Routers

Routers have become one of the most used tools in a workshop, possibly even more popular than a table saw. A well equiped shop will have both a plunge base and a fixed base router, it is now possible to get a combination kit where one machine has both bases. There are many different bit profiles available, probably a straight bit and a round over bit are the first ones you will need, but this depends on the type of projects you will be doing. It is much easier to work with smaller pieces if the router is mounted on a table. Generally much better results are achieved by taking several passes making a shallow cuts rather than one pass if a lot of material has to be removed.

Basic Router

The body can be adjusted for the depth of cut by moving it up and down in the base.

Plunge Router

Can be adjusted for depth of cut as the basic router, however the bit is above the base so it can be positioned over the material to be routed then pushed down to make the cut.

Combo Packages

Combo packages offer the best of both worlds, including both types of bases. Many uses attach the fixed base to a router table plate and use the router freehand with the plunge base.

Overhead Routers

In 1919 oscar Onsrud and son Rudy built the first router, it was an air turbine powered machine. In 1928 they patented and over arm pin router that revolutionized woodworking factories.

shopfox

This Pin Router Machine provides a quick and easy method for routing multiple, identical workpieces using shop-made patterns. Secure the patterns to the bottom of the workpiece and follow against the raised pin in the table to transfer the cut to the workpiece. A pneumatic driven head is controlled by a foot pedal, allowing full hand control to move the pattern and workpiece. Straight edge routing with guide bearing mounted router bits can also be done with ease and greater control. Requires a router motor, router bits, shop made templates and air compressor. Four router collars are included.

 

Shop Fox W1736 Overarm Router  

Machines such as the CarveWright are computer controlled to cut designs or patterns.

CNC Shark Routing System
Now includes slotted MDF table as shown! Bring the speed and precision of computer-controlled machinery to your shop with this top value CNC system! With a table measuring 15-3/4" x 31-1/2" it s ideally suited for carvings and machining operations on a large variety of signs, doors and other small projects. It boasts impressive power, speed, accuracy, and ease of use. With its robust steel and high-density poly-ethylene construction, it can take accidental impacts that would normally damage or destroy an aluminum or MDF machine. Optional Clamping Table features two hold-down slots for securing work anywhere along the length of the table. Compatible with the Bosch Colt Palm Router. Includes VCarve Pro software interface  a $500 value. You supply a computer with USB port, a Bosch Colt router, and a table top (router and table top also available sold separately). You connect the USB cable to the controller box and the other end to your computer. Visit a store near you for a live Demo!

CNC Shark Routing System

CNC Shark Routing System

Router Speeds

The larger the diameter of the cutter the faster the tips of it travel, a large bit will be travelling too fast for optium performance and safety on a router at full speed unless the RPM is slowed. If your router does not have a speed control you can use an external attachment.

Suggested Speeds

0 - 1 inch in dia - 22,000 RPM

1 - 2 inch in dia. - 18,000 RPM

2 - 2.5 inch in dia. - 16,000 RPM

2.5 - 3.5 inch in dia. - 12,000 RPM

At 22,000 RPM the tips of a 3/4" bit travel at 49 MPH, on a 3 1/2" bit they would be travelling over 220 MPH.

Router Speed ControlRouter Speed Control
New and improved router speed control gives you much more range in your speeds than our previous model...

Router Speed Control

Rockler's #1 Router Table Package
Our introductory package is the best value on the market! It includes your choice of standard router plate (1/4" x 8" x 11") plus our Rockler exclusive table, fence system and bit safety guard. (Legs sold separately)

Rockler's #1 Router Table Package

Rockler

Mast-R-Lift Router Lift & Mounting Plate Mast-R-Lift Router Lift & Mounting Plate
Change bits and bit height from the top of your router table! Adjustments are made with a drop-in speed handle. One rotation of the handle equals 1/16'', so you can make both super-fine and major adj..

