What size router bit do I need for a router jig?
This thickness is perfect for working with a 3/4″-diameter, top-mount bearing router bit with a 1″ cutting length. The greatest thing about this jig is the ease of clamping. No longer is it necessary to use more than a single clamp. One clamp holds the jig to the workpiece and does not allow any movement of the jig.
How do you use a router jig to build a fence?
Once built, the jig is a snap to align with layout lines; hit the mark every time. To complete the building of the jig, install a router bit into the router, set the depth of cut to a bit stronger than the hardboard or plywood, then with the router base running against the fence, make a cut.
What types of router bits are there?
Router bits come in many profiles. That’s the term for the shape of the cutting edge. Here are some of the most common Straight router bits are a workshop staple, these bits make cuts straight into a material to form a groove or dado (a groove across the wood grain) or to hollow out an area for a mortise or inlay.
What is a router jig used for?
The five jigs described here are all designed to deliver improved accuracy, control and adjustability for a lifetime of better routing. This jig enables you to make tiny, accurate adjustments in positioning a router table fence. A pair of jigs clamp to the tabletop, one at each end of the fence.
What size shank is my router?
Router Bit Shanks It's the part of the bit that goes into the collet of the router. There are two common sizes of router bit shanks: 1/4" and 1/2". Many routers come with interchangeable 1/4" and 1/2" collets so that either size bit can be used, but some accept only 1/4"-dia. shank bits.
How do I know what size router bit to get?
Router bits come in a few different sizes, but for general purposes, you will almost always reach for a 1/2-inch router bit. These offer better stability and overall performance than smaller router bits. For fine or slight edge work, a 1/4-inch bit may be preferable.
Do all router bits fit all routers?
Most routers out there come with two different sized router bits that are easily interchanged, but the router must accommodate both. If you have a smaller router, it likely only accepts ¼-inch collets. Outside of size, you can use a slew of different bits for any job.
Can you use a router to make dado cuts?
The router is the one tool that will handle all the dadoing and grooving you'll do in woodworking. The dado is prime-choice joinery. It follows that hoary adage of woodworking, "Use the simplest joint that will work."
What is collet size router?
The shank of a bit fits in a nonadjustable chuck of a router called a collet. You can get most types of router bits in either a 1/4-inch or 1/2-inch shank. Smaller routers often use a 1/4-inch collet. Larger ones can usually accept both sizes. A router with a 1/4-inch collet won't take a 1/2-inch bit.
Can you use a router bit in a drill?
A drill bores holes and is designed for downward pressure, while a router shapes edges and cuts grooves and is able to handle significant sideways pressure. This mechanical difference, among others, makes a drill unsuitable for use with a router bit.
Do router collets wear out?
Collets wear out over time. So regular cleaning, care, and maintenance are very important. Improper maintenance can contribute to a sooner-than-expected collet failure. Routinely remove pitch and dust from the collet with a rag dampened with cleaning solution.
Can you plunge with a straight router bit?
0:473:05Plunge Cuts with a Standard Straight Bit - Quick Tip - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd I'm going to lightly plunge the bit down into the workpiece. Until it stops. Because it's onlyMoreAnd I'm going to lightly plunge the bit down into the workpiece. Until it stops. Because it's only going to go up to cut so deep before the end of the bit contacts the workpiece.
Can you router plywood?
The answer is yes, you can use a router on plywood. In most instances, a router will work well on the edges of plywood, particularly ApplePly® or Baltic birch. However, to get the best results you will need to secure the plywood to a benchtop or use a router table.
What's the difference between a dado and rabbet?
Rabbet – a notch cut with or across the grain on the edge of a board with the two sides 90º to each other. Dado – a square or rectangular slot that runs across the grain.
What does a Rabbeting bit look like?
0:348:45How to Cut a Rabbet with a Router - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can buy them set up for 1/2 inch for 3/8 quarter whatever or you can go and buy a rabbeting bitMoreYou can buy them set up for 1/2 inch for 3/8 quarter whatever or you can go and buy a rabbeting bit that comes with a whole supply of different bearings.
What are Dados used for?
A dado blade is a circular saw blade that cuts grooves into the wood that are much wider than traditional saw blade cuts. They are used for interlocking applications. Interlocking joints are common in making bookshelves, drawers, door panels and cabinets.
Why can't a jig move away from the workpiece?
And the jig cannot slip to the left because the front piece acts as a catch. As long as the clamp is secure, no amount of force will allow a shift in the jig.
What is a dovetail bit?
The dovetail bit cuts exactly to the outside edge of the bushing. As the bushing travels the edge of the jig, the dovetail slot is perfectly aligned. If you’re wondering about hogging out the waste with a straight bit prior to cutting with a dovetail bit, I seldom, if ever, take the time to work this way.
Do you need a jig for a shop?
You don’t need complicated commercial jigs. You don’t even need to keep the jig once it serves its purpose. All you need is a few pieces of plywood used in conjunction with certain router bits and you can increase productivity in your shop. It’s as simple as plugging in a router.
What is the best springboard for router table?
The jig’s length can be adjusted to suit any router table. Species with natural resilience, such as oak, ash or hickory, make the best springboards. To use the springboard, clamp one end in place, flex the jig to create pressure against the workpiece and then clamp the other end in place.
How many holes are in a short arm?
It can handle jobs as varied in size as the small plug you see in the photo at right and the broad arc on the base of a wide cabinet. The short arm has two pivot holes and three mounting holes. You can reverse the arm and use different pivotmounting hole combinations to cut 1-1/2-in. to 16-in. diameters.
The format
For each jig, your instructor George Vondriska will lead you step-by-step through the process of using the jig. Setting it up, choosing the correct router bit, positioning the jig on your work, and more. Once you understand how the jig is set up and used, we’ll take you step-by-step through building the jig, including:
What jigs are used?
Regardless of what kind of woodworking you like to do, there’s a jig in this class that will help you out. You’ll see jigs that will help you:
How to round corners with a router?
Rounding over corners by hand-sanding produces uneven results. Instead, use a round-over bit with the radius you want for your corners . With the bit chucked on a table-mounted router, raise the bit height until it cuts a quarter-round profile in scrap without leaving a shoulder. Then position the fence flush with the bit pilot bearing. To prevent chip-out and keep the frame square to the fence and router-table top, clamp it to a 2x4 backer block, as shown below.
How to use gauge block router?
To use the gauge blocks, chuck a bit into a table-mounted router and raise it to roughly the correct height. Place the gauge block with the mating profile beside the bit. Then raise or lower the bit until it slides into the routed profile on the block, as shown below below right, and lock the height.
How to install a router on a bench?
First, place the router on your bench and plunge the bit until it touches the benchtop. Then lock it in place. Loosen the depth stop-rod, and sandwich a drill bit of a diameter equal to the plunge depth between the turret stop and rod. Then tighten the rod in place.
How to get small parts out of router table?
To solve both problems, first drill a hole slightly larger than the bit diameter in a piece of 1⁄4 " plywood, and clamp it to the router-table top for near-zero-clearance support. Then keep your fingers safe by gripping the part with a handscrew. The jaws of these clamps can be angled to firmly grasp odd-size parts and hold them flat against the zero-clearance top.
Do router template corners always follow straight lines?
Templates needn’t always follow straight lines and simple curves. They also handle more complex shapes as long as the template corners aren’t tighter than the diameter of your router guide bushing.
