A handheld router is an incredibly adaptive tool. Increase that versatility by building this trio of accessories to get even more out of yours.
The router is the go-to tool for making a multitude of profiles and a host of joinery operations. The key to success when using a router is having it set up properly to ensure reliable and repeatable cuts. Here we showcase a few of the shop-made accessories that we turn to quite often to guarantee success and add to the range of this dynamic tool. The first accessory is a bridge shown above. Coupled with a pair of hardwood rails it’s the perfect way to plane large sections of rough stock that can’t be flattened in a traditional manner. Next is an adjustable mortising jig. This jig paired with a plunge router allows you to turn out mortises in the thinnest of material all the way up to 31 1/4″-thick stock. The last accessory is perhaps the most versatile. It begins with an oversized acrylic base that can be used alone or with two hardwood feet for flattening smaller surfaces. There’s even an option for attaching a vacuum hose for collecting debris.
What you get:
- 10 printable (digital) pages of step-by-step instructions
- Over 30 full-color photos and illustrations and exploded views
- Cutting diagram and materials list
- Patterns and Templates
