So what does a router do and how to use a router.
I thought I'd first take a look at the word router and this originates from a verb to rout. Rout is also a noun but this doesn't relate to our woodworking router. The definition of the verb appears to be to rummage or to hollow out or furrow, as with a scoop, gouge, or machine. So perhaps my definition of a woodworking router would be to gouge out or machine out some part of a piece of wood. This could simply be to make a groove or round the edges of a piece of timber.
Cable Porter
The first routers were of course hand operated and were similar in appearance to a flat wood plane but having interchangeable narrow blades rather than the large flat blade. These blades would be shaped to make a grove or round the edge of the timber. The electric router was introduced in the first half of the last century but in fact was a very different product for achieving similar results and relied on a spinning cutter and was known as the spindle router. A company called Elu developed some of the first products and I remember having a quality Elu router myself. I believe Elu is now part of the Makita power tool and Makita router range of products.
The first electric routers had a fixed base and subsequent routers called plunging routers were sprung such that the spinning blade would not protrude beyond the based as the weight or pressure was removed. These types of router were moved over the wood area. The alternative method of use is to mount a router to the underside of a router table and then move the wood over the router and maintaining a fixed position for the table router. This is ideal for a workshop environment and lends itself to additional safety features.
The handheld plunging routers can be used (should be used) with a variety of controls. The base of the router can be fitted with a sidebar device to ensure that the cutting blade remains a constant distance from the edge of the wood you are routing. For example you may wish to cut a groove 4 mm deep and 3 mm from the edge of your piece of wood. The depth can be set to the maximum 4 mm and the sidebar guide will ensure that the groove is not made more than 3mm from the edge of the wood. You could achieve the same results by clamping a straight edge over the surface of the wood to be machined and keep the electric router pressed firmly against the straight edge.
Router cutters or router bits come in many different shapes. The different shapes allow you to use your router to cut square, vee and rounded grooves. There are more router bits to enable round, angular and decorative edge finishing. An edge finishing router bit has a spinning guide at the base of the cutter that prevents the blade cutting deeper into the timber. Generally speaking buying router bits can be a little of a lottery because you want the best bits but don't want to spend a fortune. Unless you need a large selection of router bits for professional work I'd suggest buying a set of router bits with most of the shapes you could ever envisage using. You'll probably also require 1 or 2 straight cutting bits and you may wish to pay a little more money to get the best you can afford if you are to use these bits frequently. For example you may wish to have a 3-4 mm straight cutting blade for groves and rebating edges of your chosen timber. A larger 8-10mm is always useful for taking a little timber off a wider area. Cheaper blades will soon lose their cutting edge and could scorch or burn the timer if you are not careful.
You can choose a router from a variety of manufactures notably Makita, Bosch, Dewalt, Festool, Milwaukee and Porter-Cable. A router is still very much a corded power tool and is often required for long periods of use so there hardly any cordless routers. The Ryobi ZRP600 Trim Router is an 18v cordless device but very much intended for lighter trim work. Many of the manufacturers also supply factory reconditioned routers and router combo kits.
Once you've mastered the use of a router you'll be amazed how many tasks can be improved by using a router.
Special Price!!! Porter-Cable PC250MTK 2.5 Amp Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit
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Porter-Cable PC250MTK 2.5 Amp Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit Feature
- Tool-free accessory change requires no bolts or wrenches
- Powerful 2.5 Amp motor provides high torque for smooth cutting
- Variable speed dial offers maximum control across applications
- 10-foot cord for access to applications
- Includes: Kitbox with a wide assortment of accessories
Porter-Cable PC250MTK 2.5 Amp Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit Overview
The PC250MTK 36-Piece Corded Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit utilizes a groundbreaking Tool Free System - just squeeze a lever to release or secure an accessory. This kit is loaded with 35 assorted accessories to allow you to cut, sand, grind, and scrape. The PC250MTK is variable speed and delivers 10,000-20,000 oscillations per minute (OPM) by way of a high-torque 2.5 amp motor that can handle almost any application. The variable-speed unit has an oscillation angle of 2.8 degrees and comes equipped with a 10 cord for easy jobsite maneuverability. The PC250MTK features a durable injection-molded kit box to help keep the tool and accessories organized and protected on and around the jobsite. Includes: VS Multi-Tool, 35 assorted accessories, sturdy storage case and three-year warranty.Porter-Cable PC250MTK 2.5 Amp Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit Specifications
Porter-Cable’s PC250MTK 2.5-amp oscillating multi-tool kit has been specially designed to offer remodelers, carpenters, general contractors, and a number of other professionals the quality and control they need to complete a variety of applications. From cutting wood, drywall, and nails to removing grout to scraping paint and caulk, the PC250MT oscillating multi-tool tackles a wide variety of projects and tasks.
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 The PC250MTK comes equipped with multiple blades, allowing you to work on a variety of projects (view larger). |
 Porter-Cable's patent-pending Tool-Free System makes it easy to switch between accessories without bolts or wrenches (view larger). |
The PC250MTK runs on 120-volt electrical power and delivers 10,000–20,000 oscillations per minute (OPM) by way of a high-torque 2.5-amp motor that can handle almost any jobsite application. The variable-speed unit has an oscillation angle of 2.8 degrees and comes equipped with a 10-foot cord for easy jobsite maneuverability. The PC250MTK features a durable injection-molded kit box to help keep the tool and accessories organized and protected on and around the jobsite.
Tool-Free System
The unit incorporates contractor-driven innovation such as the patent-pending Tool-Free System accessory change, which gives professionals the ability to quickly and efficiently change the tool’s accessories without bolts, washers, and wrenches. By simply pressing a lever, contractors can change the accessories or adjust the accessory angle. A release of the lever ensures that the accessories easily click into place, ready for the application at hand, without the need for separate bolts, washers, and wrenches.
About Porter-Cable
With more than 100 years of experience producing quality and performance-driven tools, Porter-Cable is a leading manufacturer and marketer of professional-grade cordless and corded power tools, equipment, and accessories. Known for industry-changing innovation, Porter-Cable introduced the world’s first helical drive circular saw, portable band saw, and portable belt sander.
What's in the Box
One Porter-Cable PC250MTK 36-piece corded oscillating multi-tool kit, including one PC250MT 2.5-amp multi-tool, one precision wood end-cut blade, one wood end-cut blade, one wood/metal end-cut blade, one half-segment wood blade, one carbide grout blade, one sanding platen, 27 sandpaper sheets, one rigid scraper, one flexible scraper, and one kit box.
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| Porter-Cable's PC250MTK 2.5-amp oscillating multi-tool kit provides the tool and accessories to tackle a variety of tasks, including cutting, grinding, sanding, and scraping (click each to enlarge). | ||
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