Routing Books, DVDs & Videos

About Routing Books, DVDs & Videos

Mastering the router is essential for any woodworker looking to create professional joints, decorative edges, and precision grooves. Routing books, DVDs and videos provide comprehensive instruction on routing techniques, jig construction, and project ideas that help both beginners and experienced craftspeople get the most from their routing equipment. These educational resources cover everything from basic safety procedures and bit selection to advanced techniques like dovetail joints, template routing, and inlay work.

The routing educational materials available from Tooled-Up.com offer step-by-step guidance with clear photography, detailed diagrams, and expert commentary from experienced woodworkers and router specialists. Whether you're working with handheld routers or table-mounted configurations, these resources demonstrate practical techniques that can be applied immediately in your workshop. Many titles include project plans that progress from simple edge profiling exercises through to complex furniture-making applications.

From choosing the correct router bit for specific tasks to understanding feed direction and speed settings, quality routing literature helps prevent costly mistakes and wasted materials. These educational products are particularly valuable for understanding how to set up jigs and fixtures that improve accuracy and repeatability, making them an essential reference for anyone serious about developing their woodworking skills.

Jargon Buster

• Router Bit Profile: The cutting shape of a router bit that determines the edge or groove pattern it creates, such as roundover, chamfer, ogee, or rebate profiles.
• Plunge Routing: A technique using a plunge router where the bit is lowered into the workpiece whilst the motor is running, allowing stopped grooves and internal cuts to be made safely.
• Template Routing: Using a guide bush or bearing-guided bit to follow a template pattern, enabling accurate reproduction of complex shapes and multiple identical components.
• Feed Direction: The correct direction to move the router relative to the workpiece, typically against the rotation of the bit to maintain control and prevent dangerous kickback.
• Jig: A purpose-built fixture or guide that holds workpieces securely and directs the router to create accurate, repeatable cuts such as dovetails, mortises, or hinge recesses.
• Climb Cutting: An advanced technique where the router moves in the same direction as the bit rotation, used in specific situations to reduce tear-out on difficult grain but requiring careful control.

Who Uses Routing Books, DVDs & Videos?

• Joiners and Cabinet Makers: Professional woodworkers who use routers daily for joinery, edge profiling, and furniture construction.
• Carpenters: Site and workshop carpenters who need router skills for door hanging, worktop installation, and architectural woodwork.
• Shopfitters: Tradespeople creating custom retail fixtures and fittings requiring precision routing techniques.
• Furniture Makers: Craftspeople producing bespoke furniture who rely on advanced routing methods for decorative and structural elements.
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home woodworkers looking to develop their skills and tackle more ambitious projects with confidence.
• Woodworking Students: Trainees and apprentices building fundamental routing knowledge as part of their professional development.
• Model Makers: Craftspeople requiring precision routing techniques for small-scale work and detailed components.
• Restoration Specialists: Professionals who need to replicate period mouldings and architectural details using routing methods.

How to Choose the Right Routing Books, DVDs & Videos

Consider your current skill level when selecting routing educational materials. Beginners should look for comprehensive guides that cover router types, basic safety procedures, bit selection, and fundamental techniques before progressing to complex projects. More experienced users might prefer specialist titles focusing on specific applications like kitchen fitting, door construction, or advanced joinery techniques.

The format of instruction matters depending on how you learn best. Books offer detailed reference material you can annotate and keep in the workshop for quick consultation, whilst DVDs and videos provide the advantage of seeing techniques demonstrated in real-time, making it easier to understand feed rates, hand positioning, and the sound of correct cutting. Many woodworkers find that combining both formats provides the most complete learning experience.

Check whether the content is relevant to the equipment you own or plan to purchase. Some materials focus specifically on handheld routing whilst others concentrate on router table techniques. Publications from reputable tool manufacturers like Trend often include information about their specific routing systems, accessories, and recommended practices that can help you get optimal results from your investment.

Look for recently published or revised editions at Tooled-Up, as routing technology and safety standards evolve. Updated materials will cover current best practices, modern jig designs, and the latest router accessories available on the market, ensuring the techniques you learn are relevant to contemporary woodworking.

Popular Accessories

• Router Bits: HSS and TCT bits in various profiles for edge forming, grooving, and jointing applications.
• Router Tables: Cast iron or aluminium tables that convert handheld routers into stationary machines for increased precision.
• Guide Bushes: Precision sleeves that fit router bases for template following and pattern routing work.
• Router Jigs: Dovetail jigs, hinge jigs, and letter templates for creating accurate, repeatable cuts.
• Dust Extraction Equipment: Vacuum systems and hose adapters for controlling the significant dust created during routing operations.
• Straight Edges and Clamps: Guiding equipment for accurate straight cuts and secure workpiece holding.
• Safety Equipment: Ear defenders, dust masks, and eye protection essential for safe routing work.
• Router Mats: Non-slip surfaces that stabilise workpieces during routing operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are routing books suitable for complete beginners with no woodworking experience?

Yes, comprehensive routing books typically start with fundamental safety information, router types, and basic techniques before progressing to more advanced applications. They're specifically designed to take beginners through a structured learning process, though some basic woodworking knowledge is helpful.

Do routing DVDs work with modern equipment, or are they outdated?

The core routing techniques demonstrated in quality instructional DVDs remain relevant regardless of equipment age, as fundamental principles of feed direction, bit selection, and jig use don't change. However, newer publications may feature current router models and updated safety recommendations aligned with HSE guidance.

Can I learn advanced techniques like dovetail routing from books alone?

Books provide excellent reference material for understanding dovetail routing principles and jig setup, but many woodworkers find that combining book learning with video demonstrations gives the clearest understanding of these complex techniques. Seeing the process in motion helps clarify the sequence of operations and machine settings.

Will these resources cover both 240v routers and battery-powered models?

Most comprehensive routing guides cover techniques applicable to both corded 240v mains-powered routers and cordless battery models, as the fundamental routing principles remain the same. Specific sections may address the characteristics of each power source, such as runtime considerations for cordless tools.

How do I know which routing techniques are relevant to my specific projects?

Quality routing educational materials typically include indexes organised by technique and application, allowing you to quickly locate relevant sections for specific tasks like kitchen worktop joints, door hanging, or decorative edge work. Many books also feature project sections that demonstrate how multiple techniques combine in real-world applications.