| It's all about the bit. That's right, a router table is | | | | Specialty router bits can be used for a number of |
| defined by the bits you use in creating some of the | | | | different projects. The cap pieces in fences for |
| most impressive and beautiful shapes that give like to | | | | example are made using a raised panel or stile bit. |
| a plain piece of wood. Router tables have long been | | | | The more specialized the bit, the more cuts it can |
| a staple to the professional woodworker's shop and | | | | make with one pass through the table. Even |
| are quickly finding a niche in the handy-man's garage | | | | miniature router bits are available for making anything |
| as well. As more people are interested in adding the | | | | from toys to doll houses to fine detailing on furniture. |
| distinctive touches of trims and mouldings to their | | | | The Tops in Tables |
| homes and furnishings, they are finding that they can | | | | Router tables will take up just about the same |
| do it themselves by learning to guide wood through a | | | | amount of room in the workshop as the table saw. |
| router. | | | | However, for those with limited space, there are |
| But It Looks So Hard! | | | | bench top models available. If your bench or table |
| You may think that it is difficult to created bevelled | | | | isn't exactly the right height there are height |
| edges or shaped cornices, but the router saws do all | | | | adjusters meant for router tables too. Getting your |
| the work. If you can guide a piece of planking | | | | router aligned to your height is important for added |
| through a table saw, then you can master the router | | | | control and precision. |
| table. | | | | What Your Router Table Plans Will Include |
| Router table plans are available to take down the | | | | Router table plans are meant to show more than |
| learning curve too. These plans show what shapes | | | | just the shape a router bit will produce. That is just |
| will develop from different bits, angles and motions | | | | the basic of what the bit is capable of doing. Add to |
| with your router. There are even router table plans | | | | it the imagination that only a craftsman can provide, |
| free online. | | | | and you have unlimited design opportunities. Router |
| Bits are the heart behind the capabilities of a router | | | | table plans and patterns show how angling and |
| table. Notching and edging patterns are determined | | | | adjusting the wood with each pass through the |
| by the bit. There are edge bits which create the | | | | router can create a unique look or duplicate a pattern |
| bevelling on a mantle piece, of straight and rabbetting | | | | you want to use. |
| bits for cutting deep, square notches. Dovetail bits | | | | Whether you are capping a fence, fashioning a new |
| are used in creating the snug fitting found in | | | | fireplace mantle or designing your own unique crown |
| high-quality drawer construction. Other slot cutters | | | | moulding, a router table is the only way to achieve |
| and finger joint bits, such as those available from | | | | that custom look without the cost of purchasing |
| Whiteside router bits are used to keep cabinet fronts | | | | custom-cut wood. Add the detailing only a router can |
| snug inside the edge frames. | | | | provide to your next home improvement project. |