I must confess that I find routers one of, if not the, most indispensable tool in my workshop.  Now, while the Router is fantastic at doing its basic job, it is also one of those tools for which you will regularly find new ways and methods of use in your woodworking projects - some of these you will ‘discover’ while using this wonderful tool but most will come from reading, be it on the net, or from books. I love a good book, not that I don’t hit the web for articles, it’s just that I find it a lot more pleasant to sit down and have something I can flip through at my leisure.

So, when I received Carol Reed’s new book “Router Joiner Workshop”, I settled down for what I hoped would be a good read. Let me tell you what I found.

Section 1 - Tools, Jigs and Techniques

Chapter 1 – Choosing a Router
Carol starts us of with a very good chapter on selecting the right Router to suit your needs.  The three basic types; Trim, Fixed Base and Plunge are discussed, and their pros and cons explained in detail. After this, other items that Carol mentions should be considered are:

• Bases and Base Plates

• Motor size – (don’t be fooled)

• Weight

• Construction – (i.e. Plastic vs Metal)

• Accessories – (Commercial and the ease of fitting shop made ones)

I found this to be a good introduction chapter that would be very informative for someone looking at purchasing their first Router, as well as the more experienced among us looking for an upgrade or second Router to add to the stable.

Chapter 2 – Router Bits
Now, as the Author points out, the Router is really the cheapest part of a complete routing setup. In this chapter, the Author gives us a full rundown on the features that we should look for in choosing router bits. Following this, Carol explains what bits she considers to be a good starter set and then shows us why and how to take care of our expensive new toys… er.. tools, and finishes with a section on sharpening.

Chapter 3 – The Router Toolbox
In this chapter, Carol shows us the additional items that she considers essential to the proper maintenance and use of your Router. Now, the list of items presented surprised me at first but then I realised that I had nearly all of them in my workshop - just not in one toolbox as the Author does! Of course, quite a lot of the tools and accessories (such as Clamps, Chisels, Files, Glue, Squares, Spanners, Sandpaper, Tape Measures, etc.) are ones that are used in general woodwork but Carol shows us their particular use in conjunction with a router.

Chapter 4 – Jiggery
Carol commences the chapter with the following two sentences, “Jiggery is a term coined just for this book.  I use it to describe the art of designing and using jigs and fixtures.”  Well, yours truly is a big fan of jigs as they can extent the usage of your Router to no end, so I was very interested in this part of the book. We are taken on a step-by-step tour of basic jig making, moving on to making a small Router Table complete with Fence, and an option to have a Horizontal Router setup. This is then followed by the making of:

• Box Joint Jigs

• Push Sticks (with a great design for the handle)

• Sleds

• Featherboards

• Offset Baseplate with a (again, great) handle

• Router tracking system

• Mortising Jig

Lastly, Carol shows us how we can improve the setup and operation of commercial Dovetail Jigs.

So, how did I find this chapter?  Well, I’ll put it this way, there are quite a few new homemade Router accessories gracing my workshop now!

Chapter 5 – Special Holding Systems
When you use the Router on a large piece of wood, such a when rounding over a tabletop edge, stopping the work piece from moving is not (usually) a problem. However, when you are working with smaller pieces, securing them to enable safe and accurate machining can present some concern. While using normal Clamps is fine, you will invariably find that the Clamps get in the way and you spend more time repositioning them than making the cut! In this chapter, the author shows us other methods of holding our work pieces that don’t have this problem. The two methods presented are Vacuum Clamping systems and the use of Hot Glue guns. Both are explained in detail with Vacuum Clamping getting the lion’s share of the chapter.

Chapter 6 – Basic Router Techniques
Ok, now that we have a Router, and our Bits organised, we have made a few accessories, and worked out how to hold down the pieces of wood we wish to butcher… I mean… turn into works of art, its time to learn just how to use the Router effectively.

