A router table gives the user the opportunity to improve their skill and craftsmanship with a router. Many of the tasks you normally perform with the hand held router can be enhanced or simplified with the router table providing the craftsman more flexibility. The router table can also facilitate cuts, such as panel profiles, that would be impossible or unsafe if attempted by hand.
The router is actually a simple tool. A motor held in a vertical position above a cylindrical steel sleeve that holds a cutting tool. The motor rotates at various speeds rotating the cutting tool (bit) removing chunks of wood creating grooves, joints, or edges. Because the bit size or specific function performed, mounting the router to a stationary table makes some functions possible and safer.
The router is usually mounted upside down to the bottom of the table using a mounting plate with the bit protruding through an opening in the table. An adjustable guide mounted to the table top can be altered controlling the distance from the bit to the edge of the material. The depth of cut is regulated by adjusting the router up or down. The table can be full size free standing or smaller mounted to a table.
The router table can be the tool of choice for repeated router cuts, precision cuts, shaping moldings, cutting with a pattern, and many other functions. The table is an absolute must when with the larger sized bits used in door panel fabrication. The router table can also be improved with a number of accessories making the table more beneficial and just plain fun to use. For some examples check out our article on router table accessories.
Remember, there are dozens of operations that are best performed with the router table. Once you begin using the router table you will wonder why you didn’t get one sooner.
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