Need to learn to use a router - Kreg Owners' Community2024-03-28T20:13:44Zhttps://kregjig.ning.com/forum/topics/need-to-learn-to-use-a-router?id=2900167%3ATopic%3A399445&feed=yes&xn_auth=noGet a "soft start" router. M…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2012-02-03:2900167:Comment:4011312012-02-03T06:41:13.742ZMichael R. Turnerhttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/MichaelRTurner
<p>Get a "soft start" router. Most variable speed routers have this feature. Routers without this feature want to jump when you turn them on, and it is a bit scary. Even for experienced woodworkers.</p>
<p>My favorite one that I have is the Bosch Colt, but the similar <span id="btAsinTitle">DEWALT DWP611PK 1.25</span> compact router (which came out after I bought the Colt) has some better features. It comes in a kit with a plunge base, which makes it more versatile.</p>
<p>In our area,…</p>
<p>Get a "soft start" router. Most variable speed routers have this feature. Routers without this feature want to jump when you turn them on, and it is a bit scary. Even for experienced woodworkers.</p>
<p>My favorite one that I have is the Bosch Colt, but the similar <span id="btAsinTitle">DEWALT DWP611PK 1.25</span> compact router (which came out after I bought the Colt) has some better features. It comes in a kit with a plunge base, which makes it more versatile.</p>
<p>In our area, router tables (some with routers) are often offered for sale cheaply in Craigslist Tools.</p> Teresa, l started buying maga…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2012-02-02:2900167:Comment:4011202012-02-02T23:50:00.925ZJames Reeveshttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/JamesmReeves
<p><strong>Teresa, l started buying magazines, watching nearly nothing but reno shows .</strong></p>
<p><strong>First router l bought was a 3 1/4 Mikitia professional router and a Mikitia edge trimer, reason l started with those two was bought them at a yardsale for $ 40.00 lol.</strong></p>
<p><strong>I still have them along with 2-3 more 7 years latter l have been buying cd's, DVD's the past 3 years buying them on how to make joinery, use router, bandsaw etc use scrap wood and have…</strong></p>
<p><strong>Teresa, l started buying magazines, watching nearly nothing but reno shows .</strong></p>
<p><strong>First router l bought was a 3 1/4 Mikitia professional router and a Mikitia edge trimer, reason l started with those two was bought them at a yardsale for $ 40.00 lol.</strong></p>
<p><strong>I still have them along with 2-3 more 7 years latter l have been buying cd's, DVD's the past 3 years buying them on how to make joinery, use router, bandsaw etc use scrap wood and have fun.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Jim Ontario</strong></p>
<p></p> Fins,
Great choice.
Great too…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2012-02-02:2900167:Comment:4013042012-02-02T19:20:03.709ZKen Dargahttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/KenDarga
<p>Fins,</p>
<p>Great choice.</p>
<p>Great tool!---for so many hand-held routing operations.</p>
<p>Great for free-hand lettering.</p>
<p></p>
<p>When using only ''one hand'' operation---exercise <strong>extreme caution</strong>, and make only very shallow cuts/passes.</p>
<p>I strongly urge using ''two hands''---one hand to grip the router, and the second hand to hold the base down.</p>
<p>Depressions are provided in the base plate for thumb or finger rest.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Larger base plates…</p>
<p>Fins,</p>
<p>Great choice.</p>
<p>Great tool!---for so many hand-held routing operations.</p>
<p>Great for free-hand lettering.</p>
<p></p>
<p>When using only ''one hand'' operation---exercise <strong>extreme caution</strong>, and make only very shallow cuts/passes.</p>
<p>I strongly urge using ''two hands''---one hand to grip the router, and the second hand to hold the base down.</p>
<p>Depressions are provided in the base plate for thumb or finger rest.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Larger base plates are available, that fit the Bosch PR20.</p>
<p>I prefer the larger diameter bases, for most operations.</p>
<p></p>
<p>A clear base is more helpful---when viewing some cutting operations.</p>
<p></p>
<p>The palm router table, offered by Rockler, fits the PR20 nicely---a great tool.</p>
<p>It's provided with a clear base and fence.</p>
<p>The dust extractor is very useful feature---just plug your vac to it, and ''suck-it-up''.</p>
