{"id":16641,"date":"2017-11-21T00:48:45","date_gmt":"2017-11-21T06:18:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/youthfulhome.com\/?page_id=16641"},"modified":"2020-02-28T19:40:23","modified_gmt":"2020-02-29T01:10:23","slug":"wood-router","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/youthfulhome.com\/guides\/wood-router\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Wood Router Reviews"},"content":{"rendered":"

How to Select the Best Wood Router?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Wood routers are fast becoming a popular woodworking tool due to the level of versatility on offer. Used to rout or hollow out the face of wood or plastic, they are largely used in the creation of cabinetry.<\/p>\n

There are several kinds of wood routers for sale, and it can take plenty of research to find one that will suit your particular needs. For example, some are on a fixed base with a D handle, while others can plunge or are fixed.<\/p>\n

When the time comes to select the best wood router for the money, this buying guide will become invaluable. Within it we\u2019ve listed and reviewed several wood router types, all which enable you to carry out woodworking tasks with relative ease.<\/p>\n

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Work Type<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In order to choose the right router for your work type, you need to focus on function. What are you trying to achieve? Wood routers come in various shapes and sizes and manufacturers produce different brands and models to suit a range of markets. Therefore, you need to know what you\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n

If you need to soften sharp edges, a compact and small trim router could be all you need. They can cut hinges and handle small profiling tasks as well.<\/p>\n

If you require something with a bit more power and versatility, a fixed-base or plunge-style router will tick all the boxes. They can handle large profile cuts, dovetailing and most tasks required in a workshop or place of business.<\/p>\n

A plunge router can be used on a range of cutting depths with the handles positioned near the bottom of the base, while the fixed-base router can handle general profiling and other cutting operations. The best part is, they are versatile in the respect that you can attach them to router tables.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a professional, a CNC router is perfect for handling large-scale projects. They can be operated via a computer program.<\/p>\n

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Safety<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Routers work at incredible speeds and one small mistake can end up with severe damage to hand and other body parts. Whether you\u2019re an experienced woodworker or you\u2019re just starting out, it\u2019s vital that you pay attention to the task at hand and take note of potential hazards.<\/p>\n

Your manufacturer\u2019s guide will include basic safety information for problem-free use, but we\u2019ve included additional tips below:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

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  • Keep the workpiece secure. Ensure it\u2019s clamped down securely to your work table or bench.<\/li>\n
  • Keep your hands and fingers away from the bit.<\/li>\n
  • Unplug the router before you make adjustments.<\/li>\n
  • Inspect your chosen bit to ensure it\u2019s free from imperfections before installing it.<\/li>\n
  • Always wear eye and ear protection.<\/li>\n
  • Never start the router with the workpiece touching the bit.<\/li>\n
  • Always feed the workpiece against the rotation of the bit.<\/li>\n
  • Never force a workpiece through the router.<\/li>\n
  • Large-edge profiling should be completed in several passes, rather than just one.<\/li>\n
  • Pay attention to the bit capacity of any hand router to ensure it\u2019s suitable for freehand use.<\/li>\n
  • Take care with small workpieces to ensure your hands don\u2019t come into contact with the bit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

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    Features<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    There are plenty of quality routers on the market but not all represent good buying. Some lack power, others lack features, and not all will prove to be effective in comparison to the cost. Therefore, it will do no harm to find out what features are a must for your particular project.<\/p>\n

    Power is quite important, and this feature should be the first thing you consider. Does it have enough horsepower to complete your project? If you\u2019re cutting hardwood, you will need at least 1-3 HP.<\/p>\n

    The controls are equally as important. Some routers feature two handles which offer more stability, while others have the common D-shaped handle. Are the buttons well located? Is it easy to turn off without moving from your position? These are things to be on the lookout for before you get your wallet out.<\/p>\n

    Variable speed and a soft start function are also very popular. If the router you\u2019re looking to purchase doesn\u2019t have these functions, consider looking at one that does. Variable speed reduces the risk of burning wood and gives you more control with different varieties of wood.<\/p>\n

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    Efficiency<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Many people can make the mistake of choosing the cheapest wood router without paying attention to the features. The problem is, not all are capable of carrying out every task.<\/p>\n

    The easiest way to burn a router motor out is by expecting it to complete tasks that are far beyond its capabilities. This can include cutting hardwood with a basic, low horsepower motor, or choosing the wrong bit size.<\/p>\n

    If you expect to always be working on large workpieces, consider buying a router with a larger motor. This can extend its lifespan.<\/p>\n

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    Maintenance<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Just like your vehicle, your power tools require maintenance. And, just like your vehicle, failure to undertake regular maintenance is one way to see your machine break down. Therefore, it\u2019s vital that before and after each use, you check your machine for wear and tear and fix any problems as they arise.<\/p>\n

    You need to:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

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    • Check the blades and sharpen the edges to continue getting high-quality cuts.<\/li>\n
    • Wax the base of the tool.<\/li>\n
    • Check the brushes you can access and replace any that are damaged.<\/li>\n
    • Maintain the collet by cleaning off dirt, debris, and by giving it a solvent bath on a regular basis.<\/li>\n
    • Ensure all parts are properly aligned.<\/li>\n
    • Lubricate all moving parts on a regular basis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

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      Budget<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      The sky\u2019s the limit when it comes to choosing the best wood router for the money. You can opt for a low-end fixed-base router with no accessories for as little as $50, or you can splash out on something with high-end features and pay up to $500.<\/p>\n

      However, for professionals in need of a decent industrial CNC router, you can easily pay up to $5,000. The tools themselves can fall into this price range when you buy online, however, you can also get the best deal when you choose to include accessories and router tables.<\/p>\n

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      5 Available Wood Router Types on the Market<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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