Mast-R-Lift Router Lift & Mounting Plate

Rockler Straight Edge System
Ripping and shaping long stock has never been easier or delivered more accuracy! The Rockler Straight Edge System boasts "across the board" functionality for sawing, routing, drafting, story pole work and more. Ideal for stock up to 8  long and 2.75  thick. Benefits: Rip full plywood boards up to 8  long with complete accuracy Keeps your circular saw or router on point to eliminate twists, drifts, and jagged edges Built-in story stick helps you plan your cuts Light and easy to carry from one measurement to another Breaks down for convenient storage

Rockler Straight Edge System

Rockler Straight Edge System

Routers & Accessories

Routers

Accessories

Attachments

Router Tables

Books and Videos

Bit Profiles

Flush Trim

Sign Making

Slot Cutting & Finger Joints

Chamfer

Edge

Raised Panel and Style

Speciality

Molding

Straight and Rabbetting

Jigs to make

Keyhole Slot Guide

Router Dado Guide

Router T-Square

Round Corner Template

Round over corners on a square of hardboard or plywood in incremental diameters, then clamp to material and use with a ball bearing pattern bit.

Router Direction

hand guide

A router must travel in the right direction sothe bit cuts properly. An easy guide is to lay your right hand palm down with your thumb touching the edge of the material, your index finger will point in the direction to move the router. When using a table lay your hand palm up and your index finger will point in the way to move material.

Visit Amazon.com's Router Workshop


Woodcraft.com - Helping You Make Wood Work

Visit Rockler.com - Woodworking Superstore!

Must Have Router Accessories from Rockler

Rockler's #1 Router Table Package
''The Rockler model offers a lot of value ... None of the other tables priced under $200 seem worth the investment, in our opinion. ''''Router Table Review''Wood MagazineMarch 2000

Rockler's #1 Router Table Package

Rockler

Rockler Dovetail Jig & Through Dovetail Template
This innovative new template attaches to our existing half-blind Rockler Dovetail Jig to quickly and easily create beautiful through dovetails on 3/8'' to 3/4'' thick material. It's ideal for drawers, jewelry boxes, humidors and other small woodworking projects. Ê Through Dovetail Template A great addition to Rockler's dovetail jig!

Rockler Dovetail Jig & Through Dovetail Template

Rockler Dovetail Jig & Through Dovetail Template

Router Speed Control Router Speed Control
New and improved router speed control gives you much more range in your speeds than our previous model...

Router Speed Control

All-In-One Clamp Guide
The first zero-deflection straight edge clamping guide! Provides you with straighter and more accurate cuts, dadoes and routing without additional clamps. New and improved design features: 30% wider integral clamping jaws for tighter clamping and less marring of wood. 50% wider locking lever for quick, easy clamping of guide. Full-color measuring scale with large numbers (in 1/4").

All-In-One Clamp Guide

All-In-One Clamp Guide

Rockler Ellipse/Circle Router Jig
Now you can easily create perfect circles, ellipses and sweeping arcs! With your router and this handy, easy-to-use jig, you ll be able to make picture frames, mirrors, signs, tabletops and more in just a matter of minutes. Compare to other ellipse/circle router jigs that cost $100 more.

Rockler Ellipse/Circle Router Jig

Rockler Ellipse/Circle Router Jig

Check For Recalls

  • Wear eye protection.
  • Router safety is a matter of controlling the router and securing the work piece. With a router spinning at 22,000 RPM bad things can happen fast.
  • Listen to the sound of your router, it should sound the same cutting as when at an idle, if not you are forcing it.
  • The larger the diameter of the bit the slower the speed of the router.
  • Always rout against the direction of the router bit, counterclockwise around the outside of an object or clockwise around the inside of an object when routing freehand, reverse this when using a router table.
  • Make a series of shallow passes rather than one cut if a lot of material has to be removed.
  • Use an edge guide whenever possible.
  • Always use the router in a vertical position, gripped in both hands, in a comfortable stance.