Advanced Hand-Held Router Techniques
George Vondriska
Class Preview
- In-depth Instruction; over 89 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Session 1: Cutting in a Bowtie
17:24
Bowties are both functional and decorative. They’re commonly used to span cracks in slabs to ensure the crack doesn’t widen over time. You’ll learn how to create the bowtie, and how to cut it into your project; roughing it with a router and finishing with a chisel.
Session 2: Liquid Inlay
9:05
This is a VERY simple way to add an amazing decorative element to your projects. Create a recess using your router, and then fill it with tinted or colored epoxy. A little sanding and, depending on what epoxy you use, it can look like you’ve inlayed stone into your project.
Session 3: Router as a Biscuit Joiner
4:19
No biscuit joiner? No problem. With the right router bit your hand-held router can easily be used as a biscuit joiner. There are a few things you need to do to make this work successfully, but don’t sweat it. We’ll show you what you need to know.
Session 4: Rout Evenly Spaced Grooves
4:32
The key to this technique is a key. We’ll make a simple jig that attaches to the base of your router and includes a key correctly distanced from the bit. Once one groove has been cut, making as many more as you need is a very simple process.
Session 5: Routed Bowls
21:21
You don’t need a lathe to make bowls or trays. All you need is a router, template and the right bit. Templates can be purchased, or you can make your own. This is a unique and fun way to make any shape bowl or tray you want.
Session 6: Slots Allow for Wood Expansion
3:55
Solid wood panels have to be allowed to expand and contract independently of whatever you’re fastening them to. A specialty router bit, plunge router and fence clamped to your work will allow you to easily make slots for the screws holding things together. Seasonal change? Handled.
Session 7: Making a Keyhole Slot
7:29
Keyhole slots are a great way to hang things like picture frames and plaques on the wall. A plunge router equipped with a fence works great for cutting in the slot. You’ll learn two approaches for making the slot and you’ll have all of your projects hanging dead level in no time.
Session 8: Creating Inlays
9:32
One way to put in a bowtie or Dutchman is by free-hand cutting it. Another approach is to use a template and specialized guide bushing set that allows you to cut the recess AND make a perfectly fitting plug. Easy peezey.
Session 9: Collets Go Bad
3:58
At some point in the life of your router you’re going to need to replace the collet. Having a bad collet in your router can be very unsafe. What symptoms should you be looking for to know when the collet is shot? We’ll fill you in.
Session 10: Shop-Made Dado Jig
7:07
This is a very easy-to-make and useful jig. It allows you to cut a dado perpendicular to an edge, or at any angle you need. And it’s very easy to align to your dado lay out lines. When you’re setting up to make one, you should make a bunch.
Description
Routers are such great tools and can do so much for you and your woodworking. We’re ready to take you and your router to the next level with some advanced techniques. C’mon along.
Techniques covered in this class:
The techniques you learn in this class will help you with many of your woodworking projects. Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Making and cutting in bowties
- Creating a liquid inlay using colored epoxy resin
- Using a router as a biscuit joiner
- Routing perfectly evenly spaced grooves
- Making bowls and trays with a router and template
- Routing specialized slots for fastening solid wood tops and allowing expansion
- Using templates and a specialized guide bushing to create inlays
- When to replace your router collets
- Super simple shop-made dado jig
You’ll get step-by-step instructions for each of the processes, along with sources for any specialized tools you may need.
In addition to the video instruction in the class, you’ll receive a full Class Guide PDF that you can print and take into the shop with you to help you with each technique you’ll see in the video.
Since this is a higher-level class, you should be comfortable with a base-line of router knowledge coming into this class. If you want to sharpen your router skills prior to taking this class, check out the Hand-Held Router Techniques Class which includes router buying advice, safety information, correctly and safely installing router bits, using guide bushings and more.
George Vondriska
Formally trained in technology education, George Vondriska has been teaching woodworking since 1986. He has been the managing editor of Woodworkers Guild of America since 2007. In addition to classes at his own Vondriska Woodworks School, George teaches at woodworking shows across the country and has taught woodworking for the Peace Corps, Andersen Window, Northwest Airlines and the Pentagon.
Bonus materials available after purchase