Milling wood
When routing in wood, machines such as a router or router table use a rotating tool to precisely remove material to create the desired shape, contour or groove. This processing technique offers you many design options for a wide variety of wood projects. Use RUWI's valuable tips and advice to achieve the best results and take your routing projects to the next level.
Our comprehensive guide "Milling wood" provides you with precise step-by-step instructions and covers all the important sub-topics that you should consider when processing wood with a router or router table. Learn how to choose the right wood, find the right router tool and which machine is best suited to successfully complete your projects. Immerse yourself in the world of wood milling and discover the many possibilities offered by routers and router tables.
Table of contents
- What to look out for
- Choice of wood
- Choice of milling tool
- Choice of milling machine
- Materials in general
- Work preparation
- Step-by-step instructions
- Tips and tricks
What do I need to pay attention to before milling?
Before you start milling wooden parts, you should note the following points:
- Choose the right wood and the right tools.
- Consider whether a router is sufficient or whether specialized machines are better for your project.
- Make sure you select the machine that matches the desired processing.
- Clamp the workpiece securely and wear appropriate protective equipment.
- Set up your workplace safely and tidily.
Choosing the right wood
As a rule, you first select your wood based on the look and the planned function of the workpiece. However, different types of wood have different properties that make milling easier or more difficult and influence the end result.
Hard wood
Hardwoods such as beech, oak, maple, ash, cherry and walnut are popular for furniture making. However, you should work with a sharp cutter and an appropriate cutting speed, as hardwood puts more strain on the machine. Clamp the workpiece particularly carefully and remember to wear a dust mask, as hardwoods are often very dusty and can be harmful to your health.
Soft wood
Softwoods such as pine, spruce, fir or larch are easier to work with, but are sensitive to pressure when clamping. An extra pad or rubberized support prevents pressure marks. As softwood is less dense, rough milling edges or fibers can occur if the speed is too low. A higher speed and a sharp milling cutter usually ensure a clean result.
Wood-based materials
MDF, multiplex and chipboard are often cheaper than solid wood and have uniform properties. However, they can be very dense, which makes suitable carbide milling cutters important. In addition, wood-based materials often generate a lot of fine dust - good extraction is therefore essential. Adjust the cutting speed to avoid overheating or rapid tool wear.
RUWI recommendation: Solid woods such as beech or maple are suitable for the manufacture of children's toys, thanks to their robustness and low risk of splintering. Ultimately, however, the choice of wood type always depends on your specific requirements.
Choosing the right milling tool
The right choice of milling tool is crucial for the quality of the milling result and the service life of the tool and machine. Pay attention to the cutter type, diameter and material so that it is optimally suited to your project and your wood.
Types of milling cutters and their areas of application
- Grooving cutter: For grooves in different widths, often used in furniture and cabinet construction.
- Flush milling cutter: To remove protruding material flush (e.g. on templates).
- Chamfering cutters: Chamfering or "breaking" of edges, in various angles and sizes.
- Rounding cutter: For rounding edges or decorative profiles, in different radii.
- Disc grooving cutter: For tongue-and-groove joints, edge grooves, Lamello etc.
- Profile cutters: Decorative profiles, often for furniture fronts and decorative elements.
- CNC milling cutter: Specially designed for CNC machines, precise and repeatable results.
Conclusion: Find out about the different types of milling cutter and their typical applications so that you can choose the right milling cutter for your project.
Materials of milling cutters
- HSS (High Speed Steel): Relatively inexpensive and more break-resistant, shorter tool life.
- HM (carbide / tungsten carbide): Longer tool life and higher cutting speed, but more brittle and more expensive.
- Diamond-tipped: Very high precision and long service life, but very expensive and more suitable for special applications (e.g. CNC).
Conclusion: Carbide router bits are an excellent choice for most wood projects as they are precise, durable and versatile.
Choosing the right milling machine
CNC milling cutter
Computer-controlled machines for extremely precise and reproducible results. Ideal for complex shapes or series production. Spiral cutters, slot cutters and other tools can be used on CNC machines.
