How to Set the Cut Depth on a Power Router

When you use a power router for building or home remodeling projects, it's important to know how to set the cut depth. Cutting too deep can ruin your wood. If you're using a profile bit and cut too shallow, you won't have the full profile of the bit.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Set the cut depth on your power router by first making sure that your bit is secured tightly in your collet. Slide the motor of the router into the router base. With the base placed on a solid surface, turn your motor until your bit touches the solid surface. Now, pick up your router with the base and screw the motor down into your base to the desired depth.

2. Measure your base plate to the tip of your router bit in order to get the correct cut depth that you need to make. After you've achieved the proper depth, secure the base to your motor by tightening the wing nut on your base. This secures the base to the motor.

3. Adjust the cut depth on a profile bit on your power router. A profile bit is a bit such as a raised panel bit, ogle bit or half-round bit. These type bits in a power router must be adjusted down a little at a time. This keeps the wood from splitting or splintering. Taking small portions of wood out at a time makes a cleaner cut and puts less stress on your router motor.

4. Position the cut depth of your router bit in a scrap piece of wood. This way, you won't ruin the piece of stock you're working with. Adjust your motor housing down. Make your cut and then check the depth of the cut. If you need more depth, lower your motor down until you achieve the depth you are looking for.