[reds_21]

Hello,,,,,I recently purchased a craftsman router to fool around with and I have a couple questions.

First,,,I have the router/table with about 3 carbide tips to begin with. I do know that I will need different tips accordint the applications but as for the overall scheme of things.....................I have no clue where to begin. are there books or websites that carry plans on making projects only using a router. I am on a very strict budget and am trying to buy equipment as I go. But as for the router, are there projects that can be done for the VERY BEGINNERS that can atleast get me fimiliar with the tool.

any help would be appreciated..................

shawn

 

[Bob N]

Hi Shawn and welcome aboard. You have come to the right place for help on the Router. This is a fantastic forum with wonderful and skilled people that are egar to lend a hand.

I too am new at this and visit here daily and post when I feel I have something to give or something I need to take. One of the easiest bits to use in my opinion is the rounder bit. Perhaps grab a piece of scrap wood and start rounding the edges. This will certainly give you a feel for the machine itself. My first project a few weeks ago was just that... rounding edges of wood that I used for old floor vent covers. They turned out great and I saved enough doing the job myself to pay for my router. I have the DW618PK and love the thing.

Here is a good thread of late that may give you some good books to choose from.

http://routerforums.com/showthread.php?t=559

Hope to see you around often.

 

[Mike]

Hi Shawn, welcome to the forum. Click on the yellow Oak Park logo at the top of your page. You will find plans from the TV show there for reasonable prices. Read the other posts for a wealth of information on building jigs, dust collection, all manner of questions. Visit with your local woodworking supply store and ask them about plans. Many of the wood working magazines offer free plans on their web sites. Check your local PBS listings for The Router Workshop.(US & Canada) Even that Norm guy in the plaid shirt builds nice projects using his router table...

Mike

 

[kp91]

If budget is a concern, please don't overlook your library. I have always been amazed at the number of woodworking plan and how to books that are available at my local libraries. It sure is a lot cheaper to borrow them than buy them.

Patrick speilman's New router handbook is a good start, American woodworker has a router woodworking book that is pretty good.

My router was one of the first real woodworking tools I had. I was able to do a lot of operations that would normally require a table or band saw with it. A jigsaw, sandpaper, and a template can turn your router into a great tool. Try making a router compass and cutting out some circles for plaques or picture frames.

Have fun, it's the best way to learn!

 

[Learning Herb]

Welcome aboard, I to am a new router woodworker, And I just love it and I'm shoure you will also. If you want a good book try (Woodworking with the router Bu Bill Hylton & Fred Matlack) It is a great book and covers just about all bases of the router .
Learning Herb