How to Use a Trim Router 101

The best trim routers can help you trim or shape wood, plastic, and laminate edges easily. 

This handheld power tool is quite versatile and can be used to trim lamination pieces, cut decorative edges, make mortises, and so on. Moreover, trim routers can help you create intricate work at every inch of the edge of your workpiece with greater control. 

So, in this blog post, I will walk you through a detailed guide on using trim routers. Let us begin!

Router safety precautions

1. Wear the necessary safety gears

As mentioned above, there are a lot of risks that come with using a trim router. However, most are avoidable if you wear the right safety gear. A few safety gear you can use while using a trim router are dust masks, safety goggles, earmuffs or earplugs, etc. 

2. Use clamps

While you work on creating sharp edges, flush trimming, or even decorative edges, securing your woodworking projects is important. You can use devices such as clamps to attach your workpiece to your workbench. This will ensure that your material does not slip while you use a flush trim router bit on it. 

3. Avoid awkward positions

While I understand that it may be tempting to create a, let's say, decorative edge as you sit in your comfortable position - I strongly advise not to get too creative with it. For instance, holding your wood piece above your head and using a trim router can put you at an exponentially high risk of injury. 

How to set up the trim router

Parts of router and router parts diagram

1. Motor

The motor is one of the primary components of a trim router that supplies it with power. It drives the router bit at high speed to make cuts. 

2. Collet

While rotating, the router bit needs to be firmly in place to work properly - and the collet does this. A collet also allows the bit to be changed easily. 

3. Base plate

Whenever a trim router is used, it requires some support and stability in the process. The base plate, a flat surface at the bottom of the trim router, provides this support. 

4. Depth adjustment ring

As the name suggests, a depth adjustment ring allows you to control the depth of the cuts you create on your woodwork using a trim router. It is typically located on the motor housing of the router and can help you create more precise cuts. 

5. Speed control dial

A speed control dial helps you adjust the speed of the motor. It is an important component because you may need to alter the speeds based on factors like the material of your workpiece, desired depths of cuts, etc. 

How to attach the base plate to the router?

Step 1. Turn off the power supply

Before beginning any work on your router - in this case, attaching the base plate - it is crucial to turn off the power supply to the tool to prevent any accidents. So, it would help to unplug it from the power source to eliminate any potential risks. 

Step 2. Locate the base plate and screws

Find the components that will be required to assemble the base plate. Generally, the base plate and screws are included in the purchased trim router package; but if you can't find them, contact your manufacturer. 

Step 3. Position the base plate

Next, position the base plate so that it is at the bottom of the router so that the holes of the former align perfectly with those of the latter. To ensure stability and balance, make sure that you keep the base plate at the center of the router. 

Step 4. Insert the screws

Once the two components are aligned perfectly, start inserting each nut and screw through the holes of the base plate. You can use either a screwdriver or a drill to tighten the holes and make the attachment more secure. 

How to adjust the depth of the router bit?

Step 1. Turn off the power supply

Before adjusting the depth of the router bit, you should unplug it from the power source. Doing so would ensure no accidents and that the depth is adjusted securely. 

Step 2. Install router bit into the collet

To start adjusting the depth of the router bit, you need to install it into the collet. To do so, loosen the collet and insert the router bit. Once done, tighten the collet securely. 

Step 3. Adjust the depth of adjustment ring

Locate the depth adjustment ring at the base of the router bit. Then, turn this ring anti-clockwise to loosen the ring. You should ideally slide this ring up and down the shaft in small increments until you achieve the desired depth. Once you do, tighten the adjustment ring securely by turning it clockwise. 

How to choose the right router bit for your project?

1. Type of cut

One of the major aspects that should affect the kind of router bits that you go for is what kind of cut you want to create on your workpiece. For instance, consider using two-flute carbide-tipped router bits to create a straight cut. However, if you want to cut router dovetails, it would be best to go for dovetail router bits. 

2. Material

The material of your workpiece should also influence the kind of router bits you purchase. For instance, I like going for chamfer router bits whenever I work with wood. Similarly, the kind of router bits you use shall differ depending on whether you want to go for other materials like plastic or metal. 

3. Size and shape

Your motive for using a trim router should also affect your decision while choosing the ideal shape and size (diameter, for instance) of the router bits. For instance, I prefer the larger ones whenever my project requires me to get rid of a lot of material at once. But I go for smaller bits when I wish to create intricate details. 

Similarly, drawing from experience, I have noticed that straight bits are great for cutting straight lines, and round-over bits are ideal for creating rounded edges. 

4. Brand and quality

While such compact routers might be more expensive, the cheaper ones may not work or last as long. Hence, take a call based on your priorities! You should try sticking to reputable brands with decent reviews while choosing the right handheld/cordless router. 

