Things you can't do with a router

[Mr__Bill]

I really need to find a list of things you can't do with a router, or at least should not even consider doing with a router before I seriously hurt myself or scare myself into a heart attack.

Normally I rely on that little voice that whispers, "this is really stupid". Sometimes however the whisper comes a little late.

Just for reference it's not a good idea to shape the end of a dowel by free handing it into the bit on a router table.

Bill who now needs another dowel.

[LCHIEN]

1. Should not be used to trim toenails.
2. Not for scrambling eggs,
3. Do not use to start model T car engine.
4. Don't floss your teeth
5. not for peeling vegetables
6. don't stir paint
7. do not sharpen pencils
9. not for use as hedge trimmer

OK seriously.
Like most other tools there are handheld modes and bench tool (e.g. router table) modes. Often in those a different tool is used e.g. table saw vs circular saw but the basic idea is a fixed tool motor/moving wood vs a moving tool/ fixed wood setup.

The fixed wood/moving tool is used when the wood is too large to move easily and accurately. Conversely the moving wood is used when the wood is small and eaily moved. Don't try and move too small a wood, you will need a holder or jig, as in the case of the dowel.

The router spins very fast and has a lot of energy - you must respect the bit and anything that might come flying off including wood items and improperly fastened bits. Know the RPM speed and depth cut limitations of the bit types and in all cases control the tool and or wood to prevent those from being exceeded.

[dkerfoot]

Re-sawing lumber with a router is a bad idea.

[gjat]

Cutting plywood sheets is usually a bad idea.

[germdoc]

How 'bout removing grout? You could call it a router grouter get-er-outer...

BTW, you can trim dog toenails with a Dremel tool (with grinding burr), but I think using a router table for big dogs like St. Bernards is a bad idea.

[jackellis]

I need to shape some new handles for hand planes and I'm planning on using a 1/2" cove bit to do the deed. After attempting to hold a test piece in my hand, I've determined that even with a fence to help avoid kickbacks, I need a jig that will hold the workpiece so my hands are far away from the bit.

Now if I can just make a looooooong drill bit from a piece of steel rod to drill the holes...

[Uncle Cracker]

Trimming nose hair is not a good idea, even if it is a "trim" router...

[germdoc]

I need to shape some new handles for hand planes and I'm planning on using a 1/2" cove bit to do the deed. After attempting to hold a test piece in my hand, I've determined that even with a fence to help avoid kickbacks, I need a jig that will hold the workpiece so my hands are far away from the bit.

Now if I can just make a looooooong drill bit from a piece of steel rod to drill the holes...

Hmmm, Jack, I'm not sure I'd go that route...

I have thought about making some handles but haven't because I've been able to scavenge replacements whenever I've needed them. IF I were gonna shape a handle, I'd rough cut it with the band saw and shape it with rasps/microshavers or spokeshave and then finish with spindle sander. You could drill the hole with a long drill bit either before or after you shape it (if you have a jig to hold it in position).

I personally don't think anything smaller than a guy's head should get near something like a router bit, and I think freehand routing of this nature is a little dodgy. JMO.

[jonmulzer]

Things you can't do with a router

Sounds like the start of a wager to me........

[jessrice]

Sounds like the start of a wager to me........

Right along with,

"Hold my beer and watch this..."

[Mr__Bill]

How 'bout removing grout? You could call it a router grouter get-er-outer...

now that is something i might try, me thinks goggles would be a good idea for that too....

neighbor tried to modify an aluminum mold with a router. now even i know better than that, have to chuck that bit in the drill press and wear welding gloves to hold the mold safely.


bill, if stupid is as stupid does, i shouldn't even be sweeping up after the mensa meetings

[jackellis]

I have thought about making some handles but haven't because I've been able to scavenge replacements whenever I've needed them. IF I were gonna shape a handle, I'd rough cut it with the band saw and shape it with rasps/microshavers or spokeshave and then finish with spindle sander. You could drill the hole with a long drill bit either before or after you shape it (if you have a jig to hold it in position).

I personally don't think anything smaller than a guy's head should get near something like a router bit, and I think freehand routing of this nature is a little dodgy. JMO.

I need a bunch. Actually, I have too many planes and a lot of them have broken totes.

I've already determined that freeehand routing ain't the way to go. The plan is to cut blanks on the bandsaw, drill the through hole, then create a jig that will safely hold the workpiece using a long bolt in that through hole so my hands are away from the spinning bit. I'm just not artistic enough or patient enough to freehand with a rasp. Results on the test piece were...well, I can't say what they were on a family web site.

However...finding a 1/4 inch bit that's long enough to drill the hole is proving to be a bit of a challenge.

[gsmittle]

I personally don't think anything smaller than a guy's head should get near something like a router bit, and I think freehand routing of this nature is a little dodgy. JMO.

I can't speak for anyone else, but I ain't puttin' my head near a router bit...

g.

[LCHIEN]

...

However...finding a 1/4 inch bit that's long enough to drill the hole is proving to be a bit of a challenge.

try an ebay search for long drill bits. there are frequently sets of 12" long brad points like this for small money ($5.49 + $6 S&H) which are useful to have. Like this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/DRILL-BIT-SET-12...d=p3286.c0.m14

[jackellis]

ry an ebay search for long drill bits. there are frequently sets of 12" long brad points like this for small money ($5.49 + $6 S&H) which are useful to have. Like this one:

Done! Many thanks.