Router Accessories

About Router Accessories

Router accessories are essential components that expand the versatility and precision of both plunge and fixed-base routers. These specialised attachments and aids transform a standard router into a multi-functional workshop tool capable of executing complex joinery, edge profiling, template work, and decorative detailing. From guide bushes and parallel fences to dust extraction adaptors and circle cutting jigs, router accessories enable woodworkers to achieve professional results with enhanced control and repeatability.

The range available at Tooled-Up.com includes accessories compatible with leading professional brands such as Bosch Professional, Festool, Makita, Trend, and DeWalt. Whether you're fitting guide bushes for template routing, adding a tilt base for bevelled edges, or installing centering pins for precise setup, these accessories are designed to work seamlessly with specific router models. Many accessories feature tool-free adjustment mechanisms and quick-release systems that allow tradespeople to switch between operations efficiently on site or in the workshop.

Quality router accessories significantly improve safety, accuracy and dust management during routing operations. Parallel guides ensure straight cuts parallel to workpiece edges, whilst roller guide pilots protect delicate surfaces during bearing-guided work. Dust extraction adaptors connect routers to workshop vacuums, maintaining cleaner working conditions and better visibility of the cutting line—particularly important when working with MDF, hardwoods, or engineered sheet materials that produce fine dust particles.

Jargon Buster

• Guide Bush (Template Guide): A cylindrical collar that fits into the router base, allowing the bit to follow templates whilst maintaining a consistent offset. Essential for repetitive joinery work and pattern routing.
• Parallel Fence (Edge Guide): An adjustable guide that runs along the edge of a workpiece, enabling straight cuts at a fixed distance from the edge. Often features fine adjustment screws for precision setting.
• Plunge Base: A detachable base unit that allows the router motor to be lowered vertically into the workpiece during operation, ideal for stopped cuts, mortising, and starting cuts away from edges.
• Centering Pin: A pointed alignment tool that fits into the router collet, used to position the router precisely over marked centre points for drilling or circular work.
• Circle Cutting Jig: An adjustable trammel attachment that pivots around a central point, enabling the router to cut perfect circles and arcs of various diameters.
• Roller Guide: A bearing or wheel attachment that runs along workpiece edges or templates, preventing surface damage whilst maintaining consistent distance from the reference edge.

Who Uses Router Accessories?

• Joiners and Cabinet Makers: For template work, hinge recesses, worktop joints, and precision joinery requiring guide bushes and trammel systems
• Kitchen Fitters: When installing worktops, cutting sink apertures, scribing end panels, and creating joints using circle cutting and edge guide accessories
• Carpenters and Shopfitters: For on-site trimming, edge profiling, and template-based repetitive work using parallel guides and dust extraction systems
• Furniture Makers: Requiring precision accessories for decorative edging, inlay work, and complex joinery with guide bushes and adjustable bases
• Staircase Specialists: Using template guides and specialist jigs for housing joints, newel post detailing, and handrail profiling
• Maintenance Engineers: For repair work, pattern routing, and modifications requiring portable routing solutions with dust control
• Advanced DIY Enthusiasts: Tackling home improvement projects that demand professional-quality routing with accessory-enhanced control and accuracy

How to Choose the Right Router Accessories

Brand and Model Compatibility: Router accessories are typically designed for specific router models or ranges. Check compatibility with your router before purchasing—Bosch GOF series accessories differ from GKF models, whilst Festool, Makita and Trend systems each have distinct fitting mechanisms. Tooled-Up stocks manufacturer-specific accessories ensuring proper fit and performance.

Intended Application: Consider the routing tasks you regularly perform. Template work requires guide bushes in various diameters, whilst edge work benefits from parallel fences with fine adjustment. Circle cutting needs trammel attachments, and flush trimming may require tilt bases or offset bases for accessibility in tight spaces.

Dust Extraction Requirements: Professional environments and health-conscious workshops should prioritise dust extraction adaptors compatible with workshop vacuums. Look for adaptors that maintain extraction efficiency whilst allowing clear visibility of the workpiece and cutting area.

Build Quality and Materials: Professional-grade accessories from established brands offer superior accuracy, durability and repeatability compared to economy alternatives. Machined aluminium bases, precision-ground guide bushes, and robust adjustment mechanisms justify the investment for trade users requiring consistent results.

Adjustment and Setup Features: Quick-release mechanisms, tool-free adjustments, and clear measurement scales improve efficiency on site. Fine adjustment screws on parallel guides enable precise incremental changes, whilst positive locking systems prevent movement during operation.

Popular Accessories

• Router Bits and Cutter Sets: TCT-tipped profile cutters, straight cutters, bearing-guided trimmers and specialist joinery bits
• Workshop Extraction Systems: Portable dust extractors rated for fine wood dust, compatible with router adaptors
• Template Materials: MDF or acrylic sheet for creating custom routing templates and jigs
• Router Tables: Bench-mounted routing stations for inverted router operations with improved control
• Collet Sets: Spare collets in various sizes (6mm, 8mm, 1/4", 1/2") for different shank diameter bits
• Anti-Slip Matting: Non-slip material for securing workpieces during routing operations
• Digital Measuring Tools: Precision callipers and depth gauges for accurate accessory setup

Safety Information

Always disconnect routers from the 240v mains supply before fitting or adjusting accessories. Ensure all guide bushes, fences and adaptors are securely tightened and properly seated before starting the router. Loose accessories can detach during operation, causing injury or workpiece damage.

When using circle cutting jigs or trammel systems, verify that the pivot point is firmly secured and the workpiece is adequately supported. The rotating action creates significant lateral forces that can cause workpiece movement if not properly restrained.

Dust extraction should be used whenever possible, particularly when routing MDF, hardwoods, or treated timber. Fine wood dust presents respiratory hazards, and extraction systems significantly reduce airborne particles. Where dust extraction is unavailable, wear appropriate respiratory protection conforming to HSE guidance.

Guide bushes and template guides reduce visibility of the cutter. Maintain full concentration, keep hands clear of the cutting area, and allow the router to reach full speed before engaging the workpiece. Never force the router against resistance—this indicates dull cutters, incorrect feed direction, or excessive depth of cut.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are guide bushes universal or router-specific?

Guide bushes are generally router-specific, designed to fit particular base plate configurations. Bosch, Festool, Makita and Trend systems each have distinct fitting methods. Some aftermarket suppliers offer universal adapter plates, but manufacturer-specific bushes typically provide the most secure fit and concentricity.

Can I use a parallel fence for edge profiling curved workpieces?

Standard parallel fences work only on straight edges. For curved work, use bearing-guided router bits where the bearing follows the curved edge, or employ a roller guide accessory that can track contoured surfaces whilst maintaining consistent offset.

What's the difference between a plunge base and fixed base attachment?

A plunge base allows vertical movement during operation, ideal for mortising, stopped cuts, and starting cuts away from edges. Fixed bases hold the router at a set depth, providing maximum stability for edge work, template routing, and through-cuts where plunge action isn't required.

Do dust extraction adaptors reduce router power?

Quality dust extraction adaptors have minimal impact on router performance. They may create slight additional drag from the vacuum airflow, but this is negligible compared to cutting resistance. The improved visibility and cleaner working environment significantly outweigh any minor power consideration.

How do I choose the correct guide bush size for template work?

Select a guide bush with adequate clearance for your router bit whilst minimising the offset from template edge to cut line. Common practice uses the smallest guide bush that provides clearance around the bit shank, typically allowing 1-2mm radial clearance. Calculate the offset (difference between bush outer diameter and bit diameter, divided by two) to adjust your template dimensions accordingly.