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, “Wood Routing,” provides you with precise, step-by-step instructions and covers all the key topics you need to consider when working with wood using a router or a router table. Learn how to choose the right wood, find the appropriate router bits, and determine which machine is best suited to successfully complete your projects. Dive into the world of wood routing and discover the many possibilities that a router and router table offer you.
Milling with a hand-held router
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.
A variety of wood types to choose from
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.
Selection of cutters for the RUWI Classic Performance routing table
Selection of cutters for the RUWI Premium routing table
Types of milling cutters and their areas of application
- Grooving cutter: For grooves in different widths, often used in furniture and cabinet construction.
- Flush cutter: For removing excess material flush with the surface (for example, on templates).
- Chamfering cutters: For chamfering or "breaking" edges at various angles and sizes.
- Rounding cutter: For rounding edges or decorative profiles, in different radii.
- Disc groove cutters: For tongue-and-groove joints, edge grooves, and Lamello joints.
- 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 (cemented carbide or tungsten carbide): Longer tool life and higher cutting speed, but more brittle and more expensive.
- Diamond-tipped: Extremely high precision and long service life, but very expensive and generally suited for specialized applications (such as 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.
CNC Milling Machine for Woodworking
Bench milling machine
With a vertical tool shaft, a table router can be used to perform a variety of operations, such as chamfering edges, rounding corners, and creating tongue-and-groove joints. Some table routers are equipped with mechanical feed mechanisms.
Bench-top milling machine
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.
Router on the clamped workpiece
Underfloor milling machine or milling table
Here, the tool protrudes through the tabletop from below. With a stop and other fixtures, you can safely perform various routing tasks (slotting, edge chamfering, copy routing). Professional models like the RUWI router table feature effective dust extraction systems.
The RUWI Classic and Classic Performance Milling Tables
Chain cutter
Chain cutters, also known as chain mortising machines, are primarily used in carpentry and joinery to cut mortises—that is, elongated recesses. A rotating chain with cutting teeth ensures fast, precise machining 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 or wood-based materials: Choose the right type of wood for the look and function you want.
- 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.
Choosing the Right Cutter for the Project
Settings on the router table
Pay attention to the speed, milling depth, feed direction and feed rate. A look at the operating instructions for your machine and tool will help you to find the correct values.
Important: Never exceed the maximum speed specified for the cutter.
Adjusting the cutter height on the router table
Safety precautions
Always wear protective gear such as safety goggles, ear protection, and a dust mask. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry to prevent it from getting caught in the machine. A well-organized work area allows for safe and precise work.
Step-by-step instructions
In our articles, you'll find detailed guides for specific routing tasks, such as routing grooves, rounding edges, or creating profiles. Step by step, you'll learn which tool to choose and what to look out for.
Tips and tricks
Producing several identical parts with the router
Make a template out of sturdy material (such as plywood) and secure it to the workpiece. A face mill will precisely trace the template’s outline onto the blank. Or use a guide rail and folding stops (such as those on the RUWI milling table) for repeatable positioning.
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
In general, counter-rotational milling is recommended: the cutter rotates in the opposite direction of the feed, which is safer. With co-rotational milling, the surface quality may be better, but it is riskier. A compromise: start with a rough pass using counter-rotational milling, then finish with a minimal pass using co-rotational milling.
Avoid wood dust
Use a powerful dust extraction system and position the router and workpiece so that chips are directed toward the extraction system. Ensure that hoses and connections are secure. Also, wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling fine wood dust. Professional machines, such as the RUWI router table, often feature a dual dust extraction system with a “Wood Dust Tested” certification.
