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I found this video from Eagle Lake Woodworking, it gives you a nice birdseye view of how to cut circles on the router table. 

• It highlights a miter track and a very unique jig that you need to use in that miter track.
• pivot pins
• locating the center of the board, prepping the board,
• drilling the holes
• gradual cuts raising the bit

This is a very slick set up and it looks like he uses some sort of automated or foot controlled way of raising the bit.

Why do woodworkers take the time to build their own furniture?  I catch myself asking that question from time to time.  One trip to the store or a brief story on the local news usually answer that question for me.  In today’s economy people want and need value.  Value in a bad or tough economy usually takes the from of quality.

Building something yourself allows you to build in that quality and make an item that will last several lifetimes.  It is starting to catch on.  Because we are in a global economy, people are beginning to understand that most businesses have changed the way they do business.  Buying products made overseas and outsourcing jobs is what they must do to stay in business.  However if you don’t like the offerings at your local furniture store, the craftsman has a different option.  Build it yourself and make something that can be handed down from generation to generation.

Time Verse Quality

Obviously there is more time involved in making your own items.  If your shop is already set up, you have a huge head start.  Having all the tools you need and being organized is half the battle.  If you are willing to trade your time in for quality, you can add a lot of value to your home.  This is key; putting a value on your time is different for everyone.

What I want verses what they offer.

Another good argument to making your own items is the “wysiwyg” factor. (what you see is what you get)  When you design and make your own furniture, you can customize any way that you want.  Most furniture makers choose colors and styles that have general appeal.  Making your own designs allows you to build in any style or color that matches your homes decor.

Cost verses Convenience

For some people the bottom line is cost.  For other the bottom line is quality and cost is secondary.  Most craftsmen are willing to spend the extra cash to buy the better wood and products for their projects.  If you are making the product in the first place, you might as well do the best you can and use the best products.  You should think about handing down the item to the next generation.  Someday your grand children are going to brag to their children about the item you built knowing that they are going to own it someday.  They may even fight over it, you really cannot put a value on that.

Technorati Profile

Wood Magazine has made a step to help out woodworkers.  They are having a recession type sale that can help woodworkers and do it yourselfers, get more value for your money.  If you have already figured out, most woodworkers have made the value switch of making their own furniture instead of buying it.  Plans, books and reviews all help you accomplish this more easily.

Deal of the week and woodworking plan blow out.

Bench Top Router Table

Bench top router tables come in handy when you do not have a lot of space in the workshop.  A lot of tables have the same features as their full time cousins and can give you a lot of the same benefits.  It is not uncommon to find a benchtop router table that you can do raised panel joinery on.  This opens up a lot of doors (no pun intended) and makes owning a table chock full of features now a matter of budget.  Most of the time the smaller bench top router tables are merly smaller versions of the larger router tables.

Features:

Look for:

• removable inserts (full size)
• adjustable split fences
• dust collection
• enough distance from the bottom of the router to the bench to give the router adequate room for air intake
• miter track (standard size)
• router track for add on such as stop block or feather boards

Stands

Most have stands that are mini steel stands or even small cabinets.  You can find different designs with small legs as well.  These usually come down to preference

By Peter Vermeeren

The CNC router machine cuts in three directions at once. The precision of the router’s cutting relies on the design software, software that provides a two-fold advantage to the router operator.

To begin with, the CAD software gives the operator of the CNC router machine the ability to create the design that will be cut into the solid plate.

After the operator creates the design, that same operator relies on the computer to send the proper operating instructions. The instructions from the software send signals to the router motor drive. These signals, termed tool path files, allow the motor controls to direct the precise motion of the router drive system.

The router bits perform the cutting of the CNC router machine. These bits are similar to drill bits. As mentioned above, the cutting can proceed along three different axes simultaneously. The CNC controls cause the movements of the drill bits to take place in small and precise increments.

The cutting along the x-axis moves from front to back. The cutting along the y-axis moves from left to right. The cutting along the z-axis moves up and down. The ability of the CNC router machine to move in 3 directions at once leads to the creation of interesting patterns and shapes.

The use of a CNC router machine guarantees savings in time and money. The CNC router machine produces each of its elaborately shaped products in a very small amount of time. In addition, the CNC router machine eliminates the need for an employee to stand at the router. A computer controls the operation of the router. Either the computer linked to the router can stand adjacent to the manufacturing devices, or it can sit at the desktop of the operator.

In other words, the operator of the CNC router machine can sit at his or her desk and direct the movement of the device that holds the router bits. The operator maintains control of this device, a machine part that is called a gantry.

The benefits of a CNC router machine increase steadily, spurred in large part by the increasing need for the manufacture of prototypes. Prototypes are test versions of a product. The creation of prototypes provides the manufacturer with a way to detect those places where an error in production could occur.

The precision of the router allows the operator to detect the scale of any possible manufacturing error. The computer can inspect a prototype and then alert the operator to the precise degree of expected changes in the routed product. The benefits of this precision are magnified by the potential for offline simulation of manufacturing processes. Without access to such precision, the manufacturer would not be able to use the creation of prototypes by the CNC router machine. Thanks to the precision of the router, the manufacturer can use the prototype to plan the needed strategy for an efficient full-scale production.

