What exactly can a router do?

[TheGameAh]

My last question for the day, I promise.  I was checking out the FAQ and other threads.  I was always under the impression the router was used for control panel holes and T-Molding.  But I picked up somewhere that you could even use it to make straight cuts on your control panel.  Is this true?

[SirPoonga]

Yes, there are tons of bits for routers.  in order to make a straight cut you need to run the router along a straight edge though.

[HeadRusch]

A router is probably one of themost versitile tools you can have in a workshop. The problem, however, is that unlike a drill..or a jigsaw..or circular saw...you really gotta *think* about how to use a router

You can use a router to, for example, cut a slot into the side of a piece of wood for installing T-moulding.
Or you can use a different bit and put a smooth rounded edge on a square end of a piece of wood.

You can use it to drill holes or to take off a certain depth of wood.  Say you want to use a Trackball Mounting Plate.  Well thats like 1/8 of an inch thick.....if you want your control panel to be smooth, or covered with Lexan or Plexi, then you can use the router and a nice flat bit to "plunge" down 1/8 into the wood and just route-out the square for the mounting plate...etc, etc, etc.

In the hands of someone good with tools, a router is an amazing tool.  IN the hands of a novice, it can kill ya.  Those bits spin REAL, real fast.

Just go to Home Depot, check em out, and see if you can get one of the guys to explain how to use one.
Once you see one in action it'll start to make sense...

[MrBond]

I used one to plunge out rectangular squares for the joystick depths so they would be the correct height on the 3/4" wood panel.  Also, I used it to route out a very shallow rectangular shape for the spinner on top of the panel so the mounting plate doesn't show.  I also used it to go arount the plexi glass once it was secured to the wood, making a perfect fit to the top of my cp.

[Amra]

I think the proper question is what CANT a router do.

[skirge66]

well I do know for sure...it can't get the kids ready for school, it can't go to work for you...and I don't think it can make cappacuino    

[Amra]

::slaps forehead::

I shoulda known someone would have taken that out of context, rofl!

[OSCAR]

...and I don't think it can make cappacuino    

Well, not if you use the wrong bit....

[u_rebelscum]

The only other thing limiting routes, besides what skirge66 side , is it's fairly large size.  It's hard to get at places without a 3"-4" clearing sideways and 6"-12" clearing above, like near the inside corners of boxes.  It helps to route before you put those pieces together. *shrug*


Example:  The lines are peices of wood, the numbers spots trying to route.

|            1            3 |
|___________________________|
    2

Spots 1 and 2 (from the underside) are fine.  Spot 3 from the inside is too close to the side piece.  That's what the dremel is for.

[skirge66]

you can cut the size problem down  little, i have a dremel with a router attachment works well for tighter spaces, and smaller still if I use the cutting attachment for it. Wouldn't recomend using a dremel for your entire project, but it sure comes in handy used along with a normal router.

If i remember correctly it was oscar that turned me on to them...since I bought mine it has seen endless use, by far the most useful tool I ever bought...it cuts, drills, routes, trims, trenches...now if I could just find a painting bit   I'd be in there

[Lilwolf]

There is a show on cable... The Router something...

they build entire things (chairs, tables, houses, ect) with JUST a router.... It's great!

I saw it about 6 months ago the week before I bought my router!

[AceTKK]

it's called "The Router Workshop" on PBS.  It's an interesting show, if you can get over what geeks the two guys are.

-Ace-