<p></p>
<p><br/> <cite>Fins59 said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://kregjig.ning.com/forum/topics/need-to-learn-to-use-a-router?commentId=2900167%3AComment%3A401211&xg_source=msg_com_forum#2900167Comment401211"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Ken - Good idea on the leather. Will try it for sure.</p>
<p>I picked up a Bosch Colt PR20 yesterday. You guys "talked" me into it. Looked at the Craftsman, DeWalt, and Ridgid. Liked the Bosch the best. Used it for about a half hour yesterday and can see that it will be getting a lot of use. I can see where you would be tempted to use one hand while operating it. But have to remember it's not a toy.</p>
<p>Seems like it would be good for free-hand lettering. Might try that today.</p>
<p> </p>
</div>
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</blockquote> Colt is a nice little router.…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2012-02-02:2900167:Comment:4011042012-02-02T17:46:45.213ZJohn Schabenhttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/JohnSchaben
<p>Colt is a nice little router. I've had one for almost a year. It can into places the big boys can't and there are a lot of accessories available for it. I picked up the "installer kit" kit with mine and that included a tilt base, offset base, roller guides and and some other stuff I have yet to figure out. I also heard Bosch is coming out with a plunge base for it. Woodhaven already makes a plunge base for the thing but they want $350 for that alone<br></br><br></br><cite>Fins59…</cite></p>
<p>Colt is a nice little router. I've had one for almost a year. It can into places the big boys can't and there are a lot of accessories available for it. I picked up the "installer kit" kit with mine and that included a tilt base, offset base, roller guides and and some other stuff I have yet to figure out. I also heard Bosch is coming out with a plunge base for it. Woodhaven already makes a plunge base for the thing but they want $350 for that alone<br/><br/><cite>Fins59 said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://kregjig.ning.com/forum/topics/need-to-learn-to-use-a-router?commentId=2900167%3AComment%3A401211&xg_source=msg_com_forum#2900167Comment401211"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Ken - Good idea on the leather. Will try it for sure.</p>
<p>I picked up a Bosch Colt PR20 yesterday. You guys "talked" me into it. Looked at the Craftsman, DeWalt, and Ridgid. Liked the Bosch the best. Used it for about a half hour yesterday and can see that it will be getting a lot of use. I can see where you would be tempted to use one hand while operating it. But have to remember it's not a toy.</p>
<p>Seems like it would be good for free-hand lettering. Might try that today.</p>
<p> </p>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote> Ken - Good idea on the leathe…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2012-02-02:2900167:Comment:4012112012-02-02T16:23:13.003ZFins59https://kregjig.ning.com/profile/Fins59
<p>Ken - Good idea on the leather. Will try it for sure.</p>
<p>I picked up a Bosch Colt PR20 yesterday. You guys "talked" me into it. Looked at the Craftsman, DeWalt, and Ridgid. Liked the Bosch the best. Used it for about a half hour yesterday and can see that it will be getting a lot of use. I can see where you would be tempted to use one hand while operating it. But have to remember it's not a toy.</p>
<p>Seems like it would be good for free-hand lettering. Might try that…</p>
<p>Ken - Good idea on the leather. Will try it for sure.</p>
<p>I picked up a Bosch Colt PR20 yesterday. You guys "talked" me into it. Looked at the Craftsman, DeWalt, and Ridgid. Liked the Bosch the best. Used it for about a half hour yesterday and can see that it will be getting a lot of use. I can see where you would be tempted to use one hand while operating it. But have to remember it's not a toy.</p>
<p>Seems like it would be good for free-hand lettering. Might try that today.</p>
<p> </p> Jens,
When I've used your sug…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2012-02-02:2900167:Comment:4009332012-02-02T15:05:23.838ZKen Dargahttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/KenDarga
<p>Jens,</p>
<p>When I've used your suggested methods, people around me thought I was giving them the ''finger'', </p>
<p>or practicing my '''gun draw''.</p>
<p></p>
<p>As a result, I use the following, when using a hand-held router:</p>