Tips for starting and stopping the router

While starting and stopping compact routers is not difficult, some tips can help you make the process even easier. You should consider keeping the following tips in mind while doing so: 

Tips for starting the router

• Make sure that the handheld router is installed properly and tightened securely. 
• Turn on your router and let it reach its full speed before you make the first cut on your workpiece. 
• Place the router on the workpiece before turning it on to avoid creating a rough cutting area. 
• Begin your cut slowly, then gradually increase the speed to tear the material evenly. 

Tips for stopping the router

• When you turn off the router, wait for the spiral bit to stop completely before you remove it from the workpiece to avoid injury. 
• Keep your hands away from the active routing, or you may injure yourself. 

How to guide the router along the workpiece?

Step 1. Prepare for the cut

Before you begin to scrap wood (or whatever the material of your workpiece is) on your router table, it is crucial to plan the cut. You can do so easily by marking the path you want your palm router to follow on your workpiece before cutting. It is also good to secure workpieces to router tables using clamps to prevent the former from slipping. 

Step 2. Use a guide

You can use a straight-edge guide to facilitate the process of cutting material from your workpiece. This will help you achieve a precise cut. 

Step 3. Adjust the depth

Adjust the depth on your router base before using techniques such as flush trim on your workpiece. Ideally, you should keep the depth of the router a bit slightly deeper than the thickness of the material of your workpiece. 

Step 4. Begin cutting

Begin the cut slowly, and gradually increase your speed as you guide your router base towards your marked path on the workpiece. Maintain consistent speed and pressure to create beautiful and clean cuts. 

Tips for maintaining consistent speed and pressure

• Keep moving the router at a steady pace to maintain a consistent speed. 
• While you should not move too quickly, you should also avoid moving too slowly to prevent uneven cuts. 
• Guide the router along your workpiece with a light touch. 

Advanced techniques for using a trim router

1. Flush trimming

Using flush trim can help you trim one piece of wood to match the contour of another piece. Hence, people usually use this technique to create regions like joints. Here is how you can use this technique like a pro: 

Step 1. Prepare for the trim

Generally, you need two pieces of wood to begin the process of flush trimming. One piece is the one that you wish to trim, and the second should be the one that you want to match the former's contour to. Clamp the two pieces together, and keep the one you want to trim on the top. 

Step 2. Install a flush trim bit

Pick a flush trim bit with a bearing on the top. Install and tighten it securely. 

Step 3. Adjust the depth

Loosen the depth adjustment ring at your router base and keep it slightly deeper than the thickness of the top wood piece. 

Step 4. Begin cutting

Keep the router base flat against the wood and guide it along the edges you wish to cut. Ensure you maintain a steady pressure and consistent speed to create even cuts with this electric battery router. 

2. Creating decorative edges

From creating beveled edges to ogee edges - you can get as creative as possible with a trim router. Here is a step-by-step guide on using it to create decorative edges: 

Step 1. Choose the right decorative edge bit

Trim router bits come in various shapes and sizes, so you can choose the one that fits your needs best. You can go for anything from round over to cove bits to create your choice of decorative edges. 

Step 2. Adjust the depth of the bit

Loosen the bit depth ring on your choice of routing tool. You can move the ring up and down the shaft until it reaches the desired level. 

Step 3. Start cutting

Use a guide or jig to cut through your workpiece effectively. If you do not have a jig, use a router table with a fence to guide the workpiece along the routing bit. 

Step 4. Sand the edges

Once you are done, create the decorative edge on each side and each edge smoothly. Doing so would eliminate any roughness or burrs left behind by the routing bit. 

How to use jigs to guide the router along the workpiece?

You can use the best trim router jigs to guide your routing tool along the edge of your workpiece. Here is how you can use this tool: 

• Choose a jig that compliments the shape of the cut you wish to create. 
• Attach the jig to your workpiece using tools like clamps. 
• Install the appropriate bit in your router. 
• Turn on the router and guide it along the jig steadily. 
• Keep repeating the process to achieve your desired shape or cut. 

Which is better, a trim or a regular router?

Whether a trim router or a regular router is better will depend on the task you wish to accomplish. Regular routers are better if you want to carry out heavy-duty tasks such as cutting deep grooves. However, if you want your cuts to have more finesse and wish to work with a lighter tool, it would be best to go for the trim routers. 

What is the difference between a trim router and a molding planer?

The difference between a trim router and a molding planer is that a trim router - also known as a laminate trimmer - is used to trim and shape small workpieces. This compact tool can create a laminate veneer, decorative edges, etc. On the other hand, a molding planer is a stationary woodworking machine. Typically, the best molding planer tools can help you remove large amounts of wood quickly and accurately. 

A good trim router can help you create precise and smooth edge profiles without many hassles. Before you begin using such routers, you must be aware of their components and the process of getting them together. 

You can browse through a router bit types chart and create joinery points like mortise and tenon, rabbet and dado, etc. However, it is crucial to note that you should always take the necessary safety precautions while working with this tool to prevent any scope of injury. 

Since using this small tool can help you massively while working on your next woodwork job, it would be best if you do it yourself too. Remember, you will not master it on your first go - the key is to consistently practice your skills until you reach your desired level of expertise!