How to Choose and Use a Router | Ask This Old House

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  • čas přidán 31. 05. 2024
  • General contractor Tom Silva shares his insights on the shop's most versatile portable power tool. (See steps below.)
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    Steps for How to Choose and Use a Router:
    1. Depending on the router bit used, routers can cut a wide variety of decorative edges, profiles, and woodworking joints.
    2. Straight-cutting router bits can cut dadoes, grooves, and rabbets for joining together two boards.
    3. A plunge router can cut precise holes like a drill press for shelf pegs or wooden dowels.
    4. Rout tongue-and-groove joints into the ends and edges of boards to create tongue-and-groove flooring.
    5. Light-duty trim routers are ideal for flush-trimming plastic laminate, veneer, and other thin materials.
    6. Don't use large bits in a trim router; you could burn out the motor.
    7. Medium-duty fixed-based routers offer a good combination of power and speed.
    8. Some routers have variable-speed motors. Use slower speeds when cutting with large-diameter bits.
    9. A plunge router has a spring-loaded base that allows you to plunge the bit down into the board, and then release it to pop up out of the cut.
    10. Plunge routers are useful for routing inlays, stopped grooves, and holes.
    11. Router bits come in dozens of sizes and profiles.
    12. Bits come with either a 1/4-inch-diameter shaft or a 1/2-inch-diameter shaft. Match the bit-shank diameter to the collet on the router.
    13. Some routers come with both a 1/4-inch and a 1/2-inch collet.
    14. The ball-bearing pilot found on some bits rolls along the edge of the board to control the depth of cut.
    15. A piloted flush-cutting bit has a ball bearing that rides along a template for making very precise, custom cuts.
    16. With the router unplugged, push the router bit all the way into the collet, then pull it out a little bit to provide an expansion space.
    17. Tighten the collet with a wrench to securely lock the bit in place.
    18. Adjust the depth of cut, then plug in the router.
    19. Firmly clamp the board to a workbench.
    20. Put on hearing protection and safety goggles.
    21. Before switching on the router, be sure the router bit isn't touching the board.
    22. Turn on the router, then slowly rout from left to right in a counterclockwise direction.
    About Ask This Old House TV:
    Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers-and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
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    How to Choose and Use a Router | Ask This Old House
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Komentáře • 206

  • @Highlanddragon
    @Highlanddragon Před 3 lety +4

    I was in 8th grade the first time I used a router for a project I made a sign for my big sister's kitchen in her first house and to this day 24 years later she's still has it hanging in her kitchen.

  • @brianmoeller3539
    @brianmoeller3539 Před 5 lety +25

    Can't.....stop....watching......TOH Vids. Good heavens this is like electronic crack

  • @charlesbonkley
    @charlesbonkley Před 4 lety +10

    This video is fantastic! Been watching TOH since I was a kid during the Bob Villa days in the 80's. I just love listening to them talk very casually and informatively about everything.

  • @MAgaSUXX
    @MAgaSUXX Před 3 lety

    Used a router today for the FIRST TIME..why? I was PROUD OF the fact I didn't have one UNTIL....a lady came by to look at my adirondack style chairs I make...and she was FUSSY...she wanted QUALITY....uh oh!! I bought a box store one with a table..it was not assembled, (came with a table)..then found an older one on a cool extended table and bought that...took it over to a real woodworkers shop and he showed me HOW. Now it has opened the door to some other ideas I want to make..the router is a magical tool...so happy to have one. This was the best introduction I have seen. Thank you.

  • @finbarmathews9059
    @finbarmathews9059 Před 6 lety +2

    Tommy is a skilled wood worker

  • @BooksxRonin
    @BooksxRonin Před 4 lety +7

    I love this channel. It’s done professionally and really helps the end user to understand their concepts.

  • @RayJmond
    @RayJmond Před 5 lety +90

    "Hawhs-paheh" - took a couple rewinds for my feeble Midwestern brain to understand he was saying "horsepower".

