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Step 1
Select a router bit design appropriate for the project.
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Step 2
Open the router spindle (the tip of the machine that holds the bit). Press the release lever on the side of the router body and at the same time insert the bit wrench that came with the router into the space provided. Turn it counter-clockwise.
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Step 3
Slip the chosen bit onto the spindle at the tip of the router and tighten the spindle. Hold down the release lever on the router body and turn the wrench clockwise until the spindle is tightly closed and locked into place. The spindle needs to be tightly closed so the bit won't fly off when you turn the router on.
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Step 4
Clamp the wood to be routed to a work table or saw horse.
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Step 5
Set the depth for the router cut. Pull the depth handle down to release the springs that hold the bottom guide plate to the router body. The bit can only cut with the portion of it that extends down past the guide plate, so push back up on the bottom of the guide plate until the router bit protrudes from the bottom of the plate at the depth of cut you want. Pull back up on the depth handle to lock the guide plate springs and your chosen depth into place.
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Step 6
Put safety glasses on. Plug the router into an electrical socket or extension cord.
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Step 7
Hold the router bit down, away from the wood so the bit does not touch the wood. Turn the router on. Press the power trigger on the router body.
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Step 8
Guide the active router gently into contact with the wood edge. First the guide plate slides onto the top of the wood and then the spinning bit makes contact with the edge of the wood.
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Step 9
Move the router slowly along the edge. Keep the guide plate flush with the top of the wood and allow the router bit to shave the edge and shape it according to the bit's design.
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Step 10
Take the router off of the wood and release the power trigger. Unplug the router from the source of electricity before continuing with the project.
