New (for me anyways) Router

[Young_Scroller]

I was at a garage sale the other day and picked up a craftsman router for only $15! I figured I should ask for any tips and tricks and tricks to get me started. Thanks!

-Joe

[Birchbark]

The cutter has to go the correct way.  It needs to be digging in and cutting.  Don't push/pull it "with" the cutter.  Go against the cutting edge.  Ha, now that i read that, it doesn't make good clear sense.  But make sure you are pushing or pulling it the correct way.  You'll figure it out.  That is a very important tip for successful use.

Russell

[rjR]

Sometimes; especially learning to use a router or ANY tool--take smaller BITES to start with and then a second/third pass going a little deeper/farther each time until comfortable of the tool and your own adjustments to it.

 

A little to little is a lot easier to correct than too much taken off! A very enjoyable tool. You may end up liking it better upside down and semi-permanently mounted somewhere too.  A trick I use is old candle wax rubbed on the cutters and bottom plate too.when UNPLUGGED!

 

Enjoy your "new(RESCUED)" tool.

[oldhudson]

I think the router is one of the best tools in my shop. It's a rare woodworking project that I don't use a router on. I hope this pdf file helps get you started.

file:///C:/Users/Berry/Downloads/ROUTER%20FEED%20DIRECTION%203.pdf

[don in brooklin on]

I too love my router.  It really adds that professional touch to many projects.

I think a router table is a must too. I bought a good table and it was well worth it.

Good luck.

[Lucky2]

Joe, please don't just grab this piece of equipment, and start using it right away. Routers can be very dangerous to use, they can and will hurt you if not used properly. Get some instruction on how to use one properly, either from the you-tube videos or from someone who has experience in using them. Be safe, don't be sorry!

Len

[Bill WIlson]

I'm going to echo Lucky's reply.  Not to scare you, but to make sure you appreciate the dangers that a router can pose.  I call them the Tasmanian Devils of the woodshop.  They are very versatile and an important tool in the woodworking arsenal, but like most tools, they have their quirks and failure to understand them can lead to trouble.

The advice to spend some time on YouTube is a good one.  Focus first on videos teaching technique and safety before you get too caught up in capabilities.  Just remember, a router can spin a very sharp bit at somewhere around 25,000 RPM.  It doesn't take long for things to go bad. 

Be careful and have fun making sawdust!

 

[Young_Scroller]

Thank you for all the info! any tips on where to finds cheap router bits? didnt realize they would be so expensive

[Lucky2]

Joe, you don't want cheap router bits, you should buy good quality bits that will last and hold an edge. The best way to buy router bits, is to buy them as needed. By doing it that way, you won't end up with a bunch of cheap bits that are of no use to you. A lot of people buy those kits with 66 bits for $150.00 or whatever, of those 66 bits, you might only ever use 6 on a regular occasion. The rest are just taking up space, space that could be used for storing something else. 

Len

[amazingkevin]

On 6/24/2017 at 8:42 AM, Young_Scroller said:

I was at a garage sale the other day and picked up a craftsman router for only $15! I figured I should ask for any tips and tricks and tricks to get me started. Thanks!

-Joe

To this day i have no idea which way to go with the router .I've goggled it and never found the answer.I do know the wrong way with eat up your project terribly.I just can't remember which way to go .Help help pm me.

[Young_Scroller]

9 hours ago, amazingkevin said:

To this day i have no idea which way to go with the router .I've goggled it and never found the answer.I do know the wrong way with eat up your project terribly.I just can't remember which way to go .Help help pm me.

When I used one in school I believe it was right to left when it was mounted under a table so I would think it would be left to right when using one by hand

[amazingkevin]

13 hours ago, Young_Scroller said:

When I used one in school I believe it was right to left when it was mounted under a table so I would think it would be left to right when using one by hand

Thanks!

[oldhudson]

23 hours ago, amazingkevin said:

To this day i have no idea which way to go with the router .I've goggled it and never found the answer.I do know the wrong way with eat up your project terribly.I just can't remember which way to go .Help help pm me.

Paste the link in my earlier post, on the url line, it's has complete and full info.

[Woodmaster1]

I have 8 routers. Two in tables and six loose ones ( don't like changing bits ). Table mounted router start on the right and push left side. Routers turn counter clockwise. 90% of the time you go against the direction or fun things happen like flying boards.

Edited July 5, 2017 by Woodmaster1

[amazingkevin]

19 hours ago, Woodmaster1 said:

I have 8 routers. Two in tables and six loose ones ( don't like changing bits ). Table mounted router start on the right and push left side. Routers turn counter clockwise. 90% of the time you go against the direction or fun things happen like flying boards.

I too like having many of the same tools already set up with different devices on them .save time and your ready to go at a moments notice 4.5" grinders is the one i have the most with different things on each one,concrete grinding disc,wood grinding disc,wire wheel,saw blade .diamond blade etc.Routers i have 4 different ones set up with each a different bit.pklus 2 router tables set uo ready to go and a big boy i'm going to mount on a special table.i have 4 dremils all with different bits.i don't fool around with collets with the dremils i buy mini drill bit chucks and changing a bit is easy as pie with no tool just push the lock and untighten the chuck

[crupiea]

The best tip i have is not to play with it in the dining room.  Not unless you want to clean up sawdust for the next year.