How to Choose a Wood Router

Instructions :

1. Decide what the primary task will be that you want the router for. Unless your primary reason for wanting a router is to make signs or make other types of designs that require the router to begin its cut in the middle of a board rather than on the edge, you'll should start out with a stationary base router rather than a more expensive (and generally heavier) plunge router.

2. Purchase a router with sufficient power. Make sure your router has at least 2 horsepower. A router with less than 2 horsepower will not be able to cut efficiently if you use any large-sized bits.

3. Hold the router in your hands and make sure the weight and the grip are comfortable. This is an important consideration. If the router is not comfortable your hands and arms could tired before the job is done.

4. Check out the location of all controls. The on/off switch must be easily accessible when your hands are gripping the router. You cannot afford to remove your hands from the handle of the router to switch it off.

5. Buy a plunge router if you plan to make signs or do other work which requires your router to begin its cut in the middle of a board. Plunge routers are generally slightly heavier and bulkier than stationary-based routers. Make sure the router feels right in your hands. Hold several different models in your hands before deciding on one.

6. Buy a router with a 1/2-inch collet rather than a 1/4-inch collet if you can afford it. The collet determines the size of the bits you can use in your router. With a 1/4-inch collet you can only use bits with a 1/4-inch shank. But if you can afford a router with a 1/2-inch collet then you can use bits with both a 1/4-inch as well as a 1/2-inch shank. This expands the universe of bits you can use plus bits with a 1/2-inch shank are generally easier to work with, especially if you are new to routers.

Types of Router Bits

The more you work with a router, the larger your assort­ment of router bits is bound to become. There is an almost endless variety of router bits out there. But if you're starting a collection, you may want to start by stocking up on these common bits:

• Chamfer router bits - Chamfer bits cut angles and shapes in the edge of materials. This is a great bit for the handyman wishing to create decorative pieces or edging.
• Edge-forming router bits - For those with an especially skilled hand, edge-forming bits help with intricate edging tasks.
• Flush trim router -- This type of bit has a giveaway name. They are used to make the edge of one material flush with another, like trim.
• Joinery bits - These bits can be found in just about any shape and size, making them perfect for joining two separate materials together.
• Rabbeting router bits -- Rabbeting bits can be purchased in sets. They're most commonly used to notch the edge of your building supplies. They cut vertically and horizontally at the same time.
• Raised panel bits are most often used on door panels. They go hand in hand with stile and rail bits.
• Stile and rail bits - These bits are great for projects involving framework or panel doors.
• Straight router bits -- These bits are a must have for anyone with a router. These common bits are used for straight down cuts or to form grooves or dados.
  

Having the bits listed above will allow you to accomplish almost any job, but you may want to check with a professional or expert before getting into a project. Your local supplier will be able to help you chose the best router for the job. And even if you have to go it alone, be sure the check out the packaging. There are usually pictures that will show you the shape it makes.

Read on to find out about differences in router bit shank diameters.

Picture of Profile woods

picture of above is sample for cutting result from router bit

Definition of Router Bit

Router Bit are cutting tools used to create cylindrical holes and Profiles in materials cutting. which rotates them and provides torque and axial force to create the hole.