Adding a plunge router to your worship equipment and tools is a very good decision as the router is an awesome tool that you can use to add detail and precision to your woodwork. You can also make use of plunge router to make your own custom trim pieces, add fluting work to crown moulding, and crate many more awesome, detailed and intricate designs on different planks of woods and wood projects. For this you need to know how to use a plunge router properly.
Plunge routers, in the household, can also be used for cutting out space for a sink in the countertop, or even to clear out an area to hinge a door. With plunge routers, versatility gets delivered into your hands, and you can very well make a lot of different and amazing stuff.
This use of a plunger router notwithstanding, a lot of people stay away from it because they do not find it easy to operate. A fixed base router is much more easily usable for most people, but it is not as versatile as a plunge router. Therefore, instead of abandoning the plunge router and its awesome abilities, what you need to do is to get guides on how to use the router properly.
This is what this article is meant to do for you, serve a guide for using the plunge router. Once you get guidance on how to properly use the router, you can then proceed to start using and getting better with it over time.
Much like a fixed base router, a plunge router can also be used in a router table. Although, there might be difficulty in the adjustment of the height. To do this very well, you can read the user manual that comes with it for inspiration and guide.
Now let’s go into the guide to use a plunge router but first, a quick warning; Always wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with your wood router.
What Do You Need?
- Plunge router.
- Router bits.
- Wrench.
- Guides or jigs with clamps.
- Dust mask.
- Safety glasses..
If you’ve got all these things listed out, then we can proceed into a step by step guide for using a plunge router.
Step By Step Guide: How To Use A Plunge Router
Step 1- Set Up The Bits Of The Router
This device comes with different sizes and shapes of bits. These bits can be used for straight-cut, bevelled edges, tongue and groove joinery, and curved surfaces as well. Make the correct choice of the router bit that you will need for your present project.
Next after choosing the proper bit is to turn the router upside down, there’s a sponsor release button near the top of the router, push this button and loosen the spindle nut with a wrench that comes as an accessory with the plunge router. Slide the bit into the spindle, and tighten in a clockwise motion. Once the spindle is well tightened (avoid over tightening), you can proceed to the next stage.
Step 2 – Clamp The Wood To A Stable Surface
After you have successfully completed the tightening of the bits, you will then need the to move on to clamping the wood you want to work on to a worktable on any other sturdy and stable surface. The reason why you need to clamp your workpiece is that the plunge router bit will be spinning at a very high speed.
Therefore, if not properly held in place, your workpiece might shift and your work might get destroyed that way. But with the wood securely clamped to a solid surface like a worktable, you can go on with your work with ease, and without the worry of shifting your workpiece.
Step 3 – Set The Depth Of The Plunge Router
The next thing to do after securing your workpiece to a solid surface is to set the depth of your router. To do this, place the router on its side and press in the depth guide. This will allow the springs that hold the router’s bottom plate to be released.
Then you can push the plate guide up till you have your desired depth. You can measure the depth with a ruler for precision. Once that is done, release the level and the bottom plate will be locked in place. After that, you move on to the next step where your routing job really begins.
Step 4 – Set The Router Into Position
To ensure that you do not cause damage to the wood, you can set the plunge router flush on the wood as needed to enable you to push the button on the handle when you want to start plunging the bit into the wood. With a plunge router, you don’t need a specific space to start your routing exercise, you can set your plunge router to the exact point where you need to make your first cut.
Step 5 – Plunge The Bit Into The Work-piece
Now that your plunge router is in place, you can plug it into an electricity source. Once connected, grab your router firmly by the two arms on each side and look at the position of the bit through the view slot. Once confirmed, press the power button and your router will start spinning.
You can then proceed to press the button on the handle which is the plunge button. You can then plunge gently into the wood at a custom speed that suits you. Apply required pressure until the bit has dug into the wood at the desired depth. Once done, release the button and run the router over the workpiece as required.
Final Verdict
With attention to details and careful maneuvering, your wood will be successfully, finely, intricately cut out. With repeated use and practice, using the plunge router becomes more and more easy for you, and you can create even more perfect and detailed woodwork.