    • @MojoPup
      @MojoPup Před 4 lety +10

      I thought he said "chutzpah"...😂

    • @kennethkuhlman8864
      @kennethkuhlman8864 Před 4 lety +2

      lol...I was like a confused dog when he said that!

    • @Mail2elr
      @Mail2elr Před 4 lety +4

      Hoss power... :)

    • @Crsoda
      @Crsoda Před 4 lety +1

      MojoPup haha I thought the same...wouldn’t have spelled it the way you did

    • @RodneyIbarra
      @RodneyIbarra Před 3 lety +1

      Raymond Gramke I heard an R in there. Hahrse-power. LOL

  • @techfan7808
    @techfan7808 Před 6 lety +4

    Just added a router to my shop, and it's quickly become one of my favorite and most useful tools.

  • @LtDan-hr1pb
    @LtDan-hr1pb Před 3 lety +15

    Don't forget to use your hearing protection. Your HEARING protection! I said "DON"T FORGET YOUR TO USE HEARING PROTECTION!"

    • @glenn3197
      @glenn3197 Před 3 lety +5

      I'm sorry did you say something?

    • @FOCUS-777
      @FOCUS-777 Před 2 lety

      Ha, what 🤔. 😄 Joke aside very true.

  • @ja8898
    @ja8898 Před 11 měsíci

    I didn't know the tip about burning the wood with the wrong speed. That makes a lot of sense.

  • @empace5344
    @empace5344 Před 4 lety +3

    Oh my gosh! This was so helpful! Perfect video length and really cut straight to the point. Thanks, guys! Best intro router video on CZcams.

  • @julesjames593
    @julesjames593 Před 5 měsíci

    That was a Christmas present of a video! Thank you!

  • @rawbacon
    @rawbacon Před 4 lety +4

    Great tool, I like to put a round over on even the simple projects to give it a nice feel.

  • @russellmoore8187
    @russellmoore8187 Před 5 lety +2

    Damn, solid burn from Kevin right out of the gate

  • @Backyardinstallers
    @Backyardinstallers Před 2 lety +1

    Keep up the great work guys... Been watching this program since the beginning... As a young man your show helped shape my future in the trades then into an engineer...
    Thank you for programming as yours...

  • @markmitchell5659
    @markmitchell5659 Před 2 lety

    Great Video! Slow explanation of how to do. Camera work is excellent too! Thank you so much!

  • @concordiameterik
    @concordiameterik Před 6 lety +1

    Elke keer als ik dit kijk wordt ik overdreven vrolijk!!!

  • @Splits-man
    @Splits-man Před 8 lety +1

    Good advice guys. Thanks for the tips.

  • @mrsameenkhan
    @mrsameenkhan Před 6 lety +1

    This is one of the best videos about routers. Thanks for the demo.

  • @rayatlast
    @rayatlast Před 6 lety

    Very informative, thank you!

  • @brianchester4218
    @brianchester4218 Před 6 lety

    Nice job fellas easy explanation for us beginers

  • @rkerby6375
    @rkerby6375 Před 3 lety

    Thank you for this video. I am an up and coming Woodworker, and I need to purchase my first Router.

  • @davenapier8088
    @davenapier8088 Před 2 lety

    awesome video... this help a lot! thank you

  • @hossainkarbassi3440
    @hossainkarbassi3440 Před 3 lety

    It is always useful ,and understandble

  • @johnthurgood1536
    @johnthurgood1536 Před 5 lety

    Great video, thank you.

  • @eldebtor6973
    @eldebtor6973 Před 8 lety +1

    Thanks a lot y'all

  • @jfarinacci0329
    @jfarinacci0329 Před 3 lety

    good vid. thank you.

  • @trumpetruss
    @trumpetruss Před 7 lety

    Thanks for the video. Very helpful!

  • @fireworxz
    @fireworxz Před 2 lety

    Thanks

  • @robertbrunston5406
    @robertbrunston5406 Před 7 lety

    Very good thank you.

  • @yfz450rider39
    @yfz450rider39 Před 7 lety

    Very helpful!!

