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TECHNIQUE

Routing Profiles

with a Hand-held Router

Five simple steps to create perfect profiles with a handheld router.

One of the quickest and easiest ways to create a decorative edge on a workpiece is to use a hand-held router. And the secret to routing a clean, chip-free profile is to use a simple step-by-step technique, see box on opposite page.

SECURE WORKPIECE

The first step to routing a decorative edge is to secure the workpiece to a bench or work surface. The obvious choice would be to clamp it in place. But since a router has to ride on the surface of the workpiece, the clamps often get in the way.

If you own a workbench with bench dogs, the solution is simple. Just set the dogs slightly below the surface of the workpiece and adjust the vise to hold it secure. If you don't, you can clamp each end of the workpiece to your bench. Then rout up to the clamps, move them, and continue routing.

ROUTER SUPPORT

In addition to securing the workpiece, you'll also need to keep the base of the router level and flat as it rides over the surface. If you don't, the router can tip and gouge the workpiece. Fortunately, there are a couple of ways you can prevent this.

One method is to carpet tape a scrap block to the base of the router, see Fig. 1. The scrap acts as an outrigger to support the router base during the cut.

Another way to provide support when routing the thin edge of a workpiece (where it's too narrow

CLAMP SCRAP BLOCK FLUSH WITH EDGE OF WORKPIECE

to balance the router), is to temporarily build up the edge by clamping a scrap to the workpiece, see Fig. 2. ^^

PIL0T-GU1DE0 BIT

Once you're sure the workpiece is secure and the router is steady, the next step is to select a bit. To make a controlled cut when routing decorative edges, I use a pilot-guided bit, see box on page 23.

For the profile to be uniform, the thing to keep in mind is the pilot must be in contact with the wood at all times. So try to anticipate the curves and corners and keep the pilot pressed firmly against the board's edge. Also, for the best contact, make sure the edges of the board are smooth.

Note: When using a pilot-guidecl bit, be careful when you make cuts that remove most or all of the edge. This leaves little or no material for the bear-

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ShopNotes

No. 19