How to Make Precision Cuts in a Router Table

Circlular Cuts

• 1

  Determine the diameter of the circle that needs to be cut. Find the matching figure on the circle jig.

• 2

  Drive a wood screw into the hole matching the diameter of circle that needs to be routed out.

• 3

  Unscrew the retaining cap from the router's jig post. Lay the single hole at the end of the circle jig over this post, and return the cap.

• 4

  Put on your safety goggles. Turn on the router. Cut out the circle, letting the jig do most of the work in guiding the tool around the circumference of the cut. Repeat as necessary until the material is cut out and smooth on the inside.

Straight Cuts

• 5

  Clamp a straightedge on the piece that requires the cut. Move the router and straightedge, lining up the bit indicator to the cut's location.

• 6

  Set the router bit to the needed depth. This allows a dado cut or straight-through cut, if a table saw is not available.

• 7

  Put on your goggles. Turn on the router. Lead the bit into the material, allowing the clamped straightedge to assist in guiding the router along the line.