  • @darr25
    @darr25 Před 4 lety +3

    I was a little intimidated by routers after, in jr high shop, I saw a kid snap a bit off and it went flying through the air and broke a window! Now it is one of the most used tools in my shop. Don’t know what I’d do without it!

    • @MackB12
      @MackB12 Před 2 lety

      I had a similar experience but in my garage. Essentially I purchased a router which was on sale, tested it out, and it nearly flew out of hands. It has sat in the box ever since. I think I was going in the wrong direction which caused it to kickback in a sense. I will try to use it this weekend and see if I can face my fears lol. I will also probably watch a few more videos on the safe use of routers to make sure I don’t get hurt 😀

  • @nam.321
    @nam.321 Před rokem

    Shots fired- “people think of high-end wood workers using it, but you use it too.” 😂

  • @otiscampbell2194
    @otiscampbell2194 Před 5 lety +1

    Most useful tool for american settlers? A FILE!!! JENN-U-WINE GREAT VIDEOS TOMMY AND KEVIN!!! THANKS

  • @fisherman2359
    @fisherman2359 Před 5 lety

    I need one now

  • @hassanal-mosawi6049
    @hassanal-mosawi6049 Před 4 lety

    Thanks for sharing that, well explained

  • @whiskeysourking
    @whiskeysourking Před 8 lety

    Thanks for the tips, always frat advice. My fist router was the the Ridgid laminate trimmer, great for getting started using routers

  • @ibrahimalbahrani9039
    @ibrahimalbahrani9039 Před 3 lety

    Amazing👍 which size of wood router for beginner ? And if I use small trimmer can I use with 6-12 mm cutting bit

  • @tonymoceri4372
    @tonymoceri4372 Před 2 lety

    I've yet to find out if I can use a 1/2 inch round over bit on an existing Formica countertop edge. Will the Formica shred, or crack, or will I get a smooth cut? Thoughts?

  • @joeh690
    @joeh690 Před 4 lety

    what i want to know is how do you determine your height of the routing
    depth? lets say if i have a 3/4 board and i want a round over do i set
    the depth at 3/4 exactly or a little before 3/4 or not even 3/4 and at
    1/2 with the bearing on the router table and hand routing.

  • @chandradeo9730
    @chandradeo9730 Před 2 lety

    i salute you

  • @paulmorak8184
    @paulmorak8184 Před 10 měsíci

    Should you always router counterclockwise?

  • @scottmoore765
    @scottmoore765 Před 6 lety +6

    Doesn't have a lot of Haas power!!! That's just great. I want him to go park my car.... funny lol.

    • @bpatriquin123
      @bpatriquin123 Před 3 lety

      👆 Dude, same haha! I turned on the captions, & brought it back 20 seconds 2 hear it again. I was like “what the hell is a hospira?”, & came right 2 the comments 😂😂😂 @Scott Moore @Christian Rosa

  • @SportsLists
    @SportsLists Před 6 lety

    Can some router bits cut Masonite

  • @JohnMCato
    @JohnMCato Před 5 lety +1

    You should have more subscribers

  • @chiil034
    @chiil034 Před 6 lety +4

    8 router bits make a router byte

  • @raywhite8122
    @raywhite8122 Před 3 lety

    What kind of router bit would you use for those nails? Hard to look at those things.

  • @mikeg5102
    @mikeg5102 Před 2 lety

    I was looking for a different type of router how did I get here

  • @timothymbess
    @timothymbess Před rokem

    1:51 - "it doesn't have a lot of husspwaaaaa."

  • @jameslund221
    @jameslund221 Před 3 lety

    Hoos power?

  • @richardbaldwin6919
    @richardbaldwin6919 Před 3 lety +1

    Need mentioned about wear a mask while working in a woodshop. A dentist mention to me that his cousin died of sinus cancer 15 years ago. He had a full time job. After work he spent many hours building furniture with no mask.

  • @andre1987eph
    @andre1987eph Před rokem

    Also sign making

  • @trueemail9687
    @trueemail9687 Před 5 lety +2

    Just before 2:00 what is "husspower" I've never heard of it?