<p>''counterclockwise'' when routing the ''outside'' edges, and</p>
<p>''clockwise'' when routing on the ''inside'' edges---</p>
<p>(birds-eye view or viewing the object from the top side).</p>
<p></p>
<p><cite>Jens Jensen said:…</cite></p>
<p>Jens,</p>
<p>When I've used your suggested methods, people around me thought I was giving them the ''finger'', </p>
<p>or practicing my '''gun draw''.</p>
<p></p>
<p>As a result, I use the following, when using a hand-held router:</p>
<p>''counterclockwise'' when routing the ''outside'' edges, and</p>
<p>''clockwise'' when routing on the ''inside'' edges---</p>
<p>(birds-eye view or viewing the object from the top side).</p>
<p></p>
<p><cite>Jens Jensen said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://kregjig.ning.com/forum/topics/need-to-learn-to-use-a-router?id=2900167%3ATopic%3A399445&page=3#2900167Comment400510"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>I found out that if you use fore finger thumb method for router travel works perfect for handheld router. Put your hand out with thumb pointing to side of palm and take fore finger point forward. The thumb tells you where you place you bit on side of material and forefinger tells u direction of feed .So if you are doing a straight run you go left to right now if yo do interior picture frame rabbit you do same and you will notice direction.Just practice without turning on router.</p>
<p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=router%20direction%20using%20thumb%20forefinger&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.finewoodworking.com%2Fpdf%2FRabbeting.pdf&ei=aTsnT9HUBtToiAKhk4WcAQ&usg=AFQjCNEqQKA3E63RuN9dCLavEgIRaLDVkw&cad=rja" target="_blank">http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=router%20direction%2...</a></p>
<p></p>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote> Fins---
I use a piece of ''le…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2012-02-02:2900167:Comment:4009322012-02-02T14:56:45.363ZKen Dargahttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/KenDarga
<p>Fins---</p>
<p>I use a piece of ''leather'', to grip the cutting edge, so as to reduce the likely hood of getting cut.</p>
<p>Cut a piece of leather, the size to fit over and around the cutters, grip-it and lift out.</p>
<p>Works for me.</p>
<p><br></br> <br></br> <cite>Fins59 said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://kregjig.ning.com/forum/topics/need-to-learn-to-use-a-router?id=2900167%3ATopic%3A399445&page=3#2900167Comment400406"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Another thing, be…</p>
</div>
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</blockquote>
<p>Fins---</p>
<p>I use a piece of ''leather'', to grip the cutting edge, so as to reduce the likely hood of getting cut.</p>
<p>Cut a piece of leather, the size to fit over and around the cutters, grip-it and lift out.</p>
<p>Works for me.</p>
<p><br/> <br/> <cite>Fins59 said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://kregjig.ning.com/forum/topics/need-to-learn-to-use-a-router?id=2900167%3ATopic%3A399445&page=3#2900167Comment400406"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Another thing, be careful when removing a bit from your router. </p>
<p>This happened to me once and never again....I was going to remove a straight bit so I loosened chuck and grabbed bit with my forefinger and thumb . Bit was stuck and therefore did not move and the razor sharp edges on bit sliced my thumb and forefinger nicely.</p>
<p>That was on my 1975 Black & Decker model 7610 so the chuck apparatus probably isn't as smooth as when new. I have 3 other Craftsman routers but for hand-held routing that Black & Decker is my go to machine.</p>
<p>I gotta check out those palm routers you guys are talking about. </p>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote> Doug,
Lubing of the bit provi…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2012-02-02:2900167:Comment:4012982012-02-02T14:53:34.944ZKen Dargahttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/KenDarga
<p>Doug,</p>
<p>Lubing of the bit provides two things for me---</p>
<p>more easily bit removal ( lifting the bit out of the chuck)---</p>
<p>AND---</p>
<p>it provides a protective coating on the bare metal of the shank---</p>
<p>the coating reduces oxidation (rust) forming on the bit shank.</p>
<p>Oxidation causes interference---which increases resistance to insertion/removal of the bit.</p>
