The power tool most often used in woodwork today is perhaps the router. The humble router is the mainstay of many woodworkers' workshops and along with the bandsaw it is usually mentioned as the tool most of us wood workers could not do without.
A surprisingly large percentage of amateur woodworkers would often over look the versatility of a router often spending much more money on there jigsaw, believing it to be the more useful of the two tools. Personally, I think you just have to watch a router in the hands of a skilled artisan such as Norm Abram to realize this isn't true.
Dovetail joints are a good example of this. Yes, they can be done with a jigsaw and a little patience. However, it is many, many times easier safer and quicker to use a router with a dovetailing jig, as Norm usually shows us on the New Yankee Workshop.
Many amateurs also consider the router an dangerous tool. Yes, it is dangerous, very dangerous in fact. The router should be treated with the up most respect. The kind of respect you show a Doberman. Router cutters spin very fast (up to 30,000 rpm), so do not underestimate the speed with which they will have a finger off - it will be gone long before you even feel it! That said, there is an old saying in woodworking that the tool that you respect the least is the one that will bite you. At least with the router your careful a steady with it. There is a surprising number of people across the world who have lost a finger or two to the humble bandsaw.
It is often said that the home workshop is the most dangerous place you can be. So please if you are investing in a workshop, make sure you save some money for some safety equipment. Such as goggles, dust masks and extractors. However, do not forget the often-overlooked safety devices such as a kill switch for any powered machines. Keep a powder fire extinguisher to hand, along with an eye bath and a well-stocked first aid kit.
As I mentioned above the wood router can be used for all sorts of problem tasks in the workshop. For example, Trend Machinery has a jig for cutting out a hole for a mortise lock. Whist this is not a time consuming task in its self, imagine having to fit doors in an office block or block of flats. Another popular use of the router is for jointing kitchen worktops together.
Whilst the router is an often-feared tool, it is also very versatile. As the old saying goes with great power comes great responsibility. If I were to recommend a router to you, I would have to say a Trend Machinery T11 or Makita 3612 if you are looking for a large router.
Band saw wise, I would suggest a Scheppach Basato 4 it is a high quality saw that is not too expensive.
Remember people measure twice cut once.
Related Articles
The Importance Of The Correct Clothing In The Workplace
By: Paul Disley | 25/09/2007 | Management
Getting the right tool for the right job is without doubt of very important when it comes to working onsite or for that matter working in and around the home but of equal importance is the choice and selection of clothing and apparel when carrying out any task, large or...
How To Use Nails
By: Johan Nickson | 27/11/2007 | Home Improvement
Nails may look like simple things but in fact, there are dozens of different types, each suited to a particular job. Knowing the right one to use will help to make sure your work is fixed properly - and permanently.
Nailing is quick - you do not have to make elaborate...
Work Wear
By: Johan Nickson | 30/09/2007 | Home Improvement
Work wear is defined as apparel worn at work especially at manual labor positions [1]. Industrial work wear will provide your employees with a professional appearance that your customers will appreciate.
How many times do you or your workforce meet with your customers or the public in their workwear. Popular work...
Bathroom Remodeling Books, Are They Worth The Buy?
By: Daniel Millions | 24/01/2007 | Home and Family
Looking to buy a remodeling book? Read this first!
Adding Management And Organization To Your Work Area
By: Hunter Pyle | 31/01/2007 | Advice
Computers form an integral part of our work settings today. Almost every commercial setting involves an extensive use of computers and the related accessories. However, it is also important to have proper management and organization of these accessories. This enables maximum output and efficiency being driven out of the working...
Coming Full Circle: 360 Degree Feedback
By: Narendra | 23/02/2008 | Business
The thought is strange to some, impossible to others. But it still remains a truth: there is no ideal workplace, no perfect management style. There is always a chance for improvement and, for those wishing to reach beyond mediocrity, that chance should always be taken. Learning from mistakes (more importantly, learning how to correct them) is essential for any business.
Six Quick Tips to Maintaining a Home Business
By: Carolyn Gibson, CPM | 03/03/2008 | Home Business
When you establish a home business, you have committed yourself to a life of making your own decisions, work products, schedule and category of clients. You also have a responsibility to establish policies and procedures that will ensure your business will be a success. Here are six quick tips to sustain a successful company.
Safety First in the Modern Business World
By: Mark Burdett | 15/03/2008 | Communication
Making money in times of recession can often be extremely difficult. This article looks at how the most successful businesses invest in the safety and welfare of their staff and customers even in the hardest of times and how they can reap the rewards.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Roadside Cross and Having Problems Making It
By: janicemattila | 09-07-2008
I want to make a roadside memorial cross for my dad who has passed away almost 2 years ago. First off, what dimensions should the cross be? Secondly, I want to glue pictures on the cross also. What kind of glue would I use? And also I want to put some kind of sealent on top of the pictures and entire cross to give it a glass appearance and also to seal it completely in. Any suggestions? I need to have this doen within 2 weeks. Thank You!
Winn-dixie
By: Butcher219 | 09-07-2008
Does winn-dixie have a bid on the remaining albertsons in florida
What do you do with a goodie goodie?
By: BellaX | 09-07-2008
What do you do with a goodie goodie two faced subordinate worker who is in good with the boss?
