Wood Routers

Author Jeremy Broun loved the Wood Router so much he wrote an entire book about the tool. In his book, The Incredible Wood Router, he dubbed the router the "most important tool in the world." Routers are versatile woodworking tools that are used to hollow out an area on a piece of wood, which comes in handy when making a pattern in a piece of trim or finishing molding. There are many varieties of these tools such as plunge, trim, and fixed base. While routers are mostly used in the woodworking realm, they can also be used to shape soft metals, plastic and other materials.

Although fixed base routers are easy to use, you are limited to the preset bit depth throughout the cut. With a plunge router, you have the ability to cut at various depths. You still set a max depth of the bit, but in order to reach it you must apply pressure. If you are trying to cut level you have to be careful and make sure you keep constant pressure on the unit, or else you may have bumps and raises in your cut.

Fixed base routers are typically much easier to use than plunge routers and are a good choice for beginners. Once you set the depth of cut, the bit remains at that height throughout the cut. Having a fixed bit depth makes it easy to keep a consistent and level cut from start to finish. However, you lose some of the unique abilities that a plunge router gives you.

Trim routers are smaller routers commonly used for laminate trimming. These tools can complete almost any task a larger router can but in a slightly different fashion. Laminate trimmers are light weight, maneuverable tools that are best for more delicate routing tasks. Bigger routers may possess the power and speed needed for bigger jobs but they also lack the finesse of a trim router.

One of the most convenient parts of a router is the fact that most motors are interchangeable between fixed and plunge bases. This means that you can purchase separate bases without having to purchase a whole new router. Router interchangeability was pioneered by Art Emmons in the 1950"s and has become a standard in the industry today. With one of these combo kits you can get the ease of use of a fixed base router and make unique cuts with the capabilities of a plunge router.

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For the past 30 years, Tools-Plus has committed itself to carrying the best selection of Wood Routers, as well as other hand tools, power tools, woodworking machinery, and accessories from the largest selection of the top manufacturers.