3D Analyzer Software Woodworking Tip:- Using a router – what woodworkers should know

Before using a router woodworkers should understand that the direction that the router cuts in and developing a light touch in using the machine are two aspects that are vital to successful operation.

Many makes of routers have the direction of the rotation bit marked on them; however a marker pen arrow on the base can be used as a reminder. The router is like a fast chisel and you should remember to push the cutting edge of the bit into the object being worked on.

To begin with you go forward when the work is on the left of the router. You will be moving anti-clockwise around the perimeter of the object. If you bring the router back along the object you will be ‘back cutting’ or ‘climb cutting’.

Woodworkers need to take care in clearing the cutting edge from the object at the end of each pass. Brushing it accidentally against the object while bringing it back can be extremely dangerous.

Using a router to make a hollow in the middle of the object requires pushing the leading edge of the bit into the object but you will be moving clockwise. Make sure that you have an end cutting router bit so that it can be plunged directly into the middle of the area that that is to be removed and then move it in increasing circles clockwise until you come comfortably close to the knife marked border.

In the case of routing across the grain woodworkers should be aware that the point of exit is prone to tearout. This is simple to prevent. For example when routing an edge moulding onto a tabletop start with a light setting across the end. When continuing down the long grain edge the splintering of the first cut will be removed first. Then continue across the other end and repeat the process.

 Some woods splinter despite the process mentioned. To prevent this from happening put a bit of masking tape over the surface where the bit will exit before starting to rout or clamp a piece of scrap wood to the back edge of the workpiece to support the surface as the router exits.

The other important factor while routing is that woodworkers should focus upon is the lightness of touch. Woodworkers tend to remove too much of wood in a single pass. This can result in the surface being torn or charred, the router bit snapping, the bit grabbing and kicking the router or even resulting in the bit working down in the collet and making a deeper than intended cut.
The router is a ‘fast’ tool and woodworkers rather than hasty woodchopping woodworkers should take the time to approach the routing task gradually and avoid the frustration of expensive repair work or damage.

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For more information on how 3D Analyzer Software can help improve your company please have a look at our website www.3danalyzersoftware.com

3D Analyzer Software was created by woodworkers with a lifetime of experience in the woodworking industry.

Close to the top of every woodworkers wish list is the seamless transition from solid model to CNC program.  3D Analyzer has made this goal a reality. With the ability to import solid models from CAD programs such as AutoCAD, 3D Pytha and Solidworks, 3D Analyzer is ideally suited to help any woodworker.

3D Analyzer Software is a customized woodworking software program that has been evolving since 2000, to enable woodworkers to produce and deliver individual pieces with dramatic time savings and near perfect accuracy. The Idea for the software program began as the owners sought practical solutions for their own woodworking manufacturing problems, needing software that would translate 3D images into specific manufacturing data.

We are proud to say that our software is now being used across the woodworking industry by:

- Architectural joinery companies
- Custom furniture manufactures
- Office fit-out suppliers
- Store fixture companies
- Exhibition companies
- Suppliers of display cabinets and
- High-end kitchen cabinet manufactures

Our Company is based in Sydney, Australia and has customers in Australia, and around the world in New Zealand, Europe / UK and the USA.