The router, for its simple design, is one of the most versatile
tools you can own. You can shape decorative profiles, cut grooves,
flush-trim, raise panels, and cut almost any joint.
In the Complete Illustrated Guide to Routers, you'll learn
how to unleash this versatility by choosing the appropriate bit, and
guiding the cut in the proper manner. You'll also learn that while a
multitude of bits are available, a few essential bits will enable
you to accomplish many of your routing tasks.
More than 800 photo and
drawings show you how to use and care for your router and how to get
the most from it. In addition to mastering the use of your
router, you'll also learn about router tables, and how to make one
that works perfectly in your shop.
Introduction:
The router is undoubtedly one of the simplest of woodworking
machines, basically comprising just a motor, a base, and a collet.
And yet it is one of the most versatile tools you can own. Back when
the router was first invented, it was used primarily for shaping
decorative profiles along the edges of tabletops and drawer fronts.
It's still a great choice for those tasks, but the truth is, it can
do a lot more, including grooving, flush-trimming, raising panels,
and cutting almost any joint, including the all-important
mortise-and-tenon and dovetail joints. In fact, the router can
create all of the joinery necessary to make entire assemblies such
as doors and drawers.Unleashing all this versatility basically
depends on two things: using the appropriate bit, and guiding the
cut in the proper manner. That's a bit of an oversimplification, of
course, but it really is at the heart of the matter, as I'll show
you in this book.
For example, if you flip through the pages of any router bit
catalog, you're sure to become overwhelmed by the assortment of bit
styles and sizes, which range from simple straight bits to large,
complex molding bits. However, you'll find that a judicious
selection of a few essential bits will enable you to accomplish many
of your routing tasks.
As for guiding the cut, I'll show you a range of options,
including using the edge of the router base, fitting a bushing to
the opening in the base, or using a guide bearing on the bit. You
can also choose to attach a fence or edge guide to the base. For
some tasks, such as excavating for hardware, you might choose to
simply guide the router freehand to remove much of the waste stock,
completing the job with hand tools.
Another option is to use a jig or router table. No other
woodworking machine lends itself more to the use of jigs or
table-mounting than the router. Many commercial jigs are available
to help you perform simple or complex operations, but you can also
construct jigs yourself. Router tables open up a whole other realm
of possibilities, effectively turning the router into a stationary
machine, a mini-shaper that's capable of routing large-scale jobs
such as door panels. Although a table-mounted router lacks the power
of a shaper, it's more versatile and economical, making it well
suited to small-shop woodworkers on a limited budget.
So be prepared to expand your woodworking skills through the
capabilities of this most remarkable tool. It's my hope that this
book will provide you with a thorough understanding of the router
and what you can achieve with it.
Table of Contents:
Section 1: Choosing Routers and Accessories
Making a Custom Baseplate
Making a Straight-Sided Baseplate
Constructing an Edge Guide
Router Maintenance
Section 2: All About Bits
Changing Bits
Changing Bearings
Adjusting a Stacking Bit
Section 3: Router Tables
A Simple Fence
A Jointing Fence
An L Fence
Zero-Clearance Fence
Support Stand
A Two-Dollar Top
Making a Sled
Section 4: Common Cuts
Plunge Cut with Edge Guide
Internal Cut with Guide Bushing
Baseplate as Guide
Bearing as Guide
Making Stop-Cuts
Shaping Edges
Shaping Narrow Ends
Using a Starting Pin
Cove Cut on the Router Table
Routing Small Parts
Section 5: Routing Edging and Molding
Bullnose in Two Cuts
Edge Bead
Edge with Fence
Beveling Curved Edges
Molding on Face
Complex Molding
Complex Molding II
Built-Up Molding
Arched Molding Face
Arched Molding Edge
Section 6: Flush-Trimming
Flush-Trimming Face Frames
Flush-Trimming a Curve
Flush-Trimming Interior
Section 7: Router Joinery
Stopped Groove
Panel Groove
Two-Pass Groove
Tongue and Groove
Rabbet with Straight Bit
Dedicated Rabbet Bit
Lap Joint
Freehand Routing Dovetails
Shopmade Dovetail Jig
Sliding Dovetail
Half-Blind Dovetails with Porter Cable Omni Jig
Through Dovetails with Katie Jig
Half-Blind Dovetails with the Akeda Jig
Glue Joint
Mortise
Tenon with Jig
Tenon on the Router Table
Lock Miter
Splined Miter
Birds Mouth
Box Joint
Section 8: Doors and Drawers
Door Bit Set
Reversible Door Bit
Adjustable Door Bit Set
Coped Mortise and Tenon
Arched Door with Cope and Stile Bits
Sash Door
Arched Light Sash Door
Raised Panel
Raised Curved Panel
Lipped Door Edge
Lock Mortise
Sliding Dovetail Drawers
Section 9: Routing with Templates
Internal Cut
Curve with Template
Flush-Trimming Tight Curves
Internal Rabbet with Template
Corner Shelf
Scalloped Top
Section 10: Special Shaping Operations
Fluting
Pilaster with Handheld Router
Small Stock on Router Table
Fluted Quarter Columns
Dishing
Routing a Dished Tabletop
Soft-cover, 9-3/16 x 10-7/8 in., 240 pages,
with over 800 color photos and drawings
Published 2006
ISBN: 978-1-56158-766-7
Complete Illustrated
Guide to Routers
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