Woodworkers use many tools to make their work more comfortable and easier, and routers are one of them. Routers are very useful while cutting a decorative edge and also strengthen crooked edges of any lumber. This versatile machine helps to add a profile to edges to cut dovetail joints.
Among many compact routers, ridgid compact router is the most used and durable router. However, if you are using ridgid compact router for the first time, you must know how to use ridgid compact router accurately. For that, you need to install the router bit, then follow proper routing direction. After that, adjust the routing depth and then adjust the jigs. Hard to understand? Follow below, there you will find a complete guideline.
About Ridgid Compact Router
There are several types of Ridgid routers you will find that you can use for different purposes. Though they come with different models, sizes, and power systems, there are three basic routers. Three basic routers are trim, fixed-base routes, and plunge routers.
The ridgid compact router will let you do everything that other compact routers allow you to do. However, with the Ridgid router, you can cut decorative edges and make profiles or shapes for concealed woodworking joints. This router’s power system will let you straighten crooked edges on a single piece of lumber. Also, you can make different types of shapes with varying options of templates.
How To Use Ridgid Compact Router
While using a rigid compact router, you need to be aware of several types of stuff to prevent accidents. Here we have included some reliable tips to use this compact router; follow below.
Router Bits
Routers come with different types of bits, and you need to use them based on your needs. Some of them are only for edges, and they also have a little bearing on the top side. The bearing is designed to ride the edge of the bard along while the cutter is cutting a profile. The most common decorative edge bits are roman ogee, chamfer, circle, and cove. Here are some common router bits: straight bit, dovetail bit, juice groove, or flush trim bits. Each router bit has different work purposes.
Router Bit Installation
After deciding which bit you want to use on your rigid router, now follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install it. You will need to slide the bit into the collet and use a wrench to tighten the nut. After installing the base back on, you can now adjust the base up and down. It will help you to set the correct cutting depth position perfectly.
Routing Direction
Routing direction is essential when you are about to route an edge. You have to route opposite the direction that the bit is turning. Therefore, when you are running the router along the outside of the board’s edge, you should cut it counterclockwise. Moreover, when you are routing inside the board, then you have to route clockwise.
Routing Depth
What will be the perfect routing depth will be entirely dependent on your application. You need to adjust the depth a little far from the sticks out of the edge. This will help you to cut the edge accurately. The working accuracy will perfectly depend on the sharpness of your bits.
Router Guide and Jigs
You can use a router guide or jigs to cut the materials accurately. These tools will let you cut the edge of the board from a certain distance. However, you can also buy or make a router guide or jigs to make your work more accurate and comfortable. If you plan to cut a perfect circle, you can buy a circle jig to mount your router.
Safety Tips When Using Ridgid Compact Router
You must need to know proper safety tips while using a ridgid compact router for your projects. Follow the below safety tips to avoid any unexpected situation while using the latest model rotors like a rigid compact router.
- You need to keep your hand out from the path of the router. Also, never hold the wood pieces with your hand. Keep the pieces on your workbench to ensure proper safety.
- You need to make sure that you place the router in the correct direction. That is because the wrong direction can impact wood shapes.
- It’s essential to limit the power or speed of your compact router while cutting materials. You need to use the machine slowly while making a circle because perfect circles require slow power-up.
- When you use a compact router for your projects, remember to use sharp and high-quality router bits. That is because crappy bits can burn, chip, dog down, and can cause kickback.
- Always examining the board before you start routing. That is because cracks, loose, or knots pieces can heavily damage your projects.
- Turn off the power system or motor of your compact router while you are not using it. You can save batteries of battery-powered models and also save the power to use this machine later.
Conclusion
Now you know how to use ridgid compact router and what safety tips you should follow while using this tool. If you are a professional woodworker, you must need to update your mind on the usability of this tool. Once you know the proper use of routers, they will let you bring out fancy materials from woods.
Routers will make a huge range of projects easier with their versatile power and speed. This machine can help to rip fences and also can make edging small pieces. Moreover, always follow the safety tips provided above to avoid any type of damage. So tell us about your ridgid compact router usage experience? Share your views with us; we will love to hear from you.