  • @SuyashMindBodySpirit
    @SuyashMindBodySpirit Před 7 lety +13

    Okay I ordered it! Hope it'll help me get wifi signal throughout my home.

  • @brunodesrosiers266
    @brunodesrosiers266 Před 3 lety

    Can someone explain why reduce the speed for bigger bits? Don’t we need the inertia that a higher rotation speed provides?

    • @ThatguyFirst
      @ThatguyFirst Před 2 lety

      I am a rookie and am only answering because your haven't gotten a response yet. In another video for router novices they said you need lower speed for larger bits in order to keep the speed of the outside of the bit down.

    • @brunodesrosiers266
      @brunodesrosiers266 Před 2 lety

      @@ThatguyFirst - I see… I should have thought of that - given the force is sufficient, too. Good parameter to consider anyhow. Many thanks!

  • @BariumCobaltNitrog3n
    @BariumCobaltNitrog3n Před 7 lety

    You have to make sure you get the right bit for your router depending on the collet size.
    That's right, although most routers come with both size collets.

  • @deandecoursey7721
    @deandecoursey7721 Před 4 lety

    I need 600-700 feet of white oak base board cap. I can’t find any businesses on the internet or locally that sell it. How hard would it be to make them with a router?

    • @rawbacon
      @rawbacon Před 4 lety

      If it's a profile that can be done with one bit then it will be lot easier than a profile that takes 2 or 3 passes with different bits. No matter what that's still quite a bit of footage and you probably don't want to try making it all at once. In general I would say it's very doable but obviously will take some time.

  • @MrAndrewmcgibbon
    @MrAndrewmcgibbon Před 8 lety +60

    hosspower?

  • @benjamincox9944
    @benjamincox9944 Před 3 lety +1

    So, there's four different routers on the table, and after Tom picks one of the plunge routers up and shows how it might be used...
    Then Kevin concludes that "So this router, with this horsepower and the plunge feature is probably the first router a homeowner should get," and Tom agrees
    But the DONT TELL US THE HORSEPOWER ! Grrrr. Thanks for the advice .. I will just guess it is a 1.5 or 2 HP .. I guess, maybe?

    • @Jeremygee
      @Jeremygee Před 2 lety +1

      Tommy says it’s two and a quarter horsepower

  • @FearsomeWarrior
    @FearsomeWarrior Před 6 lety

    Wish they included tips like holding onto the router solidly for good reason and don't worry about burning the hell out of everything when you start out.

    • @dashcammer4322
      @dashcammer4322 Před rokem +1

      And practice a lot on scrap lumber. Even practice on scraps of the same kind of wood you're going to be routing.

  • @elmerbback3854
    @elmerbback3854 Před 5 lety

    Brandon Dreher: You could set fire to it, then it might make some sort of a hole :))

  • @kalijasin
    @kalijasin Před 6 lety

    Silva means: woodland 😁

  • @TheRealJohnJ10
    @TheRealJohnJ10 Před 4 lety +1

    Make sure to get more Huss-par

  • @tormeslc
    @tormeslc Před 6 lety

    I didn't knew this tool existed!!! I'm a "begginer on this and can't affford all kind of tools, Is it posible to make this kind of cuts with anotther cotting tool?

    • @Awesome66616
      @Awesome66616 Před 6 lety

      more expensive and accurate a mill would be

    • @user-ce2br4wn7f
      @user-ce2br4wn7f Před 6 lety +1

      You're a beginner at a few things it seems.

  • @psychologicaltirefire8190

    First time I used one the bearing exploded and ate into the drawer front on my first school shop project.

    • @lukewhite9237
      @lukewhite9237 Před 4 lety

      Comrade Trotsky, I thought Stalin killed you

  • @rdgk1se3019
    @rdgk1se3019 Před 6 lety

    What is the typical life for a cutter bit?, also is there a tool made that can resharpen router bits?

