One of the most versatile and widely used power tools in the home wood shop would have to be the router. These tools are capable of so many things that you could spend an enormous amount of time learning their full potential. From cutting slots to molding to making raised panel doors, these tools, equipped with the right bit, can handle a host of woodworking tasks.

There are a number of things to consider when shopping for a router. The first thing to consider is deciding if you plan to own more than one of these modern wonders. In most professional woodworking shops, dedicated routers are common. This simply means that the cutters, or bits as they are commonly called, are left in the router and set to perform a certain function. These routers are not good for anything else, since once adjusted for a specific task, they are only good for that. This can be to cut the back edge of cabinets, to allow the back panel to sit in this gap, or to install with a commonly used edging bit. The advantage of this is the saving of time in the change of bits and their adjustment.

Obviously, a woodworking shop isn’t likely to have ten or more routers, but having more than one is a very good idea. If you want to have one installed on a router table, having a dedicated one is very convenient. You’ll usually want a plunge router for this, and one with enough power to handle larger cutter sets, like raised panel cutters, for making cabinet doors. Attempting to use one of these large bits in a handheld router would be quite dangerous.

It is imperative to be aware of router security as these tools, while considered relatively safe, can do a lot of damage. It is important to use the proper feed direction, whether it is with a hand router or a router table. This isn’t as much of a safety factor on a handheld router as it is with a router table, but it’s still pretty important.

With a router table, when feeding a board into a rotating bit, in the same direction the bit is turning, you will likely end up with the board ripped out of your hands and shot like a missile through your shop. If he were to hit someone, there is a very good chance that it would be fatal.

The feed direction on a hand router is from left to right and on a router table it is from right to left. The feed direction is opposite, as the router is held in the opposite position.

Eye protection is a must and a dust mask is highly recommended. If your router has a vacuum port, it helps a lot to use it. One tool that will fill the air with dust very quickly is the router.

Some routers have a toggle switch, so it’s important to check that it’s in the off position before plugging it in. It’s also important to hold a router with both hands when turning it on, as the torque on these tools can cause it to lose control or come into contact with your body. Therefore, it is best to keep the router flat on the work surface, without the bit coming into contact with the plate, and then turn it on. Then gently bring it into contact with the work piece.

Getting the best results with a router depends on a few things. First is the sharpness of the bit. Next would be the feed rate. Moving the router too slowly will cause burn marks on the board. Moving the router too fast will not only put unnecessary stress on the motor, it will also result in a poor cut. Either it will be wavy or ripped. The best feed rate will take some experimentation, and it will be different for various woods and different router bits as well.

The learning curve for using a router is relatively small for basic uses, but with all the possibilities these tools provide, you can spend a considerable amount of time mastering them.