Randomly going through some pages on social media, I have seen a lot of queries related to routers and their guides. And then I thought, why not write an article that elaborates on every aspect of the How To Use Router Edge Guide?
This is a Universal Router Edge Guide For Curves that will cover every available router owner’s concerns. And because I have a fixed base router from Ryobi so this might help Ryobi owners. On the contrary, you may not call it a Ryobi Router Straight Edge Guide. This guide will cover every router owner’s concerns, as I have mentioned earlier.
Now coming to your Router Straight Edge Guide with further ado.
Here is a list of necessary tools that you are going to use for any of your DIY projects.
The Process
The first thing we need is the exact measurement of the router bit from the center point to the edge of our base plate on the router. The router I am using, as mentioned in the previous section, is Ryobi, which has a round base. It has almost the exact measurement all around from its center bit.
Setting the router bit
On the contrary, there are routers in the market with two square sides or some with four square sides. In case your router doesn’t have the same measurement so, in that case, I would like to suggest is to pick a side as a reference site and to put a mark on it. With this, you are always going to hold up against your guide at all times.
Adjusting V grooving bit
Apart from those, the measurement of your router will always be different. For my router, I have put a V grooving bit in it so I may have a point to measure it. And when I measured it measuring was 80 and a half millimeters. It’s the same all around, so there is no need to start measuring together.
Measuring the distance
Now you start your work on 80 and a half millimeters and cut a few pieces of timber. For this reason, cut up two pieces of plywood or whatever you want according to your requirements and needs. As a matter of fact, I have this one piece of plywood that is 80.5 millimeters. It has the exact measurements that we have got off the router. On the other hand, the other piece is 140 millimeters.
Furthermore, it doesn’t really matter what size you have in mind. Still, it must be as long as it is 50 millimeters or wider than 50 millimeters because you need room. It is necessary because it will ease your way to clamp it. In addition, clamping is very simple. All you have to do is just line up both ends and stick a clamp on them. This will keep both edges tight, and you will be able to have a perfect alignment of this plywood.
Setting up hinges
In this step, we are going to set up the hinges together. For setting them, I have put small double-sided tape on the hinges back. Now put the hinges about 70 or 80 millimeters and line them up with the center line of your joint. This way, you will knuckle the hinge and press it into place.
The double-sided tape keeps it from moving when you’re trying to bore your pilot holes. Your screws will settle into the place where you want them to be.
Boring testing
Now that you have placed your hinges into their respective place, you need to bore a few pilot holes and drive a few screws mix. This is to make you confirm that you have placed them accurately. Now it is time for you to run your router. You need to use a small piece of scrap and set it up on the bench. It would be best if you drew exact holes using a pencil.
Clamping your plywood
You must clamp your plywood to line up the edge with your line. Now you need to flip the back of your plywood and do the same. Then you need to run your router. You will see that your router is on the dead center. After that, all you need to do is mark the center line to put a groove there.
Now coming to the housing giant to lap in another piece of half-inch plywood. It is a simple setup, and it’ll be accurate every time. You need to run the router across this plywood to see how perfectly the v-groove will appear.
A pro tip
Here I will share a pro tip while you are working with your router. As everyone is aware, the router is working. It turns in a clockwise direction. You need to move the router in a way that will keep the router pushing up against your fence. You must run your router from left to right to achieve a seamless solution.
Getting the Grooves
If you are unaware or new to using the router, you must place an arrow on it to set it straight. It will help you to let your Router Guides Templates steady. When you are setting up in the opposite direction, you need to set it up to that line, and the minute you flip your router, you will know that your router moves away from the fence. Moreover, it might put a wobble in your groove or mess it up for you.
One way to make narrow moldings with your router is to use a router table and feather boards. But if you don’t have a setup like this, try this other method. Start by routing the desired profile on a wide board. Then make the molding by cutting the shaped edge from the wide board with a table saw. Repeat the process until the board is too narrow to work with.
Planning cuts
For planning, the ends with the router on end or both sides of the board. You need to route both ends first. It is because the end grains of boards tend to split up.
What is a Hand-Held Router
A handheld router is a tool that aids in your woodworking operations. Once your router edge guide is in place, the router automatically becomes a perfect tool for shaping and cutting your dadoes and grooves. We have also reviewed Best Handheld router
FAQs
Conclusion
At the initial stage of your learning process with your router, you won’t get an idea of how to use router edge guide. With this guide, you can now realize that there are different ways you can operate your router for various DIY projects. With a handheld router with a router edge guide, you can achieve exact space for decorating your plywood or any type of wood or mdf you want. It is available in a variety of sizes, colors, and patterns.
