How to use a Router | Woodworking 101
How to use a Router | Woodworking 101
This is an introduction to the woodworking router. I’ll show you some beginner tips on how to use a wood router. I’ll also cover which router you should buy, what a router table is used for, what router bits you need, how to properly use a router, and more.
*Videos To Watch Next*
5 Router Bits You Need – https://youtu.be/CVS31pmXy_U
Skil Router Table Review – https://youtu.be/lKJhU9RTfJo
PLANS: https://www.731woodworks.com/store
Greatest Free Gift I’ve Ever Received: http://story4.us/731Woodworks
Tools in this Video
DeWALT Fixed and Plunge Base Router – https://amzn.to/3N9A8zr
Bosch Fixed and Plunge Base Router – https://amzn.to/46cxwcA
Makita 1HP Router – https://amzn.to/3NcMmY6
DeWALT Cordless Router – https://amzn.to/3CAALNG
Milwaukee Cordless Router – https://thetoolnut.sjv.io/5gAWQL
Milwaukee Cordless Router with Batteries – https://homedepot.sjv.io/k04rrM
Ryobi Cordless Router – https://homedepot.sjv.io/oeAXEo
RIDGID Cordless Router – https://homedepot.sjv.io/x9xVKy
Skil Router and Table Combo – https://amzn.to/3Xew19F
Kreg Router Lift – https://amzn.to/3qVAkuo
How to Build a DIY Router Table – https://youtu.be/Re_YJ9qE9KA
Kreg Radius Jig – https://amzn.to/3XjQWII
Whiteside Router Bit Set – https://amzn.to/3CzcBCZ
45 Degree Chamfer Bit – https://amzn.to/42GwHpH
1/16 inch Roundover Bit – https://amzn.to/3JivkGG
1/8 inch Roundover Bit – https://amzn.to/3NxvIUe
3/8 inch Roundover Bit – https://amzn.to/42GwN0x
Dovetail Bit – https://amzn.to/3CAliNy
Flush Trim Bit – https://amzn.to/3qKgYsd
Router Bit Organization Tray – https://www.731woodworks.com/store/router-bit-organizing-tray-walnut
Walnut Guitar Tray – https://www.731woodworks.com/store/walnut-guitar-catch-all-tray-fender-telecaster-catch-tray
Walnut Baseball Tray – https://www.731woodworks.com/store/walnut-guitar-catch-all-tray-fender-telecaster-catch-tray-4ber9
TrueWerk Work Clothes – https://truewerk.pxf.io/GmbJjE Use code WOODWORKS10 to save 10% off your order for a LIMITED TIME ONLY.
The full list of tools and supplies I recommend can be found on my website: https://www.731woodworks.com/recommended-tools
Other Tools/Equipment I Use and Recommend:
T-Shirt I was Wearing – https://www.shieldsofstrength.com/1-corinthians-13-shirt/
Ariat boots I wear (super comfortable) – https://ariat.dkkdet.net/vNDPDv
Table Saw – https://amzn.to/3IoKqsZ
Table Saw Blade I’m Using – https://shrsl.com/3xv5i
Miter Saw – https://amzn.to/41hbJy4
Dust Extractor – https://amzn.to/41l6RYA
Tripod for Phone – https://amzn.to/3E3kWA9
Phone Holder for Tripod – https://amzn.to/3E1E6GG
Toolbox in Background – https://homedepot.sjv.io/x9B2xy
Tool Wall over Miter Station – https://amzn.to/3ZgWq7B
Digital YouTube Sign – https://amzn.to/3GL2a2e
Camera Gear I Use – https://kit.co/731Woodworks/camera-gear-i-use
Computer Equipment I Use for Editing – https://kit.co/731Woodworks/731-woodworks-computer-equipment
This video is not sponsored. I purchased this router and router table with my own money. Some product links are Amazon and other affiliate links which means if you buy something we’ll receive a small commission. This helps support my channel so I can continue to make content like this
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This video is not sponsored. Some product links are Amazon and other affiliate links which means if you buy something we’ll receive a small commission. This helps support my channel so I can continue to make content like this.
#woodworking #woodworkingtools #woodworkingtips
I bought a router a bit ago that came with an edge guide. Not sure why but I thought you ran the router along the guide and the guide would be fixed to the something. xD the correct way makes more sense
Thank you so much for this video!! Very helpful and I can’t wait to practice with my different bits.
Thanks Matt. Can use this as a great reference video. Cheers Mike ⚒️
Thanks for making this video. I just got a router table and I have found it is much easier to work with.
