Router any use?

[middle_watch]

Okay, laugh, but I have never used a router in my life and have not much idea what they do, but they are on offer at the moment in my local hardware shop, are they of any use scratch building?

[Andy G]

Okay, laugh, but I have never used a router in my life and have not much idea what they do, but they are on offer at the moment in my local hardware shop, are they of any use scratch building?

I'd love one - but I can't see what I'd use it on in a boat made from balsa and ply!

Perhaps others could enlighten me (and provide me with ammunition supporting a purchase)?

Andy

[madrob]

I have one,used it to put some posh edges on some shelves and thats it, not been out since ..till the next time her indoors needs some shelfs

[largeallan]

I was just gonna say it'd be good for the edges of a wooden display base rather than shelves

[seaphoto]

I have used a dremel style router to fix mistake in deck edge supports, and that sort of thing, but I think one intended for full size woodworking would not be as useful as other tools you could buy for the same amount of money.

Kurt

[middle_watch]

Okay, they did seem a bit big and bulky, was thinking they might make cutting frames easier or something!

But you mention Dremel, okay, another dumb question: How do you replace the sander wheels? My kit came with loads of little sanding loops, obviously to fit over the rubber or plastic hub thingy. Only how? They just spin straight off! Do they have to be glued on? If so will that not ruin the hub by creating glue ridges on it?

[largeallan]

I find that if I start gently with the little sanding tubes, letting the hub warm up first they stay on rock solid and have to be cut off.....i dont know if its the fitment expanding or the sanding cylinder contracting, but heat is definitely a factor

[ddp]

tightening the screw on the top of the rubber wheel compresses the wheel causing it to fatten out making the belt stay in place. that is what it does on my dremel which i've had for about 29yrs.

[middle_watch]

No screw on mine! But will try the slow start, thanks. (When I can find it, refitting the covered dock at the moment to increase bench size from cramped 3 ft to 10 ft)