[MamaAnnie]

I just bought my first router and, after some enthusiastic cautioning from a friend, decided I should probably learn more about the tool and how to use it before getting started.

I don't have a woodworking shop, just a tiny bit of space in the garage. I also don't have a lot of $ for my new hobby.

I DO have a first routing project: routing a groove (you got it, I have no idea when it comes to the lingo) down the center of cedar 2x2's to build custom framed lattice panels. I'm doing it all with no instructions, so it's going to be slow going, but I can be patient.

Any advice regarding setting up and using the handheld router is welcome. If it means building some kind of guide on a table, I'm up for it. I won't be waiting for help to come to me. I will be reading everything I can find on the subject.

My first routing project is not my first woodworking project. I'm just expanding into power tools.

Hello everybody and thank you for your patience and kindness.

 

[TwoSkies57]

Welcome to the community Annie...

safety first!!

 

[BrianS]

Hi Annie, welcome to our little corner of the 'net.

And, you have the lingo correct... lengthwise, a slot is called a groove... across the board, it's called a dadoe. Really, it's still a slot in the wood.

A little more information from you... do you have an edge guide for your router? You need something to guide your router when you cut the groove. Cutting something like this and getting it straight without a guide is almost impossible. How deep is the groove? It's better to make several cuts, instead of trying to make the full depth in one cut. Easier on the router, easier on the bit. Easier on you as you won't have to dodge a broken bit. (Yes, it DOES happen!!)

 

[Al B Thayer]

I just bought my first router and, after some enthusiastic cautioning from a friend, decided I should probably learn more about the tool and how to use it before getting started.

I don't have a woodworking shop, just a tiny bit of space in the garage. I also don't have a lot of $ for my new hobby.

I DO have a first routing project: routing a groove (you got it, I have no idea when it comes to the lingo) down the center of cedar 2x2's to build custom framed lattice panels. I'm doing it all with no instructions, so it's going to be slow going, but I can be patient.

Any advice regarding setting up and using the handheld router is welcome. If it means building some kind of guide on a table, I'm up for it. I won't be waiting for help to come to me. I will be reading everything I can find on the subject.

My first routing project is not my first woodworking project. I'm just expanding into power tools.

Hello everybody and thank you for your patience and kindness.

Hi Annie,
Is that with or without a gun?
I get what your trying to do and you've picked a good project to start with. YouTube is a great source. Don't forget to start with a scrap.

Al

 

[RainMan 2.0]

Welcome to the forum Annie, it's great to have you with us . I've only recently joined myself so I can't give you a lot of direction , but there's tons of great information here and these guys are eager to help .
I have come a long ways in the month that I've been here . Looking at your bio you seem like a very ambitious lady , and I would say you are going to flourish here .

 

[Semipro]

Annie, welcome to Router Forums, glad to have you join us, I'm positive the members of the community would be more than willing to answer any questions you have


This are for basics Router use
Types of Routers | Woodworking | Howcast
How to Use a Router | Woodworking | Howcast

 

[jw2170]

G'day Annie, welcome to the forum.

 

[Dejure]

Welcome Annie.

The guide mentioned is a must. If taking much off, make a couple passes, rather than one. Cedar likes to splinter, and hogging too much out will burn your bits and dull them prematurely.

You could also set up the router in a table (contrived, like in a WorkMate, would work) and set two boards that just allow the boards to slip through, then run them through, rather than the router over them.

Many of us have router tables and they range from "toss it when your done" beasts to "my kids can't go to college because I bought another tool" (okay, maybe not that bad) quality. Regardless, a table seems to open all manner of new opportunities to work easier.

 

[old55]

Welcome to the forum Annie.

 

[DaninVan]

Hi, Annie; welcome!

How thick is your lattice material? If you're doing a diagonal pattern you'll need to accommodate your thickness x 2 as both layers will end up in your groove. If a square pattern, only one thickness gets locked in.
The reason I mention this is because if you do the sq, pattern, you might find it easier to cut a rebate*, then lock your lattice panels in with a separate strip after you've put it in place. The advantage is you can easily pull the lattice panels back out if they get damaged.

*Rebate...
http://www.britishhardwoods.co.uk/m...ernal-solid-oak-door-lining-rebate-base_1.jpg

 

[MamaAnnie]

Another double post... what am I doing wrongly?... I'll try to figure out before this becomes a habit.

 

[MamaAnnie]

Hi Annie,
Is that with or without a gun?
...

Al

He he he he he

I had to read that more than once to "get" it... I'm a little slow without my coffee.

Answer: "With" ... of the glue, nail, and staple varieties only, however.

 

[roxanne562001]

Welcome to the forum Annie.
I am sure you will find allot of great info here.
Have a great day.
Roxanne

 

[oosie]

I just bought my first router and, after some enthusiastic cautioning from a friend, decided I should probably learn more about the tool and how to use it before getting started.

I don't have a woodworking shop, just a tiny bit of space in the garage. I also don't have a lot of $ for my new hobby.

I DO have a first routing project: routing a groove (you got it, I have no idea when it comes to the lingo) down the center of cedar 2x2's to build custom framed lattice panels. I'm doing it all with no instructions, so it's going to be slow going, but I can be patient.

Any advice regarding setting up and using the handheld router is welcome. If it means building some kind of guide on a table, I'm up for it. I won't be waiting for help to come to me. I will be reading everything I can find on the subject.

My first routing project is not my first woodworking project. I'm just expanding into power tools.

Hello everybody and thank you for your patience and kindness.

Hi Annie,
Make your own router table. All you have to do is mount your router under a sheet of MDF and make a fence that you attach with 2 G clamps. Do yourself a favor and go on a router course otherwise you will never get the full benefit of your purchase .It is the most versatile piece of equipment you have ever bought.
Regards
Andre

 

[Shop guy]

I would use the table saw. Quicker, easier, safer.

 

[BCK]

welcome aboard.....enjoy

 

[RainMan 2.0]

Annie after reading your bio , if I had half your energy I'd be a millionaire

 

[papasombre]

Hi, Annie.

Ladies are welcome to this forum. We would like to see pictures about your first router project... and the older ones too.

Enjoy.