| Location | Colinton |
| Weight | 0.5 |
WHAT IT DOES
A plunge router, used primarily in woodworking, is a tool that plunges a cutting bit into the workpiece, from above. Its key feature (the plunging) means you can adjust the cutting depth while the router is in operation. Useful for tasks requiring different depths of cuts within the same workpiece. It is great to produce decorative edges, inlays, grooves, dadoes, mortises, and intricate designs.
For a smaller and easier to handle tool, but less powerful, borrow a trim router instead. To rout small pieces and awkward angles, a router table would be great. It allows you to feed material to the bit for a consistent finish.
A plunge router, used primarily in woodworking, is a tool that plunges a cutting bit into the workpiece, from above. Its key feature (the plunging) means you can adjust the cutting depth while the router is in operation. Useful for tasks requiring different depths of cuts within the same workpiece. It is great to produce decorative edges, inlays, grooves, dadoes, mortises, and intricate designs.
For a smaller and easier to handle tool, but less powerful, borrow a trim router instead. To rout small pieces and awkward angles, a router table would be great. It allows you to feed material to the bit for a consistent finish.
Set of 12 bits, various profiles
SAFETY INFORMATION & PPE
Note that along with angle grinders, routers are incredibly powerful - and dangerous - tools. Please heed any safety instructions so you do not cut through your hand! Use guides, jigs, and all the clamps you have to ensure safe operations.
YOU MAY ALSO NEED
HOW TO USE IT
Plunge routers are best used in small depth increments. Time consuming (fo sho!) but ensures you cut cleanly and accurately making sure you don’t overwork the tool.
Remember also to release the plunge mechanism and carefully lift the bit out of the workpiece only ONCE it has stopped spinning BEFORE moving the router away from the workpiece.
A top tip when cutting material, if you’re not sure, use a longer bit. You can always adjust the depth!
INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS
Please note: this is a general introduction to this type of tool and is not specific to this exact tool. We always advise reading the manual (which you can find linked under the tool image on the left), especially the safety advisories, before using any tool.
LINK TO VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gZu1ahRGqQ
- Safety glasses – Essential
- Dust mask – Essential
- Ear protection – Essential
Note that along with angle grinders, routers are incredibly powerful - and dangerous - tools. Please heed any safety instructions so you do not cut through your hand! Use guides, jigs, and all the clamps you have to ensure safe operations.
YOU MAY ALSO NEED
- Router bits! – Essential. They usually come as a set containing different profiles which will cut different shapes.
- Clamps – Essential. Clamp the wood you are routing to your work surface.
- Extraction – Recommended. Routers produce a huge amount of dust and using them inside without extraction will cause a huge mess! You may be able to fit your vacuum cleaner to the router as a form of extraction (duct tape works a treat in this scenario!)
- Spanner – Recommended. To change the bits - most routers come with its own tool to change the bits but check anyway.
- Router Table – Useful. this is a standalone loan available complete with its own router
HOW TO USE IT
Plunge routers are best used in small depth increments. Time consuming (fo sho!) but ensures you cut cleanly and accurately making sure you don’t overwork the tool.
Remember also to release the plunge mechanism and carefully lift the bit out of the workpiece only ONCE it has stopped spinning BEFORE moving the router away from the workpiece.
A top tip when cutting material, if you’re not sure, use a longer bit. You can always adjust the depth!
INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS
Please note: this is a general introduction to this type of tool and is not specific to this exact tool. We always advise reading the manual (which you can find linked under the tool image on the left), especially the safety advisories, before using any tool.
LINK TO VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gZu1ahRGqQ
The Edinburgh Tool Library
http://edinburghtoollibrary.org.uk
http://edinburghtoollibrary.org.uk