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Plunge Routers often just called routers are one of the most versatile power tools available, their use is exclusively for for wood and some plastics. Machines of a similar nature used for metal are called milling machines and use different types of cutting tool and often a cooling liquid, these machines are far bigger than hand held routers.
Prices vary considerably between cheap routers and expensive versions, a cheap one can cost less than £40 and an expensive one £500 or more.
These machines are of interest to all serious DIY enthusiasts as their uses are considerable, furniture making is just one of their invaluable uses. Many different router bits can be purchased which cut out different patterns on the edge of material being used.
Routers have hundreds of uses and can be used in conjunction with Router lathes to produce spindles
Various jigs are available for a wide variety of cutting applications- Hinge jig, Letterbox Jig, Lock jig, worktop mitre jig, Radius jig, Dovetail jig, Door flush bolt jig, Staircase jig, Worktop Drainer jig. The problem is that the jigs are expensive to buy and unless you are going to be using it several times it is not going to be economical! To purchase a jig for cutting a letterbox out would cost over £50.00 you will also need a Router and router bit, all this seems a little over the top when you can just as easily use a jig saw!
A Router worktop jig
Routers can also be fixed to a table so that you can pass the work through the router rather than moving the router over the work piece.
The Router bits come in several different shank sizes, the most popular being 1/2 inch, If you are purchasing a router then a 1/2 router is preferable as you can still use smaller shank bits by using a reducer. Most jigs require the use of a 1/2 inch Router also!
Here is how to use a router to join worktops using a trend worktop jig-
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