Wood Designs With Homemade Router Tables
Vince J. Paxton
A router table is defined by the bits that are used. It really
does all revolve around the bits! Router tables create some of
the most beautiful, impressive shapes to a plain piece of wood.
They have been a staple to the professional woodworker's shop
for a long time and are quickly finding their way into the
garage of the handy-man also. With more people interested in
adding unique touches of trims and moldings to their
furnishings and homes, they are finding that they can add these
touches themselves by learning how to put a router table to use
and guide the wood through a router.
You may think that creating beveled edges and shaped cornices
is difficult, but the router saws actually do the work. If you
can guide a piece of planking through a table saw, then you
will have no problem learning how to use a router table,
regardless of whether you are using homemade router tables or
high-quality Wolfcraft router tables.
Router table plans are available and can help bring the
learning curve down as well. Some plans are even available free
online. Plans show what shapes can develop from the use of
different bits, angles and motions. Router table plans are not
meant to show only the shape the bit will produce. Showing the
shape is just the basic capabilities of the bit. Add with this
the imagination of a craftsman and there are unlimited design
opportunities. These plans also show how adjusting and angling
the wood with each pass through the router can create its own
unique look, or the identical pattern you want to use.
Bits are the central force behind the capabilities of a router
table. The bit determines the notching and edging patterns.
Some edge bits create the beveling on mantle pieces or straight
and rabetting bits for when you want to cut deep, square
notches. Dovetail bits create the snug fit found in the higher
quality drawer construction. Slot cutters and finger joint bits
help keep cabinet fronts snug inside the edge frames. Specialty
bits can be used for a variety of projects. For example, cap
pieces in fences are made using a stile bit or a raised panel.
Generally, the more specialized a bit, the greater number of
cuts it can make with one pass through the table. Miniature
router bits are available also and can be used to make anything
from doll houses to toys to fine detailing on furniture.
Router tables take up about the same space in a workshop as the
table saw. For those with limited space, bench top models are
available and height adjusters are available if your table is
not the right height. Getting the router properly aligned with
your height is important for added control and precision when
cutting.
The Tops in Tables
Whether you are capping a fence, finishing a mantle or
designing your own molding, a router table is the perfect way
to get the look you want while avoiding the cost of purchasing
custom-cut wood.
About The Author: Vince Paxton frequently produces news stories
on topics dealing with router accessories and router jigs.
Writing for detailed writings like
http://www.insidewoodworking.com/rout/routertabl.html ,he
showed his capability on news associated to router tables.
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