That’s a trimmer.. a router is much larger. Learn before you teach. 🤦
Extremely well done. ❤❤❤❤❤ Gracis Professor!!!
CMT bits all the way. Haven’t found a brand that makes any better in Europeland.
WHAT?? No Festool router? I’ll get the popcorn for that review. 🙂 You are spot on- Whiteside bits are really nice- just like saw blades, clean them after each use and they’ll last a lot longer and give better cuts.
Finally somthing other than tool reviews
▼EXPAND FOR TOOL LINKS and INFO▼
Watch Next = 5 Router Bits You Need – https://youtu.be/CVS31pmXy_U&list=UULFSLClJLzdUMRMe0E4SPfc-w
🛠 Tools In This Video
DeWALT Fixed and Plunge Base Router – https://amzn.to/3N9A8zr
Bosch Fixed and Plunge Base Router – https://amzn.to/46cxwcA
Makita 1HP Router – https://amzn.to/3NcMmY6
DeWALT Cordless Router – https://amzn.to/3CAALNG
Milwaukee Cordless Router – https://thetoolnut.sjv.io/5gAWQL
Milwaukee Cordless Router with Batteries – https://homedepot.sjv.io/k04rrM
Ryobi Cordless Router – https://homedepot.sjv.io/oeAXEo
RIDGID Cordless Router – https://homedepot.sjv.io/x9xVKy
Skil Router and Table Combo – https://amzn.to/3Xew19F
Kreg Router Lift – https://amzn.to/3qVAkuo
How to Build a DIY Router Table – https://youtu.be/Re_YJ9qE9KA
Kreg Radius Jig – https://amzn.to/3XjQWII
Whiteside Router Bit Set – https://amzn.to/3CzcBCZ
45 Degree Chamfer Bit – https://amzn.to/42GwHpH
1/16 inch Roundover Bit – https://amzn.to/3JivkGG
1/8 inch Roundover Bit – https://amzn.to/3NxvIUe
3/8 inch Roundover Bit – https://amzn.to/42GwN0x
Dovetail Bit – https://amzn.to/3CAliNy
Flush Trim Bit – https://amzn.to/3qKgYsd
Router Bit Organization Tray – https://www.731woodworks.com/store/router-bit-organizing-tray-walnut
Walnut Guitar Tray – https://www.731woodworks.com/store/walnut-guitar-catch-all-tray-fender-telecaster-catch-tray
Walnut Baseball Tray – https://www.731woodworks.com/store/walnut-guitar-catch-all-tray-fender-telecaster-catch-tray-4ber9
My Favorite Work Clothes – https://truewerk.pxf.io/GmbJjE Use code WOODWORKS10 to save 10% off your order for a LIMITED TIME ONLY.
The full list of tools and supplies I recommend can be found on my website: https://www.731woodworks.com/recommended-tools
Join the TUBAFOUR NATION through Patreon to get access to exclusive member only behind the scenes videos, member only livestreams, exclusive discounts, and other cool member only perks! https://www.patreon.com/731woodworks
Check this video’s description for all the links to any tools and videos I discussed.
If you use one of these Amazon and other affiliate links, I may receive a commission
Some other useful links:
Daily Tool Deals on my website: https://www.731woodworks.com/tool-deals
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I picked up a porter cable 690 set at a garage sale for $100, and added a 691 d-handle for my dovetail jig. My 7918 is my plunge beast. The new router table has a craftsman 1/2 fixed base. I have an older ryobi 1/2 combo set. My palm is an older Dewalt that my neighbor gave me and a 1/4" craftsman rotozip kit that came with a plunge base that can angle up to 45°. And I even picked up a set of 16th" bits and base for my Dremel.
Needless to say these are my favorite tools.
You may want to look into the mlcs brand of bits. They offer a great deal of options…..
After years of woodworking I finally caught my thumb with my Makita. It was ugly. Still love em but so be careful. Lol.
I’ve got 2 of those Makita routers. I bought one to use for a cnc and then bought a second because I liked it.
Hey ive been watching your videos for a while now but today I meet a guy that said you have weekly challenges but ive never seen them. Is he right or?
Nice informative, inspiring video as usual.
Got a little chill, holding over a bit with a battery connected 🙂
Thank you for this 🙏🤙🏾
Pretty comprehensive list, bro. That was a lot of information coming really fast. I’d advise new users to watch it in segments. Then take the time to digest what was just covered.
Might have been worth mentioning that because the router is upside down in a table the feed direction is opposite of hand held.
