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Woodworking Routers

Recommendations

Shapers and routers carve into the profile of a piece of wood with a bit mounted on a spindle. Both are built to hollow out wood; however, the main difference is that a stationary shaper is mounted on a bench and a router is primarily a hand tool. However, routers can also be mounted on router tables. These models are recommended by ConsumerSearch. !

Buying a Router

Plunge Routers''' ** Plunge routers are a little more refined with this type you lay the router base flat on the wood face and the bit lowers slowly as you start working. ** Routers usually have a fence built in to help guide the cut along the edge of the wood. ** You can also attach a straightedge to accomplish the same thing. This makes the router much more precise and easier to control the cuts. ** Plunge routers are more adept at through cuts. ** However, plunge routers may be top-heavy and can be more difficult to adjust and maneuver. * ''''''Sizes''' * '''Trim Routers''' ** The smallest routers also known as laminate trimmers or just trimmers. ** Some are sold with multiple bases for trimming plastic; others are more all-purpose and come with only one base. ** Light enough to use with one hand. ** Usually 1 hp or less. * '''Large Routers''' ** Useful for professionals and advanced amateurs with large projects (such as doorframes). ** Usually pack 3hp or more. ** Can be quite heavy. ** You may also want to consider a shaper.

'''Features'''

* '''Variable speeds''' provide maximum versatility with different bit sizes. * '''Dust control''' is crucial. Either find a model that has a dust collection basket, or hook it up to a vacuum hose. * '''Removable bases''' make changing bits easier and allow both table and handheld work. * Can be mounted on a table or hand-held.

Router Bits

Router bits can be switched out to use your router for myriad tasks. * 1/2" and 1/4" bits are both available. ** 1/2" became much more common after the introduction of commercial plunge routers. ** Although 1/2" bits are more powerful and more frequently used, there is still a place for 1/4" bits for fine detail work and for use in trimmers. * Could be highcarbide. * Can have an edge to keep from damaging the piece. * Can be anti-kickback (has extra material near base to limit depth) to lower the chance of digging too deeply into the piece. * Spin 8,000-30,000 rotations per minute.

Major Manufacturers

* Makita * Bosch * DeWalt

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