Carol starts us off with Measuring and Marking, moving on to choosing whether to use the Router handheld or in a router table. Basic router table use is then explained followed by a section on the accurate setting of Bit height. From here, we are shown cutting basics such as direction and speed of feed, taking incremental cuts, conventional or ‘climb’ cutting (not for the faint hearted), preventing burning of the wood and safe routing habits.

Section 2 – The Joints

In the first six chapters, we have been introduced to the Router and shown its basic use and maintenance. The author now shows us more advanced techniques such as the different joints that can be achieved using a Router.

Chapter 7 – Rabbets
Joint one is the humble ‘Rabbet’ and Carol shows us how to get good, consistent results using our Router. Stock preparation, choosing the routing method (hand-held or table) and setup are all explained. Ways of eliminating problems, such as when end-grain routing, is also described to the reader, as well as how to achieve ‘stopped’ rabbets.

Chapter 8 – Dadoes, Grooves and Slots
Next up are dadoes and the like. Firstly, Carol explains the differences between each of the cuts and when you would use them. Then, as with the previous chapter, we are shown tips on preparation, setup and making the cut with the Router. This is quite a detailed chapter and, I believe, every different variation of these cuts are shown and explained.

Chapter 9 – Box Joint
We now move up a notch in the joint repertoire to the Box Joint. Once again, the Author describes the applications for the joint, being mainly for making boxes, but also how they can be used to make wood hinges. As before, we are taken step-by-step though stock preparation, marking up, setup of the Jig (shown in Chapter 4) and then making the cuts. Problem solving tips are given for such issues as preventing tearout and getting a nice tight fit.

Chapter 10 – Mortises and Tenons
In this chapter, we are shown how to use the Mortising Jig described in chapter 4. Once again, Carol explains the joint usage, preparation, setup, cutting and more great tips and tricks to help us along. In addition, we are shown how to create a simple Hinge mortising jig that virtually guarantees perfect hinge placement and fitting.

Chapter 11 – Dovetails
Now, I think that everyone loves the look of a dovetail joint and making them with a Router is quite easy once you have a Dovetail Jig. But getting these Jig’s initially setup can be a bit of a pain, especially for beginners. Carol takes away this pain with a great chapter covering everything you need to know to successfully make these joints. Half-blind dovetails are explained in full as well as making and using Sliding Dovetails.

Chapter 12 – Special Joints with Special Bits
This last ‘Joints’ chapter covers the usage of special bits such as the:

• Drawer Lock

• Lock Miter

• Cope and Stick

• Raised Panel (including vertical and horizontal types)

A full explanation of when and why you would use these bits including a complete description of how to use each of them is found here.

Section 3 – Special Stuff

Chapter 13 – Routing with Templates
Carol describes this chapter as her ‘Bonus’ chapter, as it is not really about creating Joints but is about using templates. What you will learn is how to undertake template routing, complementary template routing and template inlay, all of which are great techniques.

Section 4– Practice Projects
 

Chapter 14 – Projects That Test Your Skills
The last section of the book is devoted to some small projects that are all designed so that you can practice the skills and techniques described in the previous chapters. The projects that Carol gives us are:

• Breadboard (complementary template routing)

• Tote box (box joint)

• Small Bookcase (dadoes, grooves and mouldings)

• Small Table (mortise and tenon)

• Router Bit Cabinet (dadoes & grooves)

• Frame and Panel Door for the cabinet (cope/stick and raised panel bit)

• Dovetailed Drawer and Router Bit Trays for the cabinet (half-blind dovetails)

All the projects are explained quite well and include cutting lists, diagrams and step-by-step instructions.

Summary
With the sub-title of "Common Joints, Simple Setups & Clever Jigs" raising my expectations, Carol’s book did not disappoint. I found it very easy to read and, as I have mentioned, I picked up quite a few new ideas which I have put into practice. Nice full color photos also help set it apart from other routing books currently available.

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