The CNC router machine enables manufactures to utilize the latest technologies in order to achieve their business needs more effectively.

More information on Kamikaze News and Article Directory

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Vermeeren
http://EzineArticles.com/?CNC-Router-Machine&id=176086

By Lee Jesberger

The differences between a router bit and a shaper cutter is rather large, and while they both serve the same basic function, the methods of use are quite large.

For one, router bits are made from a single piece of high speed from the shaft to the cutter, and are designed to run at speeds up to 25,000 R.P.M’s. The shafts range in size from ¼” to ½” in diameter, and are held to the router with a collet. This is just a split circular tapered ring which squeezes against the bit, as the collet nut is tightened. Some of these steel blanks form the cutter as well, while others have the same shaft and cutter head, but with the addition of a carbide tips brazed to them.

The high speed steel bits are cheaper, but don’t last as long as the carbide tipped bits. They are also prone to burning the wood, particularly if they have what’s called pilot bit incorporated with them. This is just a stub of steel protruding from the bottom of the bit, which is designed to ride against the wood being shaped. This stub is rather useless as the amount of work required to remove the burns just isn’t worth the effort.

The carbide tipped bit will have a roller bearing on the bottom to follow the wood edge being shaped. These bearings run smoothly, and as long as too much lateral pressure isn’t applied to the contact point of the wood, they will leave no trace of having been used. If lateral pressure is over applied, they will leave a small groove, or track where they made contact with the wood. A nice steady light pressure is all that’s needed.

Bits without this stub or roller guide must be used in conjunction with either an edge guide mounted to the router, or with a router table and fence. These bits are available in many sizes and shapes, and will handle most woodworking applications, especially for the home wood shop.

Shaper cutters on the other hand are generally much larger, and are designed to run at slower speeds. Either 7,000 or 10,000 R.P.M’s, is the norm. The speed is changed by a stepped pulley system, much like a drill press. The increased size is partially due to the fact they have no shaft. They have a hole in the center of varying sizes, which is slid over the appropriate sized spindle of the machine. When buying cutters it’s important to keep the diameter in mind or you may end up with a cutter not compatible with your spindles.

This spindle is removable and most shapers come equipped with at least a couple different diameter spindles. These can also be ordered separately. Many shapers come with a collet in ¼” and ½” configurations to allow the use of router bits as well.

One advantage of shaper cutters is the ability to add cutters in different configurations or guide bushings and bearings which serve to guide and / or alter the resulting cuts. Burning is pretty much a non issue as the cutters are spinning at a much slower speed. Uniform moldings are much easier to accomplish with the use of a power feeder, which applies steady even pressure which is key to excellent results.

Copyright 2007 – Lee A. Jesberger.

Jesberger has owned of a high end General Contracting business for thirty years.
He also owns and operates a custom Cabinet and Furniture business. He is the inventor of the Ezee-Feed, infeed / outfeed systems for woodworking machines, which is patent pending.

http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com

http://www.ezee-feed.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Jesberger
http://EzineArticles.com/?Router-Table-or-Shaper-Considerations&id=878446

Bench Dog has changed their 2009 line of router tables significantly from 2008. You will find that they discontinued the acrylic inserts and have moved to an all aluminum insert line. This video gives you a nice highlight of the changes.

Yahoo, Metacafe, Google, DailyMotion, Blip.tv and Veoh

By Kaitlin Carruth

A router bit is a tool for woodworking giving a quality finish to woodwork. It cuts wood providing a way to give a clean and even a decorative edge to woodwork. The following is some basic information about router bits to get you started in your woodworking efforts.

The Parts of a Router Bit

Here are the there main parts of a router bit:
1) The shank- the part of the router bit that is inserted into the collet (the sleeve of the router).
2) The cutting edge- this part cuts and removes the wood. They are available in several sizes and shapes.
3) The pilot- the guide for the router in order to make a correct cut. It can be an extension of the shank or a ball bearing attachment.

The Different Kinds of Router Bits

While there are over 50 router bit profiles, here are the four basic types of router bits:
1) Grooving Bits- These bits make a groove in the piece of wood. This type of bit is commonly used for street address signs for homes. Different types of grooving bits include the V-Groove, the Round-Nose and the Straight Bits.
2) Joinery Bits- Router bits that help make several different types of joints. This type of router bit includes the Finger Joint, the Drawer Lock, the Rile and Stile, and Dovetail Bits.
3) Edge Bits- Bits used to create different-shaped edges in woodwork. Examples of these types of bits include the Beading, Flush, and Round-over bits.
4) Specialized Bits- These bits do not fit into one of the above categories and have more specialized purposes including the Key Hole, Raised Panel, and T-Slot bits.

