Who has a router?

Submitted by biz_kid1 on Mon, 03/28/2011 - 12:06

If you do, do you love it?  What are the pros?  What are the cons?  What brand do you have?  What all have you done with it?  Thanks!

Tsu Dho Nimh

Thu, 03/31/2011 - 17:52

I have one ... it's not often used, but if you want to cut a nice clean hole in a countertop, or make a fancy shaped hole, nothing works better. Smoother, cleaner cut than a jigsaw.

Also nice with a "round off bit" for knocking off the sharp edges on a table top or bench.

tncraftsman

Thu, 03/31/2011 - 20:24

The possibilities of a router are endless.  You can make decorative edging or make dovetails, rabbits and many other joint types.

I've got a Bosch colt and it's great.  I also have a larger DeWalt but usually use the Bosch.

claydowling

Sat, 04/02/2011 - 09:18

It's quite old, possibly older than me. Stainless steel body, but I don't remember who the manufacturer is.

They're amazingly useful, especially if you need to duplicate parts with a pattern bit. They're also good for putting a nice decorative edge on something, and I've used them to carve dados for cabinet construction.

A use I haven't put mine to yet, but want to, is cutting mortises for a mortise and tenon joint.  There's a tool called a horizontal slot mortiser that is slightly better though.