Hi,

I bought a router yesterday and I would like some simple ideas for first
projects. Thanks,
SB

"Sam Berlyn" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I bought a router yesterday and I would like some simple ideas for first
projects. Thanks,
SB


Well, Sam, be prepared. Your first project with a router is to get out your
wallet. A router is an incredibly useful tool, when you add all of those
wonderful router bits, a router table, and jigs and fixtures. By itself its
dumb as a stump.

Now before you get depressed, I can tell you what my early projects were.
Oddly enough, the router was the first official woodworking only tool I
bought beyond an electric drill. I had a project to build a bunch of
adjustable storage shelves that had movable 3/4" plywood shelves. They key
to the whole thing was dado grooves cut every 4" in height. I bought a very
good 3/4" carbide straight bit for this and its still with me. I had to cut
576 dados into 2x4 stock. My router was christened.

Another simple project was to put decorative edges on three simple boards to
go in my daughter's kitchen. I used a small Roman Ogee bit for this. I
bought it an several other styles of carbide bits from Woodcraft on sale for
$5 each.

I needed to cut some clean round holes in a desk top that was already
finished. I used a circle template with a straight bit for this.

I encourage you to play with some scrap wood to get the feel of your router
and learn the skills. A good book is highly recommended. You'll see lots
of links to amazingly expensive and complex router tables, some with burled
maple drawers and walnut facing!!! I think people use router tables as a
project in itself. My first router table was a piece of plywood clamped to
a Workmate. My first router fence was a 2x4 clamped to the plywood. Don't
laugh. You'd be surprised how much you can do with such simple things to
control your work.

Bob

I bought a router yesterday and I would like some simple ideas for first
projects. Thanks,
SB

First thing you need is bits. Any given style will have a wide price range
depending on manufacturer and quality. Router bits, like most any other
"bit", are cheaper in quantity. First recommendation is go buy a basic
set of carbide tipped bits in a varity of shapes. If your machine has a
1/2" collet get 1/2" bits. Non carbide bits are cheap but they are throw
aways and 1/2" bits are more durable than 1/4" bits. Don't break the bank
here. Woodcraft and others have sets of 10 or 20 bits that will get you
going and will provided a lot of variety in things to do. These sets are
usually on sale for around $50 - $100. Not the best bits in the world but
good starters.

If you didn't get an edge guide with the machine get one. It will help you
do basic edging with bits that didn't include a roller guide.

What to do - Practice on scrap before you try to put an edge on the walnut
dresser you inhereted from grandma. Then try making some basic plaques,
picture frames, etc. As you get familiar with what the machines capability,
start looking for projects to stretch you ability and more useful
accessories.

Router tables are nice but I think it is smart to learn to use the machine
first. A router table is a pretty neat shop-build project. You can even
use the router to make it.

Have you discovered the TV show "The Router Workshop?" They show useful
techniques and project ideas. On DirecTV it is on PBSyou. They do also
show you every cut, even if they are repeating the same cut 8 times, but you
can record it and fast forward through the repetition.

Steve

"Sam Berlyn" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I bought a router yesterday and I would like some simple ideas for first
projects. Thanks,
SB

Consider building or purchasing a router table for additional
flexibility in using your new toy.

David

Sam Berlyn wrote:
Hi,

I bought a router yesterday and I would like some simple ideas for first
projects. Thanks,
SB

I'm in the UK,

but it sounds an excellent program.. I may try to get a DVD of it

SB
"Steven and Gail Peterson" wrote in message
link.net...
Have you discovered the TV show "The Router Workshop?" They show useful
techniques and project ideas. On DirecTV it is on PBSyou. They do also
show you every cut, even if they are repeating the same cut 8 times, but
you
can record it and fast forward through the repetition.

Steve

"Sam Berlyn" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I bought a router yesterday and I would like some simple ideas for first
projects. Thanks,
SB

Sam Berlyn wrote:

Hi,

I bought a router yesterday and I would like some simple ideas for first
projects. Thanks,
SB


Congrats! What kind did ya buy?

And it won't be long before you'll to get a Hitachi MV12 and stick it
under a router table like this...(I purchased this very model but in
different trim 2 years ago; FABULOUS table)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...6838 471&rd=1

Your first project after you buy your table is to make yourself a couple
of push sticks and a featherboard so you keep your fingers!

As for bits: remember to buy Whiteside (what I prefer), Freud, or Amana
bits and buy only the bits you need for a project. Secondly, AVOID
buying cheapo asian bits (individually or in those 35 or 50 piece sets)
or HSS (high speed steel) because the price looks good; if they aren't
already dull before you take one pass with 'em, they'll be dull before
you finish your project. Consider yourself warned!

Lastly, BE SAFE! First thing is, ensure you wear an N-95 mask & goggles
(available at any Home Depot/Lowes for a couple bucks); routers create a
boatload of particulates and the last thing you want to do is be
breathing that in a confined space!

Save for that router table - it'll open up a whole new door to routing!

DY

Hi,

I didn't intend getting a router when I bought it, but I got it for £13.50
on a clearence stall in the DIY place. It's a plunge one etc..

http://www.diyer.co.uk/Performance_P...ts-150658.html
is a link to the same as mine.

Thanks,

SB
"DamnYankee" wrote in message
...
Sam Berlyn wrote:

Hi,

I bought a router yesterday and I would like some simple ideas for first
projects. Thanks,
SB


Congrats! What kind did ya buy?

And it won't be long before you'll to get a Hitachi MV12 and stick it
under a router table like this...(I purchased this very model but in
different trim 2 years ago; FABULOUS table)


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...6838 471&rd=1

Your first project after you buy your table is to make yourself a couple
of push sticks and a featherboard so you keep your fingers!

As for bits: remember to buy Whiteside (what I prefer), Freud, or Amana
bits and buy only the bits you need for a project. Secondly, AVOID
buying cheapo asian bits (individually or in those 35 or 50 piece sets)
or HSS (high speed steel) because the price looks good; if they aren't
already dull before you take one pass with 'em, they'll be dull before
you finish your project. Consider yourself warned!

Lastly, BE SAFE! First thing is, ensure you wear an N-95 mask & goggles
(available at any Home Depot/Lowes for a couple bucks); routers create a
boatload of particulates and the last thing you want to do is be
breathing that in a confined space!

Save for that router table - it'll open up a whole new door to routing!

DY

Always good to pick up a bargain Sam. Well done. Your local DIY place is
obviously B & Q, like mine.

I picked up a Performance Pro orbital sander for £4.95 a few months ago --
1/3 the normal price. Last month I paid full price for a belt sander --
£29.95. Both were without carrying cases. Two weeks ago, in B & Q in
Doncaster (I can't resist looking in there when visiting a new place) they
had a special offer of both sanders in a carrying case for £19.95!! The
offer was marked "When its gone, its gone". I didn't buy it because I had
both sanders, but realised like a fool later in the week that I can't buy
a case for my existing sanders for £19.95.

Last week I went back -- and -- you've guessed it. All were gone.

So, don't be a fool like me. If you spot a bargain snap it up. Don't
think about it. Just do it.

Malcolm Webb