Would you hire...?
By: BellaX | 09-07-2008
Would you hire a person you liked the most out of any applicant even if they had a resume that shows they change jobs every two years. No gaps just change.
HSMP, pls help:)
By: Ado | 08-07-2008
Can I calculate previous earnings for HSMP on the way that I combine my sallary and my wife's sallary. We are married couple, intend to live together and forever?
Elder work opportunities
By: sam27609 | 06-07-2008
I am looking for free pamphlets, quantity 125 relevant to seniors working or seekiing jobs.
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Art and Entertainment Articles
Take Care of Your Gold Watches
By: Tiraton Athiwat | 19/07/2008
The luster and warm tone of gold never appears to go off out of fashion and style. Rather with the years, it has become more appealing choice for the jewelry buyers and designers. Gold is the softest metal and if kept with proper care, it lasts forever. This is the reason that there has been much demand for the gold watches too.
W.C. Handy, the Quintessential Memphis Musician
By: Phoenix Delray | 19/07/2008
This article tells about some of the musicians in Memphis
The History of Memphis Blues Music
By: Phoenix Delray | 18/07/2008
This article discusses about the origin of the blues music in Memphis
Meet The Famous Musicians From Memphis
By: Phoenix Delray | 18/07/2008
This article tells more about the Memphis musicians.
7 Beatrix Potter Quotes to Celebrate a Childhood Favorite
By: Noel Jameson | 18/07/2008
Beatrix Potter wrote her way into the hearts of millions of children with her Peter Rabbit tales. While her body left us decades ago, her spirit and her legacy still live on. Let's commemorate this year's anniversary of her birth with these seven Beatrix Potter quotes.
Cigars: A Great Bachelorette Party Gift
By: Ann Knapp | 18/07/2008
Unlike many wedding customs, it's not so hard to get to the bottom of the origin of the bachelorette party. It's a fairly recent innovation, the result of the cross-breeding of the traditional bachelorette's tea
with the idea of the bachelor party, with a bit of the even-more-traditional bridal shower mixed in.
Get Going With Race Games
By: Ajeet Khurana | 17/07/2008
When you play racing games you probably feel happier because you really enjoy them. Physiologically playing a game can make us feel better because of the effects on the brain. It is amazing that people become addicted to these games because after all they are just entertainment option. However, when...
Online and Offline Car Race Games
By: Ajeet Khurana | 17/07/2008
If you want to play race car games then the best way to do so is to play online. The Internet is chock full of websites that have such sports so your best option is to search different websites and find the ones that you would love. Of course, there...
More from Johan Nickson
Makita Combi Drill Preview
By: Johan Nickson | 10/02/2008 | Home Improvement
When writing these articles I am often asked by my readers to give my opinion on this tool or that. In truth, I do not really like to mention one manufacturer above another, as I do not believe it is fair for my opinion of a manufacturer I used 10...
Makita 6410 Review
By: Johan Nickson | 05/02/2008 | Computers
Makita has a well-deserved reputation for building outstanding quality power tools. Makita is one of the largest power tools manufacturers in the world with a line of over 350 high quality innovative tools. From impact wrenches and reciprocating saw to tools as humble as a drill drivers and jigsaws. Many...
Professional Steam Cleaners
By: Johan Nickson | 05/02/2008 | Home Improvement
I am constantly asked as to whether more expensive steam cleaners are worth the money. Learn how to distinguish between the good and the bad units from someone who works with steam cleaners for a living. Steam cleaners are the perfect household cleaning tool for allergy sufferers or anyone who...
Refacing Kitchen Unit Doors
By: Johan Nickson | 05/02/2008 | Home Improvement
If your kitchen units are beginning to look past their best, or even if you are just fed up with them, you can give your kitchen a whole new look simply by re-facing the kitchen unit doors.
The amount of effort and expense involved depends very much on the style of...
Making A Mitre Cut And Compound Mitre Saw
By: Johan Nickson | 25/12/2007 | Home Improvement
Cutting a Mitre
A mitre joint is used to join two lengths of wood together at a right angle. Each piece is cut at 45 degrees so that when they are put together they form a 90-degree angle. You can cut mitres by hand, after marking carefully, but it is much...
Dewalt Power Tools - A Little Bit Of History
By: Johan Nickson | 25/12/2007 | Home Improvement
DeWalt is one of the largest power tool Manufacturers in the UK. Easily recognizable by there bright yellow casing and bold text logo, DeWalt power tools are renowned among building professionals as being top quality, often recommended from person to person.
In this article is it my wholehearted intension to...
When A Screw Wont Budge
By: Johan Nickson | 15/12/2007 | Home Improvement
Stuck nuts and screws, and other fixing devices, can often present problems - and of course, it is always the most difficult nut to get at that is the problem. Buy you can usually get it to move eventually, as long as you take the matter logically.
First, make sure you...
Wallpapering The Right Way - Part 3
By: Johan Nickson | 13/12/2007 | Home Improvement
Last time we looked at wallpaper paste and which paste will suit you for the job in hand. In this article I'm going to let you know how to prepare your wall ready for papering.
Preparing the surface
Time spend preparing a wall surface will be rewarded with a decent finish. No...
Art and Entertainment 
