A router tool is a hand-held power tool with a circular blade extending from its base and a fixed flat surface, usually made of metal, above the blade. An electric motor drives the spindle into hard material, for example wood or plastic, to rout a design. Routers are most commonly used in woodworking, particularly cabinet making. They are also used to cut other materials, like paper, metal, fiberboard and acrylics.
A router can be purchased as a complete kit with all the hardware needed, or you can buy individual pieces to build your own router. Most router sets include the blade and the table, and some even include a router blade cap. A router tool set will usually include clamps, a bit set, a router blade, and other miscellaneous bits. Most kits include the blade only; if you want to purchase individual bits, make sure that the bits are heavy enough not to pull or damage the router. Some router sets may also include a cord for hanging the router, and some have wheels so that the router can be dragged behind the operator.
The simplest type of router is called a hack-cutter; it has a straight edge and is designed for precision work. Routers with carbide blades, which are ground by heat, are more powerful than hacksaws. But even the simplest models of routers can perform tasks that regular sticks will never be able to do, like routing hollow parts. So if you’re new to woodworking and router tools, the router tool set is an excellent investment.