  • @DiannaAtherton
    @DiannaAtherton Před 4 lety +1

    Tommy what is the name of the router that was perfect for 1st time homeowners? Fest...?

    • @wcdove
      @wcdove Před 4 lety

      festool its a German company very expensive tools

  • @RealGalaxyGamers
    @RealGalaxyGamers Před 3 lety

    Yes great for Wifi

  • @MrRobroxnz
    @MrRobroxnz Před rokem

    What's 'hass power'?

  • @LoveZick
    @LoveZick Před 7 lety

    Btw, my first router is going to be a Skil 1831. Is it good enough?

  • @jasonsgroovemachine
    @jasonsgroovemachine Před 11 měsíci

    Man... I hate when I'm working on a projust and run out of huspahr.

  • @donivers9454
    @donivers9454 Před 5 lety +1

    Yonico 17702 70 Bits Professional Quality Router Bit Set Carbide 1/2-Inch Shank

  • @jojoromo5162
    @jojoromo5162 Před 6 lety

    what's harder pare

  • @MauriceCalis
    @MauriceCalis Před 4 lety

    Of coarse you would use the Festool for the demo to get a smooth cut.

    • @macd7743
      @macd7743 Před 3 lety +1

      Right? What is that--a $1000 tool?!

  • @Opus766
    @Opus766 Před 2 lety

    Both of them look fresh out of the tanning salon lol

  • @kosycat1
    @kosycat1 Před 8 lety

    Routers scare me,but i need to learn how to use them

  • @nytom4info
    @nytom4info Před 6 lety

    Porter cable is the best professional tool..all the rest are harry home owner tools... ask DuPont (corian). ;)

  • @bruceyang1660
    @bruceyang1660 Před 6 lety

    LOL!Feed one's sight on

  • @DamienNicholas
    @DamienNicholas Před 8 lety

    i love my routers... even after one almost took my thumb off...

  • @ifscottcanyoucan
    @ifscottcanyoucan Před 6 lety

    I'm about to use a router for the first time! What could possibly go wrong?!?

  • @gastarbieter
    @gastarbieter Před 2 lety

    hoss power.

  • @kenabi
    @kenabi Před 8 lety +5

    hawspohwah. love the accent, tom. heh.

    • @Bremend
      @Bremend Před 3 lety

      I did a double take as well

  • @tree3po
    @tree3po Před 5 lety

    HOS power

  • @CCorey-zo6oc
    @CCorey-zo6oc Před 6 lety +1

    I saw a reply 21hours ago, so here is hoping this 1.5 year old thread has not died :)
    Anyway, I am trying to match a routed edge on a 100yo table. I have refinished an entire dining room set, and am adding leaves (x2), to the black walnut table.
    I have a picture of the existing routed edge, but can't see how to attach it here.
    The table top is 7/8" thick, and the ogee edge goes 3/4" deep. The edge is a bullnose looking corner, but has a small 1/16" 90dgree lip at the top of the route. Anyone have suggestions for matching this edge? I am thinking I could probably use a 3/4" x 3/4" ogee, and hand sand the small 1/8" left over.
    I really wish I knew how to embed the pic.
    Chris

    • @bertbergers9171
      @bertbergers9171 Před 5 lety

      Hi Chris if you take a normal round over bit and set it "too" deep you will achieve this effect (if i am reading you correctly), good luck!

  • @stephengee8488
    @stephengee8488 Před 5 měsíci

    Husspower!

  • @ferasrn
    @ferasrn Před 6 lety +1

    So I called Comcast they said Home Depot has no business selling routers...

  • @jazko
    @jazko Před 8 lety +12

    You insert the bit at 5:30 way too shallow. There is a K line on the shank that points out the depth the bit should be inserted in the collet. You don't want that thing loosening while working !

    • @feola69
      @feola69 Před 5 lety +1

      i didnt know that, thank you !