Bench milling machine
With a vertically positioned tool shaft, various processing operations can be carried out on the router table: Chamfering edges, rounding, tongue-and-groove joints, etc. Some table routers have mechanical feed devices.
Router
A hand-held router is mobile and versatile. Perfect for edge processing, small projects or use on the construction site. Ideal if you want to stay flexible.
Unterflurfräse / Frästisch
Hier ragt das Werkzeug von unten durch die Tischplatte. Mit Anschlag und anderen Vorrichtungen kannst du diverse Fräsarbeiten (Nuten, Kantenfasen, Kopierfräsen etc.) sicher durchführen. Professionelle Modelle (z. B. RUWI) haben effektive Staubabsaugungen.
Chain cutter
Chain cutters or chain mortisers are primarily used in the carpentry and joinery sector for mortising tenons, i.e. elongated recesses. A rotating chain with cutting teeth ensures fast, precise processing of traditional wood joints.
Conclusion: Both the router and router table are ideal tools for many wood milling jobs. The router is flexible and portable, while the router table offers more stability and control.
Materials in general
You need certain materials and tools to achieve optimum results when milling wood:
- Wood / wood-based material: Choose a suitable type of wood for your desired look and function.
- Milling tools: Make sure the cutting edges are sharp and intact, worn milling cutters lead to poor results.
- Clamping devices: Secure the workpiece with screw clamps, clamping claws or other holders.
- Protective clothing: Use safety goggles, hearing protection and a dust mask to minimize injuries and health risks.
- Extraction: Effective dust extraction is essential to remove dust and chips and work cleanly.
Work preparation
Prepare workpiece
Plane or sand your board before milling so that subsequent sanding does not distort the milling profile. Markings are also easier to recognize on a smooth surface.
Choose the right milling tools
Check your router bits for sharpness and cleanliness. If they are worn, this will result in unclean cuts or even damage to the wood and machine. Insert the router bit into the collet up to the marking.
Settings on the milling machine
Achte auf Drehzahl, Frästiefe, Vorschubrichtung und Vorschubgeschwindigkeit. Ein Blick in die Bedienungsanleitung deiner Maschine und deines Werkzeugs hilft, die richtigen Werte zu finden.
Wichtig: Die auf dem Fräser angegebene Maximaldrehzahl darf nie überschritten werden!
Safety precautions
Always wear protective clothing, such as safety goggles, ear protection and a dust mask. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry to avoid getting caught in the machine. A properly prepared workplace enables safe and precise work.
Step-by-step instructions
In our articles, you will find detailed guides for specific milling tasks such as milling grooves, rounding edges or producing profiles. Step by step, you will find out which tool you should choose and what you need to pay attention to.
Tips and tricks
Producing several identical parts with the router
Erstelle eine Schablone aus stabilem Material (z. B. Sperrholz) und befestige sie auf dem Werkstück. Ein Bündigfräser kopiert die Schablonenkontur exakt aufs Rohteil. Oder nutze Anschlaglineal und Klappanschläge (z. B. am RUWI Frästisch) für wiederholgenaue Positionen.
Care and maintenance of the router
Keep the router clean after each use, especially the ventilation slots and moving parts. Regularly check the condition of the router bits and sharpen or replace them if necessary. This will maintain performance and precision.
Select feed direction
Up-cut milling is generally recommended: The milling cutter rotates against the feed direction, which is safer. The surface quality can be better with climb milling, but it is more risky. A compromise: First cut roughly in up-cut, then minimally in climb milling.
Avoid wood dust
Verwende eine leistungsstarke Absaugung und positioniere Fräse sowie Werkstück so, dass Späne in Richtung Absaugung gefördert werden. Achte auf dichte Schläuche und Verbindungen. Trage zudem eine Staubmaske, um feinen Holzstaub nicht einzuatmen. Professionelle Maschinen, wie z. B. von RUWI, haben oft eine Doppelstaubabsaugung (Holzstaubgeprüft-Zertifikat).
