The Router Handbook: a Comprehensive Guide Covering Essential Techniques, Tools, Safety Practices, and Creative Project Ideas

The Router Handbook is your complete guide to unlocking the power, precision, and versatility of the router—woodworking’s most transformative tool. Whether you’re a curious beginner, a seasoned craftsman, or somewhere in between, this in-depth manual walks you through every aspect of router use with clarity, confidence, and creativity.Inside, you’ll find essential guidance on choosing the right router, using a vast array of bits, setting up safe work environments, and building practical jigs and fixtures. From shaping decorative mouldings and mastering joinery to crafting custom game tables and routing complex patterns, every chapter builds your skills through hands-on techniques and inspiring projects.Clear diagrams, step-by-step instructions, and field-tested tips make even advanced routing approachable. With a strong emphasis on safety and craftsmanship, this handbook is not only a how-to manual—it’s a trusted companion for a lifetime of woodworking excellence.If you’ve ever wanted to move from hobbyist to artisan, this is your blueprint.What Readers Will Learn:By the end of The Router Handbook, readers will:Understand Router Types & Functions: Identify the key differences between trimmer, fixed-base, and plunge routers—and when to use each.Master Bit Selection & Use: Learn how to choose, maintain, and safely operate a wide range of router bits to achieve precise, professional cuts.Build and Use Jigs & Fixtures: Gain practical knowledge for constructing custom jigs that improve accuracy, repeatability, and creative potential.Create Professional Projects: Apply techniques to build complex pieces like mouldings, panel doors, inlays, dovetails, and even a handcrafted game table.Prioritize Safety: Develop strong habits for personal protection, workspace setup, and tool maintenance to ensure long-term safe routing.Troubleshoot and Innovate: Learn how to problem-solve routing issues, adapt commercial setups, and customize your tools for unique applications.Grow as a Woodworker: Build confidence and creativity through structured learning, inspiring you to push your skills and take on more ambitious projects.