Router Woodworking Tools

Fixed-Base Router

• The fixed-base router consists of disclike base plate and hollow collar attached to a cylindrical motor assembly. Knoblike handles protrude from both sides of the router's collar. A cutting attachment, called a router bit, attaches to the bottom of the motor assembly. The bit runs through the hollow collar and protrudes from an opening at the base plate's center. When activated, the tool rapidly rotates the bit like a power drill. Prior to activating the tool, the carpenter adjusts the depth of cut, typically with a knob at the tool's side. The knob raises or lowers the base plate, thus allowing more or less of the bit to protrude from the plate and into wood. Once adjusted, the base plate is locked or "fixed" in place for the duration of the cut.

Plunge Router

• The plunge router shares its basic appearance and construction with the fixed-base router. The plunge router's distinguishing characteristic is an ability to adjust the bit's height during the cutting process. Rather than the adjustment knob of a fixed-base router, the plunge router has a simple, spring-operated knob that a carpenter can quickly release and adjust during cutting. The ability to adjust depth while cutting, or "plunge," helps woodworkers create complex, variable depth joinery cuts.

Trim Router

• The term trim router generally refers to tools that resemble plunge routers or fixed-base routers, but require only a single hand for operation. Like the other types of portable routers, the trim router's bit protrudes from a rigid base plate. However, the trim router is lightweight and small, allowing the user to access corners and run the tool precisely along edges. Often used to trim excess laminate from a substrate, some carpenters call trim routers "laminate trimmers."

Table Router

• The table router is the stationary incarnation of the router woodworking tool. Whereas carpenters push a portable router's bit across or through a work material, a table router's bit remains fixed in an inverted position underneath a router table, with the bit protruding up through the table's working surface. As with a table saw, the woodworker must push lumber through the router table's rotating bit. The table router's fixed bit position increases the straightness and accuracy on long cuts, such as cuts through sheet materials or lumber over 8 feet long.