Hello All,

Posted By vertigodown on 08-18-2011 10:53 PM
Hello All,

I am relatively new to woodworking and I am looking for an area that gives decent direction with routing and how to use the different bits, box joints, dovetails, etc.  

Videos would be most helpful...ive checked the videos here but there doesn't seem to be a decent selection.

Thank you for the help.

Tanner 

Hi Tanner - Welcome to the forum
Here are some interesting youtube videos on routing:
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=routing+with+tom+o%27donnell&aq=0&oq=routing+with+tom

Tom is something of and eccentric and pretty opinionated but there is no questioning his skills. He heavily advocates hand held routing and the use of guide bushings and he does some marvelous things with them.
Personally, I also do a lot of table work and using guide bushings in conjuction with a table adds even more flexibility to the router. The more methods you are familiar with, the more likely it is to choose the safest method.

There are a lot of books on routing also. My favorite is Bill Hylton, almost any of his books. Lots of photos and explanations plus he is jig oriented and provides plans or ideas on shop built jigs to make things go smoother.
Hope this helps.

Welcome to the forum Tanner!

Might I suggest:  The Router Workshop?

While their forum seems a bit advanced, there's knowledge to be gleaned from their videos and the forum.

Also I think there were some helpful items at MLCS woodworking

My advice is go slow, start easy and take it a step at a time.

Some videos that came with my routers are HERE

Tanner,
Welcome to the forum.

To learn routers, the best thing after the videos is a pile of scrap pine , a handful of different bits and just try them out to see what they each do, and rout away.
Practice is the best teacher.

Welcome Tanner

All good advice given.
Just keep safety in mind as the router can get away from you if not use correctly.
Study the right direction to go on the wood and you will be OK.
If you go with the movement of the blade it can try to run away from you.

Imagine you are routing the INSIDE of a picture frame, the correct way is to go COUNTER clockwise.
If you are routing the OUTSIDE of the frame you would move CLOCKWISE
Hopefully those videos will explain that to you.
Have fun

EDIT: here is a link to explain router movement

http://www.newwoodworker.com/rtrfeeddir.html

Very Good advice from the others, and as Woodwizard stated, understand direction of travel wel, if not it can scare you away from using it for a long time, not to mention do a lot of damage to self or project. Wood is replaceable, body parts, not so much. As with any power tool, read the owners manual, fully understand it, and treat it with respect. Start with less agressive bits to get used to it, and never try to remove more than 1/8" of material at a time unless the bit packing clearly states it's safe to do so.

After reading the posts above, I might become a bit scared of using a router, but, I've been using mine for several years with no problems. Like any power tool, you should know the tool and the proper procedures for using it. Smaller pieces to be hand routed should be clamped down or placed on a router mat. If you keep both hands on the router, you should have good control, and your hands will be out of harms way. Always be aware of direction of travel. Traveling in the wrong direction is called climb cutting, and this can cause the router to kick away from the piece, or send the piece flying. The router is probably the most versatile tool in the workshop, so let it be your friend.

Thanks all for the replies...Ill start watching the videos and I have already started doing some practicing with my new router.  ( got a good deal on then Rigid 2 1/4 combo set.)  Seems good so far.

Quick answer as to how far in...
3/4 of the shaft should be in the collet, 1/2 or less will give less purchase on the bit shaft and you run the risk of it coming out or breaking. 

Just my humble opinion.

I tend to put my bits in all the way then pull back about 1/16 to 1/8"

Here's a good sight for woodworking terminology http://sawdustmaking.com/GLOSSARY/g...king_t.htm  

Note when you rout the entire way around a work piece to start on the end grain and this will help prevent most tear out.

I install my bits till they bottom out and then pull the bit out about 1/8". If the bit is left bottomed out, expansion due to heat can cause the bit to move, causing an irregular depth of cut. This can also cause binding of the bit in the collet.

Great question and super responses - everyone.  Thanks as I have some boxes to make for our pastor.  Have the tools and now have watched several of the videos on sight in addition to the ones mentioned, ready to get my pile of scraps out and make some dust. 

Also, welcome to the forums. Please drop on down the directory until you locate the New Members section and introduce yourself, your dreams and desires and capabilities and such.  It's always good to have new ideas and information which makes the forum stronger.  Again, welcome to the forum.