Router buying guide

Routers: A guide to shape your choice

Almost every person who works with wood will benefit greatly from a router in some aspects of their work, given their versatility. Routers are frequently used by carpenters, joiners and cabinet makers to trim, cut, edge and engrave materials such as wood, plastics, laminate or Formica. 

Routers are primarily distinguished into different types depending on the base of the router. Fixed base routers have to start the cut from the edge of the material and can form shapes (depending on the bit chosen) or remove thin layers. Plunge routers on the other hand can start cutting from anywhere on the material, as the router cutting bit is movable and can be inserted into the material. This enables plunge routers to perform more tasks than fixed base routers, such as for making decorative designs in doors or cutting shapes out of panels, although they can often be less compact machines. Further information on router bases is explained in the key considerations section below.

The use of routers can be further improved when used with a jig. Jigs create a template for a router to follow when cutting, enabling routers to accurately cut specific shapes such as those required for hinges and joints. Router tables are also available that hold the router upside down and then the wood is presented to the cutting or shaping bit, rather than taking the router to the material.

Key Considerations When Buying A Router

Some of the key considerations when looking to purchase a Router are:

Collet size: Routers come with a 1/4" or 1/2" tool holder - known as a collet. The router bits that fit into the collet must also be the same size as the tool holder, they cannot be interchanged.  

Base:  The main two types of router base are fixed and plunge. As the name suggests a fixed base cannot be moved. It is a hard base that is designed to cut the material at a set depth that remains constant throughout the cut. This also means that it has to be used at the start of an edge. A plunge base router can be moved within the base - up and down. The height can be set and locked so that when you push down to make contact with the wood it will create a perfectly even groove in the material and cut to the preset depth. This enables the user to lower the router bit into the material to make a cut which means that work can begin in the middle of an item and not just the edge, You can also purchase fixed offset bases which enable the router to work close to walls or doors, or routers that have the ability to add or remove the base. 1/2" plunge routers are only available with a plunge base that is not removable.

Power source:  Routers can come as a mains machine or a cordless machine. Cordless options are more common with 1/4" fixed base routers, as they are typically used for light applications. The 1/4" mains machines will do the same as the cordless but will not require battery changes or charging. 1/2" routers are for all types of routing work. Currently all our 1/2" routers come with a plunge base and in mains power, enabling them to be used continually throughout the day. 

Speed:  Speed is important when using routers. The speed you require depends on the material being worked on. A dense wood will require more speed than a light wood. If too much speed is used then the material can become scorched. If it's too slow then the finish will not be smooth. If you are working with different materials then make sure you purchase a router with variable speed settings.

Extras:  There are hundreds of different cutters for routers. These router bits cater for all shapes and sizes of cut so you can usually find what you require. The main consideration, once you've found the part that you need is selecting the bit that fits the collet on your router (1/2" or 1/4"). You can also get tables for routers, and jigs which create a template for cutting certain shapes, such as dovetail joints or simple treads for steps. All these accessories make the router very useful and one of the most versatile machines. View our router accessories

Router Safety

Routers are very powerful machines and can cause injury if not used properly.

Ensure the device is switched off. Remove the battery, if applicable, or unplug the tool when changing the router bits or the tool is not in use.

Read the manual and understand how it works. Even for an experienced user, when getting a new power tool, it is always a good idea to read the manual. There are a lot of fine adjustments that can be made on routers so familiarising yourself with these will make sure you get the best from your tool. 

Hold the machine with both hands If you are using a plunge router make sure you use both hands. The larger machines create a lot of power and they can spin at speeds of 27000rpm. If it slips it can remove fingers or cause you harm. 

Wear the right clothing and protective gear. You should always wear goggles to protect your eyes from any debris that may come off when cutting with a router. Certain materials would require the use of a mask to protect you from inhaling any toxic particles.

View our range of Routers and find the lowest prices online at Howe Tools.