How to Use a Router for Beginners — Complete UK Guide

A router is one of the most versatile woodworking tools you can own — capable of profiling edges, cutting joints, making grooves, trimming laminates, and creating decorative details that would take hours with hand tools. But for beginners, routers can seem intimidating. This guide makes it simple.

Types of Router

Plunge Router: The most versatile type. The motor unit slides down two columns, allowing you to plunge the bit into the material at any point — not just from the edge. Essential for housing joints, mortises, and pocket cuts. The TEH TER7082 1200W and TEH TEH7125 1500W are both plunge routers.

Fixed Base Router: The bit is set at a fixed depth — simpler but less versatile than plunge. Good for edge profiling where you always work from the edge of the material.

Palm Trimmer Router: Compact, lightweight, one-handed operation. Designed primarily for laminate trimming and light edge work. The TEH TET5806 580W is a palm trimmer — perfect for kitchen worktop laminate trimming and cabinet edge work.

Choosing the Right Router for Your Work:

Understanding Router Bits

Router bits are the cutting tools that fit into the router's collet. Each profile produces a different cut:

Straight bits — cut flat-bottomed grooves, housings, and dadoes. Available in different diameters for different groove widths.

Roundover bits — produce a rounded edge profile. The radius determines how pronounced the curve is. Great for furniture edges and worktops.

Chamfer bits — cut angled edges. Popular for furniture and decorative work.

Cove bits — cut a concave curved profile into the edge. Used for decorative mouldings.

Flush trim bits — trim laminate, veneer, or template-routed pieces flush to the base material. The bearing rides along the material edge.

V-groove bits — cut V-shaped grooves for sign making and decorative work.

Dovetail bits — cut the angled profile for dovetail joints.

Both the TER7082 and TEH7125 include 12-piece router bit sets in wooden storage boxes — everything you need to start routing immediately.

Collet Sizes — 6mm, 8mm, 12mm

The collet is the chuck that holds the router bit shank. Different routers accept different shank sizes:

• TET5806 — 6mm collet only
• TER7082 — 6mm and 8mm collets (both included)
• TEH7125 — 8mm and 12mm collets (both included)

Always match the bit shank to your router's collet size. Larger shanks are stronger and less prone to vibration — 12mm shanks are preferred for large-diameter bits.

Variable Speed — Why It Matters

Different bit sizes require different speeds:

Running a large bit at high speed generates excessive heat, burns the wood, and is dangerous. Always start at a lower speed for larger bits and increase gradually.

Direction of Feed — Critical Safety Rule

Always feed the router against the direction of bit rotation. Looking down at the router:

• For edge profiling moving left to right — the router is fed right to left along the edge
• For inside cuts (grooves) — feed clockwise around the inside

Feeding in the wrong direction causes the router to grab and lurch — dangerous and unpredictable.

Essential Router Safety:

• Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection
• Ensure the bit is fully and securely clamped before use
• Never adjust depth with the router running
• Use both hands at all times on a plunge router
• Keep the base plate flat on the workpiece
• Make deep cuts in multiple shallow passes — never try to remove too much in one pass
• Allow the bit to come to a complete stop before putting the router down

Browse our full router range at tehtools.co.uk