How to Use a Wood Router

Are you wondering how to use a wood router? If you plan on tackling some woodworking projects, a wood router is a valuable tool to help you make fresh profiles on the edge of a board. Cut a variety of shapes from materials like wood, plaster, and MDF.

If you’ve never used a wood router or if you’re wondering how to use a wood router for a new project, learn more in this easy DIY guide from Do It Best.

If you’re new to the hobby of woodworking or DIY home improvement, you might wonder how to use a wood router or why you would even need to use a router in the first place.

First, the basics—a wood router is a tool that’s used to make cuts or “hollow out” a piece of wood, plastic, MDF, or even, in some cases, metal. A router can cut grooves, make fancy edges, or help you cut patterns. These patterns are typically used for decorative edging and finishes, giving your wood projects a more professional look.

What else can a router do? Besides cutting fancy edges on side tables and baseboards, routers can also cut flawless dadoes and rabbets. What's a dado, you ask? A dado is a rectangular groove cut into a board to fit another piece of wood into it. A rabbet cut is a step-shaped recess cut along the edge or the face of a piece of wood. But those aren't the only cuts a router can do. Different bits allow you to create decorative picture frames, shoe molding, kitchen cabinets, doors, and edges.

You can purchase a router kit along with specialized router bits to help you get the depth and finish that you want for your project. Routers are portable, small woodworking tools, meaning that they're very versatile and easy to maneuver during use.

If you're building a basic woodworking tool kit, a router is a helpful power tool to invest in. You will find a lot of different applications for your router, and the attractive cuts and edging will make all of your projects look more professional and finished.

For fixed-based routers, the router bit position stays in place where you set it. So if you set the router to cut ½" depth, the bit will remain at ½" beyond the router's base until you change the setting.

Plunge base routers allow you to set the depth of the cut. With the router base set on the surface, you can then plunge the bit into your cut. Most beginners prefer a plunge base, as you can typically lock the setting, essentially turning it into a fixed base. A plunge base wood router also protects the bits when not in use, making it a wise choice.

Just like that junior high school woodworking class taught you, the first consideration in using a router is safety. Any time you’re using power tools, it’s imperative that you take all necessary precautions to protect yourself and those around you. So what does router safety mean?

With any woodworking project, a dust mask is also a necessity. Dust, wood particles, and grinding metals are hazardous and should never be inhaled. Wearing a mask will help prevent these particles from entering your lungs and causing any damage.

Before cutting into the wood, be certain that you have tightly secured the piece with clamps. Don't ever hold up or hand-support the material as you work because a router can kick back if there is a sudden stop or shift. Inspect the wood for any screws, nails, or other foreign objects. Even small pieces of metal can cause a hazard for you and the router.

We've all heard the adage, “measure twice, cut once.” When woodworking, it's a good idea to start with a plan. Before diving into a piece of wood with your router, map out your cuts using a template and set the depth of your router bit accordingly. Always do a test cut before routing your workpiece.

Whenever you're making cuts in wood, it's crucial that the wood stays steady and secure while you work. Affix the material to your workbench using a clamp or a non-skid router mat to hold the medium in place. The advantage of a router mat is that it doesn’t need adjustment, allowing you to work continuously.

The best practice for handheld wood routers is to work from left to right. This direction will give you the most control over your router. If you’re working with a table-mounted router, it's best to work from right to left. Ensure the bit is always pointed in the planned cutting direction before starting. Again, it's critical to make multiple passes for deeper cuts instead of trying to cut it all at once.