Carbide versus HSS bits

Most of the bits you will find available in hardware stores are carbide (short for tungsten carbide) tipped. These router bits are made of a very hard material that stays sharp longer than steel and is resistant to heat. However, this type of router bit can chip and is very expensive (this is why most of the bits are tipped and not made completely of carbide).

High Speed Steel (HSS) bits have been around longer but are not as readily available as the carbide bits. An HSS router bit is not as expensive but will dull fairly quickly. The HSS router bit is more suited for occasional work while a carbide router bit is meant for greater use, lasting 20 times longer than the HSS router bit.

How to Take Care of Router Bits

To keep your router bit set in good shape, you will want to do small amounts
of cutting at a time. This not only keeps you away from overheating, but will also extend the life of the router bit. Always use the shortest and widest bit possible for your project. This will again prevent overheating and will also avoid chattering.

Always keep your router bits clean and free from pitch and in good condition to avoid dulling. Remove any pitch and tar from the router bit (if not removed, it will cause the bit to unevenly bounce on the surface). Commercial bit cleaner can be used to remove pitch and tar; however, a scrap piece of wood will usually do the trick. This will help keep your router bits in good working order.

The parts of a router bit, the types of bits, the difference between HSS bits and carbide bits, and the proper care of router bits are all important concepts to understand when selecting your own router bit set. This basic knowledge will
help you know what you need in a router bit set and how to use it properly.

Kaitlin Carruth is a client account specialist with 10x Marketing – More Visitors. More Buyers. More Revenue. For more information about router bits, please visit Tool America.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kaitlin_Carruth
http://EzineArticles.com/?Router-Bits-Basics&id=41960

By Peter H Williams

So what does a router do and how to use a router.

I thought I’d first take a look at the word router and this originates from a verb to rout. Rout is also a noun but this doesn’t relate to our woodworking router. The definition of the verb appears to be to rummage or to hollow out or furrow, as with a scoop, gouge, or machine. So perhaps my definition of a woodworking router would be to gouge out or machine out some part of a piece of wood. This could simply be to make a groove or round the edges of a piece of timber.

The first routers were of course hand operated and were similar in appearance to a flat wood plane but having interchangeable narrow blades rather than the large flat blade. These blades would be shaped to make a grove or round the edge of the timber. The electric router was introduced in the first half of the last century but in fact was a very different product for achieving similar results and relied on a spinning cutter and was known as the spindle router. A company called Elu developed some of the first products and I remember having a quality Elu router myself. I believe Elu is now part of the Makita power tool and Makita router range of products.

The first electric routers had a fixed base and subsequent routers called plunging routers were sprung such that the spinning blade would not protrude beyond the based as the weight or pressure was removed. These types of router were moved over the wood area. The alternative method of use is to mount a router to the underside of a router table and then move the wood over the router and maintaining a fixed position for the table router. This is ideal for a workshop environment and lends itself to additional safety features.

The handheld plunging routers can be used (should be used) with a variety of controls. The base of the router can be fitted with a sidebar device to ensure that the cutting blade remains a constant distance from the edge of the wood you are routing. For example you may wish to cut a groove 4 mm deep and 3 mm from the edge of your piece of wood. The depth can be set to the maximum 4 mm and the sidebar guide will ensure that the groove is not made more than 3mm from the edge of the wood. You could achieve the same results by clamping a straight edge over the surface of the wood to be machined and keep the electric router pressed firmly against the straight edge.

Router cutters or router bits come in many different shapes. The different shapes allow you to use your router to cut square, vee and rounded grooves. There are more router bits to enable round, angular and decorative edge finishing. An edge finishing router bit has a spinning guide at the base of the cutter that prevents the blade cutting deeper into the timber. Generally speaking buying router bits can be a little of a lottery because you want the best bits but don’t want to spend a fortune. Unless you need a large selection of router bits for professional work I’d suggest buying a set of router bits with most of the shapes you could ever envisage using. You’ll probably also require 1 or 2 straight cutting bits and you may wish to pay a little more money to get the best you can afford if you are to use these bits frequently. For example you may wish to have a 3-4 mm straight cutting blade for groves and rebating edges of your chosen timber. A larger 8-10mm is always useful for taking a little timber off a wider area. Cheaper blades will soon lose their cutting edge and could scorch or burn the timer if you are not careful.

You can choose a router from a variety of manufactures notably Makita, Bosch, Dewalt, Festool, Milwaukee and Porter-Cable. A router is still very much a corded power tool and is often required for long periods of use so there hardly any cordless routers. The Ryobi ZRP600 Trim Router is an 18v cordless device but very much intended for lighter trim work. Many of the manufacturers also supply factory reconditioned routers and router combo kits.

Once you’ve mastered the use of a router you’ll be amazed how many tasks can be improved by using a router.

The modern woodworking router is a truly versatile and powerful tool. ThePowerToolBox
has a huge range of routers and router accessories from most manufacturers. We have over 100 manufacturers to choose from for a comprehensive range of new and factory recondition Power Tools. See website for full details and video links.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_H_Williams
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-is-a-Woodworking-Router-and-What-Can-it-Do-For-Me&id=1702855