Handyman Tip: Wood Router 101

Woodworkers enjoy using routers and the flexibility they add to the workshop. Once you buy and become accustom to using a router you will not fear but look forward to the opportunity to incorporate its use with your projects. This simple guide will help you understand the two basic types of routers, their size and power ratings.

A router is a power tool comprised of a motor which turns a steel shaft at very high speeds, ranging from around 8,000 to 30,000 rpm. Attaching a collet to the router shaft allows a cutter or router bit to be fitted to router allowing the router to cut grooves, trim edges, form, and shape.

There are two basic types of routers, fixed base and plunge routers. The plunge base allows the user to control the depth of the bit cut by setting stops without lifting the tool base. If you are buying your first router and are undecided about the choice consider a combination kit. The kit will include the motor which will swap between the two bases allowing maximum flexibility. Ease of changeability is paramount. Choose the brand and model carefully.

Routers come in several sizes: full-size, midsize, compact, and trim routers. Your first router should be a midsize which can provide the best of all worlds for general use. Routers can accept different bit shaft diameters. Compact and trim routers will almost certainly not accept the shanks larger than ¼ inch.

Most router’s power will be rated in a 1 ½ to 3 ½ horsepower producing 3 to 15 amps. For the small wood shop 2 ½ horsepower seems to cover most needs. Closely related to the power generated by a router is the router bit shank size. When using the ½ inch diameter shanks the router must be able to operate at slower speeds, making an adjustable speed feature necessary, and generating higher horsepower. The woodworker who works with larger bits, say like a 3 inch panel bit, will need high horsepower, low speed, and the ability to mount to a router table. Many woodworkers prefer to buy a router motor such as the Porter-Cable 690LR as a permanent mounted option on their table.