Open Works has several handheld DeWalt routers. You must complete Wood Shop 2 before using the machines.
The router is an extremely versatile tool that accepts a variety of route bits to create decorative edges, dovetails, rabbets, and a variety of other channels and profiles.
The trim router is best for shaping edges that can be accessed from the side rather than the top.
The plunge router is specialized for engraving type applications, where being able to lower the bit into a piece of material from the top is essential.
Router type | Handheld | E-Stop | Work piece size | Application |
---|---|---|---|---|
Router Table | small to medium | complex interior or exterior edges | ||
Trim Router | medium to large | long edges | ||
Plunge Router | medium to large | interior edges |
¶ Acceptable Materials
Hardwoods.
Softwoods.
Plywood.
¶ Use with Caution and Proper Technique:
Always check moisture levels with the moisture meter and look for nails with the metal detector.
Reclaimed lumber.
Logs.
Slabs.
Green wood.
¶ FORBIDDEN MATERIALS
DO NOT, under any circumstances, cut the following materials with the router:
Pressure treated wood.
Materials containing or coated with lead or lead-based paint.
Any pre-finished woods (for example: finished flooring, old bar tops, etc.).
OSB.
Particle board.
MDF.
Hardboard.
Safety Check:
Sturdy, close-toed shoes must be worn at all times.
Long hair, jewelry, and loose clothing must be tied back.
Safety glasses and earmuffs must be worn while machines are running.
A dust mask or a NIOSH certified respirator is recommended.
For more information on shop safety visit Wood Shop under "Safety."
Never force the bit or overload the router beyond the expectations of the tool.
Always rout in two or more passes when large amounts of stock must be removed.
Always secure the work piece. Never try to hold material by hand while operating a handheld router.
If your material is warped in any way, consider processing it through the jointer and planer before using the router. Material with at least one good flat face and smooth, perpendicular edges will produce a cleaner cut and be safer to work with.
Never try to hold material by hand when operating a handheld router.
Understand where the cut is going to go and avoid placing clamps in your way.
If you are going all the way around a piece, be prepared to move the clamps and your work piece so that you can access all sides of it without sacrificing safety. If you can move your work piece with your hands even a little, it needs to be better secured. Protect your work piece from dents and marks caused by the clamps with scrap wood placed between the clamp and the work piece.
Handheld routers do not have a fence in the same way that stationary tools do. However you can create one by clamping a piece of scrap wood (make sure it's straight, or has the profile that you want) across your work piece and using it as a guide.
It is better to reset your work several times than lose control of the router and potentially injure yourself or damage your work piece.
There are several trays of router bits available. To ensure sharpness and the cut profile you want, you may wish to bring your own bit.
You may need to turn the spindle slightly to engage the lock.
If you can't find the wrench that goes with the router, find a 22mm wrench and use the open end.
There are many things to consider when making a cut on the router. Find details here: Making a Cut on a Router.
Avoid climb‑cutting. Climb‑cutting increases the chance for loss of control resulting in possible injury. When climb‑cutting is required (backing around a corner), exercise extreme caution to maintain control of router. Make smaller cuts and remove minimal material with each pass.
When routing along an edge, the direction of the router travel should be against that of the rotation of the cutter. This will pull the router towards the workpiece and the side fence or guide bearing will be less likely to wander from the edge of the workpiece.
You may need to turn the spindle slightly to engage the lock.
Turn the collet nut clockwise with the wrench to loosen.
Keep turning the wrench until the collet nut tightens and then loosens again. This is the fail‑safe mechanism releasing the collet.
The cutter should now slide out.
How to cut dados using a router.
Vacuum up your work area, the floor, and the router with any of the available shop vacs.
manual for type 1 but the one in the shop is a type 2 or 3