Host Kevin O’Connor and general contractor Tom Silva go over the ins and outs of routers, including the different types, how they work, and the different bits and profiles you can use to create your desired details.
Different Types of Routers
There are a few different types of router, each with its own features and uses:
- The trim router is a small, compact, lightweight router used to trim thinner materials such as laminate, thin plywood, and other materials to size.
- A standard router is more powerful and heavier-duty than a trim router. It has several adjustable settings and can handle specialty cuts.
- A router table is just a secure platform that a router can be installed into for more intricate cuts or production work.
- CNC routers are large machines that can be programmed to cut profiles or designs on their own
Base Types
There are two base types: fixed and plunge. The fixed-base router is typically a bit larger and more powerful, and its base can adjust to specific heights, but once set, the bit height doesn’t move. The plunge-base router is similar to a fixed-base router in terms of power, but its base is spring-loaded, allowing the user to plunge the bit down into the center of a workpiece.
Routers are Modifiable
Routers can be modified to serve certain purposes. For instance, they can be attached to a router table, providing a stable work surface and a fence for guiding material across the bit. You can also attach a custom base made from plywood that allows the router to ride over large mortises without falling in.
Router Bits and Accessories
For a router to work, it has to have a bit installed in its chuck. The bit spins at high speeds and removes material. There are several types of bits, including those designed to trim material to the shape of an object below, to cut a profile or bead into the edge of a board, or for joinery. Changing the bit can change the router’s entire purpose.
Routers can also be fitted with collars. These collars can track along the edge of a piece of material, controlling the path of the cut.
Understanding Router Basics is Just the Beginning
Once you understand the basics of routers, you can start to experiment. Whether you want to make your own moldings, countertops, carvings, or intricate joints, there is a router and bit for the job.
Resources
Plunge and Fixed Base Router Kit
Custom base plate—Tom made his own flat, square base plate for his trim router. This can be done with MDF, plywood, or acrylic.
