So what does a router do and how to use a router.
I thought I'd first take a look at the word router and this originates from a verb to rout. Rout is also a noun but this doesn't relate to our woodworking router. The definition of the verb appears to be to rummage or to hollow out or furrow, as with a scoop, gouge, or machine. So perhaps my definition of a woodworking router would be to gouge out or machine out some part of a piece of wood. This could simply be to make a groove or round the edges of a piece of timber.
Dewalt 18V Cordless
The first routers were of course hand operated and were similar in appearance to a flat wood plane but having interchangeable narrow blades rather than the large flat blade. These blades would be shaped to make a grove or round the edge of the timber. The electric router was introduced in the first half of the last century but in fact was a very different product for achieving similar results and relied on a spinning cutter and was known as the spindle router. A company called Elu developed some of the first products and I remember having a quality Elu router myself. I believe Elu is now part of the Makita power tool and Makita router range of products.
The first electric routers had a fixed base and subsequent routers called plunging routers were sprung such that the spinning blade would not protrude beyond the based as the weight or pressure was removed. These types of router were moved over the wood area. The alternative method of use is to mount a router to the underside of a router table and then move the wood over the router and maintaining a fixed position for the table router. This is ideal for a workshop environment and lends itself to additional safety features.
The handheld plunging routers can be used (should be used) with a variety of controls. The base of the router can be fitted with a sidebar device to ensure that the cutting blade remains a constant distance from the edge of the wood you are routing. For example you may wish to cut a groove 4 mm deep and 3 mm from the edge of your piece of wood. The depth can be set to the maximum 4 mm and the sidebar guide will ensure that the groove is not made more than 3mm from the edge of the wood. You could achieve the same results by clamping a straight edge over the surface of the wood to be machined and keep the electric router pressed firmly against the straight edge.
Router cutters or router bits come in many different shapes. The different shapes allow you to use your router to cut square, vee and rounded grooves. There are more router bits to enable round, angular and decorative edge finishing. An edge finishing router bit has a spinning guide at the base of the cutter that prevents the blade cutting deeper into the timber. Generally speaking buying router bits can be a little of a lottery because you want the best bits but don't want to spend a fortune. Unless you need a large selection of router bits for professional work I'd suggest buying a set of router bits with most of the shapes you could ever envisage using. You'll probably also require 1 or 2 straight cutting bits and you may wish to pay a little more money to get the best you can afford if you are to use these bits frequently. For example you may wish to have a 3-4 mm straight cutting blade for groves and rebating edges of your chosen timber. A larger 8-10mm is always useful for taking a little timber off a wider area. Cheaper blades will soon lose their cutting edge and could scorch or burn the timer if you are not careful.
You can choose a router from a variety of manufactures notably Makita, Bosch, Dewalt, Festool, Milwaukee and Porter-Cable. A router is still very much a corded power tool and is often required for long periods of use so there hardly any cordless routers. The Ryobi ZRP600 Trim Router is an 18v cordless device but very much intended for lighter trim work. Many of the manufacturers also supply factory reconditioned routers and router combo kits.
Once you've mastered the use of a router you'll be amazed how many tasks can be improved by using a router.
Cyber Monday DEWALT DC720KA Cordless 18-Volt Compact Drill/Driver 2011 Deals
Nov 28, 2011 18:55:54
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Cyber Monday DEWALT DC720KA Cordless 18-Volt Compact Drill/Driver Feature
- Compact size allows users to fit into tight spaces
- Lightweight design (4.8 pounds) minimizes user fatigue
- 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck reduces bit slippage
- Dual speed range 0-500/0-1,700 rpm delivers optimal performance
- High-performance frameless motor delivers maximum power of 410 unit watts out
- LED worklight provides increased visibility in confined spaces
Cyber Monday DEWALT DC720KA Cordless 18-Volt Compact Drill/Driver Overview
The DEWALT DC720KA 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Cordless Compact Drill/Driver Kit is built around a versatile tool that makes quick work of a variety of driving and fastening tasks. With its high-performance, frameless motor; dual-range, variable-speed control; and comfortable grip, this tool is powerful and easy to handle. The Drill/Driver Kit includes a convenient one-hour Ni-Cad charger, two 18-volt Ni-Cad batteries, and a sturdy kit box.
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 Drill and fasten in one quick motion with the compact drill driver. View larger. |
 The comfortable ergonomic grip allows you to perform precision drilling in tight spots. View larger. |
The DEWALT DC720KA 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Cordless Compact Drill/Driver's high-performance, frameless motor is capable of delivering a maximum of 410 unit watts out, translating to performance in a broad range of applications. The drill/driver also features dual-range, variable-speed control--from 0 to 500/0 to 1,700 rpm--that makes material-specific performance easier to achieve.
 LED illuminateswork area. |
The DC720KA is built with an ergonomic grip for comfortable handling that assists in ensuring accurate results. Its balanced, mid-handle grip makes control easy, providing comfort and reduced fatigue when tackling extended applications.
This drill/driver weighs an easy-to-manage 4.8 pounds and features a convenient LED for visibility.
Cordless Design and Ratcheting Chuck
Being cordless, the DC720KA allows you to move quickly between projects without the hassle of a cord or outlet. With the one-hour Ni-Cad charger, you can reduce downtime and quickly recharge the long-life 18-volt Ni-Cad batteries.
 All-metal1/2-inch chuck. |
This 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Cordless Compact Drill/Driver Kit comes with a DEWALT warranty package that includes a three-year limited warranty, a one-year free service contract, and a 90-day money-back guarantee.
What's in the Box
DC720KA 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Cordless Compact Drill/Driver, one-hour Ni-Cad charger, two 18-volt Ni-Cad batteries, and kit box.
 Drill through masonry, wood, and steel with the powerful 18-volt drill/driver. |
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Available In Stock. |
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