How to Cut out Windows With a Plunge Router
For efficiency when building, contractors use a router to cut window openings. By using a router, it allows the builder to put up wall sheathing rapidly in large sheets without worrying about measuring around the windows. When the project is completely sheathed with particleboard, the builder then comes back in and routes out all the windows at once. You can do this at home, resulting in clean, accurate window openings. Using a router is easy, saves time, and is safer than cutting window openings with a saw.
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Things You'll Need
- Plunge router, 1/2-inch shank
- Plunge cutting router bit, 1/2-inch diameter
- Window frame
- Particleboard wall sheathing to cover window frame
- 2-inch nails (24)
- Hammer
Instructions
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1
Position the wall sheathing over the window frame so that the edges of the sheathing extend over the outside edges of the frame. Nail the sheathing to the frame along the outside perimeter.
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2
Push down on the base of the router, compressing the spring, or the "plunge," of the router and then push the plunge lock lever to lock it in its down position. Insert the router bit into the router and tighten securely using the wrenches that came with the router. Loosen the base height adjustment knob on the side of the router and slide the router up or down so that approximately 2 inches of the router bit extends below the base.
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3
Measure to a point well inside the frame opening and make a mark with a pencil, taking note of where your nails are entering the frame for reference.
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4
Hold the router over the mark with both hands on both handles of the router. Flip the plunge lock with one thumb, letting the router spring back up. Turn the router on with the other thumb.
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5
Push down on the router, compressing the router's spring. When the bit makes contact with the wood, hang on and continue pushing down on the router until the bit penetrates the sheathing and the router base comes into contact with the surface of the sheathing. When the base is fully in contact with the sheathing, slide the router over, letting the bit make contact with the 2-by-4 frame underneath.
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6
Slide the router along the frame. You can move clockwise or counterclockwise around the frame, allowing the bottom of the bit to guide your router along the perimeter of the 2-by-4 frame underneath, cutting the sheathing as you pull the router along. When you come to a corner, continue cutting along the frame until you come to the cut line where you started and the piece of sheathing drops out of the opening.
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7
Reach up with your thumb and turn the router off, letting it slow down and stop before pulling the router out of the opening.
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Tips & Warnings
When you come to the end of the cut line, slow down. Be careful, as the router may want to twist in your hands as the piece of sheathing drops out of the opening.
Always wear safety glasses.
References
- Photo Credit framing image by Leticia Wilson from Fotolia.com
