Cutting a clean and smooth edge on a narrow piece of wood can be tricky, but a router can produce a nicely finished edge every time. Routers are used to make even and level cuts on both straight and curved edges, and can replicate those cuts on multiple pieces of wood.
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Making Perfect Edges
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Shaping Stylish Molding
Decorative molding is perhaps the most interesting thing a router can create. Using different bits, you can craft everything from simple rounded moldings to more elaborate Roman ogee or beaded patterns for doors, windows, baseboards, or chair rails.
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Cutting Easy Dadoes
A dado is a slot or trench that is used to invisibly support shelves in a bookcase or cabinet. A dado is the strongest method to affix shelves; it's cut using a router with a straight bit. The tool makes it easy to cut the two most common types of dadoes: a through dado, which runs through both edges of a surface, leaving the ends open; and a stopped, or blind, dado, which ends before one or both of the cuts meets the edge of the surface.
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Carving Out Clean Rabbets
A rabbet is a recess or groove cut into the edge of the wood, usually used on the back edge of a cabinet or the sides of a bookcase. Rabbets are also used to create door and casement window jambs, and can be used with a dado to form a strong joint. Most routers can accommodate a variety of rabbet bits, which cut the grooves to the desired width.
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Re-Creating Patterns
Routers can be used to cut patterns, grooves, and designs across multiple pieces of wood. For instance, if you have a broken table or other piece of wood, you can use the router to “trace” the outline of the original piece and re-create it as many times as you like. Routers can also be used on flat pieces of wood to trace intricate designs or lettering.
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Recessing Door Hinges
Routers can be used with a jig to cut space for recessed door hinges or lock faceplates. Recessed hardware yields a more finished appearance and smoother operation.
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