fence or shop-made jig, it can reliably cut any number of joints with relative ease, including dadoes, rabbets and mortise-and-tenons
Hinge mortising
- working with hand tools can be rewarding, but a good trim router makes quick work of hinge mortises, allowing you to hang a door in just minutes
Inlays
- these can be roughed out quickly to create an impressive showcase of woodworking skills
Things to consider when choosing a router
Corded:
- Pros: unlimited power, lighter for heavy tasks.
- Cons: limited by cord length, less portable
Cordless:
- Pros: portable and convenient, no cord to manage
- Cons: limited run time, less powerful
Brushed:
- Pros: more affordable, easy to maintain and replace parts
- Cons: less efficient, generates more heat, shorter lifespan due to brush wear
Brushless:
- Pros: more efficient and runs cooler, longer lifespan and less maintenance
- Cons: higher initial cost, more complex, harder to repair
The amp rating of a router indicates the amount of electrical current it draws, which relates to its power output.
- Higher amp rating: more power, better for heavy-duty tasks like cutting through thick wood or using larger bits
- Lower amp rating: less power, suitable for lighter tasks like trimming or smaller cuts
Common amp ratings for routers range from 8 to 15 amps, with higher ratings generally providing more consistent performance for tougher jobs.
The speed range of a router refers to how fast the motor spins the bit, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). Variable speed lets you adjust the RPM to suit different materials and tasks.
- Slower speeds (10,000-15,000 RPM): ideal for larger bits and harder woods
- Higher speeds (20,000-30,000 RPM): work better for fine, detailed cuts
Having a variable speed router provides more versatility for different projects.
References:
https://canadianwoodworking.com/tools/trim-routers/; https://www.wonkeedonkeetrend.co.uk/routers-basic-information/what-are-the-basic-parts-of-routers; https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/maximum-14a-variable-speed-2-1-2-hp-corded-combination-plunge-fixed-base-router-with-case-0542433p.html; https://learn.kregtool.com/learn/routing; https://canadianwoodworking.com/tools/routers/; https://www.amanatool.com/articles/post/making_a_box_joint; https://www.dewalt.com/product/dw618/2-14-hp-maximum-motor-hp-evs-fixed-base-router-soft-start?tid=597016; https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-recess-hinges-on-a-door/; https://www.precisionbits.com/beginners-router-bit-buyer-guide.html; https://www.wonkeedonkeetrend.co.uk/trend-router-cutters-general-information/parts-of-trend-router-cutters/what-are-the-parts-of-a-trend-router-cutter/
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