Wood Router Tips and Tricks from Colin Knecht

Summary

In this woodworking tutorial, Colleen Canet demonstrates how to use a router for precise dado cuts, depth adjustments, and creating clean edges for veneering. She also shows how to utilize a router table as a makeshift planer, emphasizing safety and the importance of feeding wood in the correct direction.

Takeaways

• 📏 Colin Canet demonstrates precise depth setting for router bits using turrets, measuring bars, and drill bits.
• 🔧 A common depth setting for cutting dados is 3/8 inches.
• 📐 Using a temporary fence and measuring stick ensures accurate dado cuts matching the board thickness.
• ✂️ For perfect veneer joints, sandwich the veneer between MDF pieces and clamp before cutting.
• 🪵 Using the same technique with spalted wood provides straight, clean edges.
• 🛠️ Router tables can be used as planers by setting a fixed fence and feeding the wood correctly.
• ⚠️ Safety tip: Always feed wood into the blade's direction to avoid kickback.
• 👀 Keep your router bit visible and use a push stick for safe operation.
• 💡 Making parallel cuts with a router table can be an alternative to using a planer.
• 📹 Colin Canet concludes with tips to enhance the usability of routers and router tables for woodworking projects.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of Colleen Canet's video?

The primary focus of Colleen Canet's video is to provide tips and tricks on using a router, both handheld and on a router table.

What is a common depth for cutting a dado that Colleen prefers?

Colleen prefers a depth of 3/8 inch for cutting a dado, which is a common depth for most routers.

What is the function of a turret on a router?

A turret on a router is used for height or depth adjustment, allowing for precise setting of the cutting depth of the router bit.

How can you set the depth of the router bit accurately?

You can set the depth of the router bit accurately by using a couple of blocks of the desired depth or by releasing the router so the bit touches the base and then adjusting it to the desired depth using a measuring bar or a drill bit.

What is a dado and how is it used in woodworking?

A dado is a type of joint used in woodworking where a groove is cut into a piece of wood to receive another piece. Colleen demonstrates how to cut a dado that is the thickness of a board using a router.

Why is it important to use a strip of wood that matches the thickness of the board when cutting a dado?

Using a strip of wood that matches the thickness of the board ensures that the dado is cut to the exact fit needed, providing a snug and precise joint.

What is veneering and how does Colleen use the router to improve veneering?

Veneering is a technique used in woodworking to apply thin slices of wood onto core panels. Colleen shows how to use the router to create sharp, clean edges on veneers, allowing them to fit together tightly.

Why is it necessary to have a straight and flat fence when using a router table?

A straight and flat fence is necessary when using a router table to ensure that the wood is fed consistently and safely through the router bit, preventing any pinching or uneven cuts.

How can a router be used as a planer, and what precautions should be taken?

A router can be used as a planer by setting up a router table with a fixed fence and router bit. Precautions include ensuring the fence covers at least half of the router bit and feeding the wood from right to left into the back of the blade, similar to feeding wood into a table saw.

What is the importance of using a push stick when making cuts with a router or router table?

Using a push stick is important for safety, as it helps to maintain control over the wood and prevents the router bit from grabbing the wood and causing injury.