<p>When oxidation forms, it needs to be removed---using fine sand paper, an emery cloth, or scrubbing…</p>
<p>Doug,</p>
<p>Lubing of the bit provides two things for me---</p>
<p>more easily bit removal ( lifting the bit out of the chuck)---</p>
<p>AND---</p>
<p>it provides a protective coating on the bare metal of the shank---</p>
<p>the coating reduces oxidation (rust) forming on the bit shank.</p>
<p>Oxidation causes interference---which increases resistance to insertion/removal of the bit.</p>
<p>When oxidation forms, it needs to be removed---using fine sand paper, an emery cloth, or scrubbing pad (3M scotch-bright).</p>
<p></p>
<p>Oxidation also forms on the inside of the router bit collet---which will cause interference.</p>
<p>The inside of the collet can be cleaned (oxidation removed), but it is more difficult to clean the inside.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Oils/salts from a persons hands and fingers gets on the router bit shank---</p>
<p>oxidation forms and needs to be removed.</p>
<p></p>
<p>I keep a silicone cloth on hand, and in my tool box(s).</p>
<p>I wipe down my tools, after handling them and putting them up.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Douglas Harwood said:</p>
<blockquote cite="http://kregjig.ning.com/forum/topics/need-to-learn-to-use-a-router?id=2900167%3ATopic%3A399445&page=3#2900167Comment400493"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Hi Ken,</p>
<p>You seem like a very accomplished woodworker, please don't lubricate your router bit shanks. If the bit is that hard to remove you may be bottoming out the shank or need a new collet or ease up a tad on the wrenches.</p>
<p>Have a good day,</p>
<p>Doug<br/> <br/> <cite>Ken Darga said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://kregjig.ning.com/forum/topics/need-to-learn-to-use-a-router?id=2900167%3ATopic%3A399445&page=3#2900167Comment400427"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Lube the router bit ''shank'', with a small amount of suitable lube---</p>
<p>just to wet the shank surface, before inserting it into the chuck/collet.</p>
<p>WD-40, silicon, gun-oil, a spray form of dry-lube, or the like.<br/>The lube makes for easier removal.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Works for me.</p>
<p></p>
</div>
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</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote> Check with your local Rockler…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2012-01-31:2900167:Comment:4004522012-01-31T02:33:40.577ZMark Leschhttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/MarkLesch
<p>Check with your local Rocklers And Wood crafters for classes.</p>
<p>Check with your local Rocklers And Wood crafters for classes.</p> I found out that if you use f…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2012-01-31:2900167:Comment:4005102012-01-31T00:52:24.525ZJens Jensenhttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/JensJensen
<p>I found out that if you use fore finger thumb method for router travel works perfect for handheld router. Put your hand out with thumb pointing to side of palm and take fore finger point forward. The thumb tells you where you place you bit on side of material and forefinger tells u direction of feed .So if you are doing a straight run you go left to right now if yo do interior picture frame rabbit you do same and you will notice direction.Just practice without turning on router.…</p>
<p></p>
<p>I found out that if you use fore finger thumb method for router travel works perfect for handheld router. Put your hand out with thumb pointing to side of palm and take fore finger point forward. The thumb tells you where you place you bit on side of material and forefinger tells u direction of feed .So if you are doing a straight run you go left to right now if yo do interior picture frame rabbit you do same and you will notice direction.Just practice without turning on router.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=router%20direction%20using%20thumb%20forefinger&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.finewoodworking.com%2Fpdf%2FRabbeting.pdf&ei=aTsnT9HUBtToiAKhk4WcAQ&usg=AFQjCNEqQKA3E63RuN9dCLavEgIRaLDVkw&cad=rja" target="_blank">http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=router%20direction%20using%20thumb%20forefinger&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.finewoodworking.com%2Fpdf%2FRabbeting.pdf&ei=aTsnT9HUBtToiAKhk4WcAQ&usg=AFQjCNEqQKA3E63RuN9dCLavEgIRaLDVkw&cad=rja</a></p>
<p></p>