What can a trim router do?

Using a trim router helps you get into tighter, narrower surfaces—such as aprons attached to table legs. Follow a straightedge or attach an edge guide to the router's base to ensure dead-straight grooves. Use a straight bit or downcut spiral bit.

What is the difference between a router and a trim router?

Essentially, the main difference between a regular router and a trim router is the size. A trim router is essentially a smaller and lightweight version of a standard router. The compact and lightweight design of the former means you can hold it with a single hand, which you might not do with most regular routers.

Is a trim router worth it?

The trim router is a tool that might not get much use in some shops, but it is unique and surprisingly versatile tool. They're lightweight, surprisingly powerful and small enough to go places other bulky routers can't. If you only use yours for trimming plastic laminate, think again.

Is a trim router and palm router the same thing?

Palm routers are smaller and more compact, making them better for small projects requiring precision such as decorative molding, engraving, and rounding or beveling edges. On the other hand, Trim routers are better for larger projects such as shelving, wooden fencing, or creating large signs.

Is a wood router worth it?

It's a great power tool to own because it is portable and can be used for a range of cutting, trimming, and shaping tasks on wood, plastic, metal, and laminates. Indeed, many woodworkers consider the router to be the single most versatile woodworking power tool in their arsenal.

How to use a Trim Router and Bits

Can you use a plunge router for edges?

Fixed-base and plunge routers work fine for decorative edge cuts. To make cuts in the interior of a surface, such as keyhole slots or mortises, you'll need a plunge router. Kits are available that allow you to switch a router motor between fixed and plunge bases.

Can I use a router bit in a hand 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.

How thick of wood can a router cut?

An 1/8th inch bit, such as those made for RotoZip routers: google.com/… will work. Take the bit size up to a more usual 1/4 inch and you will generate a massive amount of very fine sawdust with each cut you make.

Can I use a router on 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.

Can you use a router like a jigsaw?

Routers Can Make Cuts That Jigsaws Cannot

Routers can be used to make special cuts such as rabbets, rounded cuts, dadoes, dovetails, and chamfer cuts, none of which can be made with a jigsaw. They are much more useful when doing wood joinery.

Do you really need a router table?

Do You Need a Router Table to Use a Router? No, a handheld router can be used without a router table. But there are times when it's quicker, easier and safer to use a router table. A router table can be safer to use than a handheld router because it gives us better control over workpieces.

Is a router table better than a router?

Hand-held routing

Hand-held routers are generally better for when you're working with larger pieces of material which may be harder to support on the surface of a router table.

What can I use instead of a wood router?

The table saw and the wood router is essential tools in the modern woodworking shop. There are, however, other tools you can use if you do not have a wood router. Joinery planes, hand saws, and chisels are some of the best alternatives to a wood router.

What is the difference between a plunge router and a trimmer?

A trim router is generall smaller and lower horsepower for lighter duty work like trimming the edges of laminate countertops. A plunge router is a good tool but a fixed base is also nice to have. Porter Cable makes a set with both bases that is hard to beat for the price. Plunge routers are much larger.