  • @sdushdiu
    @sdushdiu Před 8 lety +16

    So exactly how does one establish an Internet Connection? And does this support wireless????? ;-)

    • @kingco-bruh7271
      @kingco-bruh7271 Před 8 lety

      +sdushdiu duh! it's router so of course it supports wireless

    • @spr00sem00se
      @spr00sem00se Před 7 lety

      i dont know if it has wireless, but I bet it can blend!

    • @dpasek1
      @dpasek1 Před 6 lety

      Makita has a wireless version of their trim router. :-)

  • @Kirby7601
    @Kirby7601 Před 7 lety +51

    LOL!!!! I thought they were talking about a router for internet

    • @confuciouskomj.9061
      @confuciouskomj.9061 Před 7 lety +1

      You made my day.

    • @judsonking4044
      @judsonking4044 Před 7 lety +1

      Jeremy Fontaine I make arcade joysticks out of salvageable good wood.
      A router is needed to gut a square area where the joystick is placed.
      The less space between the joystick and the players hand...the more responsive the joystick is to the players hand movements.

    • @OneCupOfCoffee204
      @OneCupOfCoffee204 Před 6 lety

      Well, I went to Amazon to buy a wood router and all it showed me was internet routers. Maybe they should spell them differently. lol

    • @techfan7808
      @techfan7808 Před 6 lety +1

      Kirby7601 your comment underlies the need for more exposure to the trades.

    • @alangeorgebarstow
      @alangeorgebarstow Před 6 lety +1

      One is a wood 'rowter' and the other is an internet 'rooter'.

  • @davekava3946
    @davekava3946 Před 3 lety

    “Haws pahah” is to this guy what “diabeetis” is to that guy

  • @H-N-G
    @H-N-G Před 8 lety +7

    Router? Where do i insert the RJ45 cables? *SCNR*

    • @dpasek1
      @dpasek1 Před 6 lety

      Very slowly, up the bottom. It's a loose fit. :-)

  • @Caffeine.And.Carvings
    @Caffeine.And.Carvings Před 6 lety +7

    Well, a Festool router is probably not something most beginners will get. 1200 bucks is a bit too steep for my taste

    • @SuperEddietv
      @SuperEddietv Před 6 lety +1

      Not to mention they have a lifespan of about 13 months. Waste of money.

    • @crunch9876
      @crunch9876 Před 6 lety +1

      Toffsen100 well there are other brands lol

    • @lysergicheadcase
      @lysergicheadcase Před 6 lety +1

      Festool is sort of like having a tool made out of money. It takes a lot of money, and now it's also made of money so it's total shit.

    • @dashcammer4322
      @dashcammer4322 Před rokem

      @@lysergicheadcase The BMW of power tools?

  • @wasweiich9991
    @wasweiich9991 Před 5 lety

    More gluing surface than with a straight dado..? Uhhnnnope.. it is actually the same surface...It makes no difference in terms of surface. The only diference is that the wood itself can angle better into the dado and has more coners to distribute all kinds of force.

    • @ajsiemers
      @ajsiemers Před 5 lety

      More surface than with a straight butt joint, is what they said... you're right about the dado though

  • @rejeanpaquet4375
    @rejeanpaquet4375 Před 3 lety

    And they are router tables.

  • @chapablo
    @chapablo Před 4 lety +2

    It's "Levi-oh-sah" not "Hoss-parr"...

    • @WhiteboyBeardman
      @WhiteboyBeardman Před 3 lety +1

      Lol as soon as I heard him say that I had to look through the comments. Sir, you did not disappoint

  • @abner20bushi
    @abner20bushi Před 4 lety

    It's funny that the natives can't understand when he says "horsepower". I could understand him perfectly and I'm not a native.

  • @robertbodle2354
    @robertbodle2354 Před 2 lety

    how lame there's not a close up of the rounded edge at the end of the video.

  • @JesseWright68
    @JesseWright68 Před 7 lety +56

    What the Hell is Hoss Par?

  • @Bremend
    @Bremend Před 3 lety

    Just pick one with wifi 6

  • @joevotta9364
    @joevotta9364 Před 3 lety

    Doesn’t have a lot of “Huhs Purr”