Other than that… yeah. Good job.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU !!! I’ve got an old Craftsman truck of a router that I’ve never learned to use properly. I’ll probably end up getting that DeWalt router since I have that battery platform. Looking forward to finally doing professional quality woodworking………
Thanks for this Matt. Much was learned. Could you please give us a video on safety of machines? Router kick backs for an example. Blade safety. Our hands is our work. Thank you for all the usefull videos. God bless
This is just the video i needed. Thank you so much.
Are you doing sales only?
Great tips Matt thanks for sharing
You’ve had a few videos in a row where they go over some stuff I had been googling a couple days before…. Do you work with the government? Lol
I love my Dewalt router.
Everything you need to know…
1) Get the cordless Ryobi trim router
2) Love life
3) Don’t be careless
I agree with everything said in this video. However, allow me to offer a few items of additional color:
First, if you’re going to buy a palm router, having a cordless version can be handy — particularly if you will be using the router on a few different job sites each week. In such a case, not having a cord can be a big advantage. On the other hand, if your router use will be mostly in your shop, consider getting a corded trim router. I have an extension cord that drops down from the ceiling over my work bench. By connecting the router’s cord to the extension cord, the router’s power cord is never in my way. The plusses of a corded router are they are less expensive and don’t consume my other tools’ batteries.
Second, the DeWalt 2.25hp fixed base/plunge base combo kit is a good choice. So is the Bosch. However, for a savings of about $100, you would do well to consider the similar fixed/plunge Hercules router from Harbor Freight. It is a very solid router. The Bosch and Harbor Freight both have a micro-adjust feature that the DeWalt lacks when using the fixed base. A micro-adjust is NOT essential, but it does make things easier. The Hercules router retails for $140, but its currently $110 for Inside Track Club members.
My router has an arrow on the plastic guide to show me which way to go. It was hard to see so I added black paint to highlight the groove of the arrow.
Any tips on the brass guides for inlay or word templates? I’ve used the rockler ones twice and both time the bit took a chunk out of the brass guide. Found out it was from it coming lose and to make sure it was tight.
I ordered a Whiteside trim router bit after ordering the wrong shaft size from somewhere else. Thank you for your video.
My favorite router table is rockler router table with incra router lift great for making
Door with rockler coping sled
Always awesome information!! Thanks Mighty Matt!
The Ryobi brushless palm router has variable speed for about $100. The older bushed version is the one without variable speed and about $25 cheaper. I almost always leave it on high except when using bigger bits (slower speed) but then I usually pull out the Bosh plunge router. Small palm routers with big bits like inch or 1.5" flattening bits will tend to burn up the router. Big bits like big routers with AC power.
I agree with you. That Dewalt router is a great one to have. I also have a Bosch in my table. Great video.
Much appreciate the Tutorial my friend
My favorite Makita d handle and Makita 3 1/4 plunge router
Safety tip: if you get a palm router (I have that Ryobi one and love it!!) and it has an opening on it near the bit, position your hands so your fingers DO NOT go in that opening while you’re using it!!
👍Stay awesome.
I think your videos are some of the best!
Another great video! Informative and timely. Thanks
Thank you!
Nice video. However, at 19 seconds into the video, aren’t you making a dangerous “climb cut” when making the groove in the wood. I believe the portable router should move left to right, not right to left??? Thanks, Bill
This is the video I have been waiting for! Lots of uses for the router and things I want to do but I am kind of confused on which router to use when and how to tell which bits do what etc. I just need to het some scrap wood and figure it out! VERY HELPFUL content, thanks.
I have that Dewalt trim and a Bosch in my router table. Both have served me well for years
Great tutorial. Oil your ball bearings! Take care of your bearings, so will the bits last a long time.
Love your T-Shirt!! 1 Corinthians is a book that almost unanimously is credited to being authentically written by Paul by christians and skeptics. My favorite chapter is 15, where Paul gives an eyewitness account to the risen Christ, and states if he wasn’t raised, then your faith is useless. Paul suffered and died preaching that Jesus had risen from the dead.
Thank you Matt, I am a beginner woodworker and was scared of the router, but your video makes it look very lol
Super informative video for beginners and good reminders for those further down the road.
Someone may have asked this already but I didn’t see it in the first bunch of comments:
What’s that indicator dial doing at 12:32?
I didn’t think adjustments were supposed to change while you’re working on a piece.
Being a beginner I appreciate videos like this. It would be interesting to see the Hercules router compared to the DeWalt. Hercules is 12amp fixed base plunge base 2-1/2 plate edge guide 10k-25k rpm range slow start led light dust collector for both bases base plates have holes for bench mounting and the height adjust has provision for allen key to adjust from up top on sale now for 109.99. Am I wrong to not consider that one?