How to Router a Board
A router is a very versatile power tool that can be used to perform many tasks that will enhance your woodworking skills. The router comes with a wide assortment of bits that when put in place, will produce all sorts of interesting cuts that will improve your finished product. One of the most basic tasks that a router can perform is to add a beveled or curved edge to the length of a board. Once this is done, then you can use the entire board or you can rip the board to create strips of molding that have a curved or beveled edge.
Instructions
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1
Firmly attach your board to a sawhorse or a work bench with nails or screws. If the board is really wide, you can use a clamp, but often clamps will get in the way of the router.
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2
Choose the bit that you wish to use and insert the bit into the router.
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3
Measure the distance between the outside edge of the base of the router and the outside edge of the router bit. This measurement will probably be in the range of 5 to 6 inches.
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4
Determine how much of the board you want to cut with the router bit. You can make a practice run on a scrap piece of wood to help determine this figure.
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5
Add the two numbers together (width of the cut and the distance from the tip to the edge of bottom plate) and place a wooden guide on the board that you are about to cut. The distance between the edge of the board and the guide should be the same as the number that you just calculated. Attach the guide securely with nails or screws, and make sure that it is a few inches longer than the board at each end.
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6
Set the depth of the router. If you are shaping the end of the board, then you will want the depth to be slightly greater than the thickness of the board.
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7
Put the router in place, turn it on and slide the router along the length of the board in one steady motion.
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Tips & Warnings
Not only can you put an edge to the board with this technique, but you can make rabbet joints as well. To make a rabbet joint, use a straight cutting bit and make sure the depth is set at the exact depth that you desire (usually about half the thickness of the board).
Always wear safety glasses.
Don’t forget that the router bit spins at a very high rate of speed, so make all cuts with a steady motion.
