How to Cut a Straight Line with a Router

A router is one of the most useful woodworking tools that you should have in your arsenal. It’s a lightweight tool that allows you to do a variety of things such as rounding edges, cutting curves, and carving shapes. You can also use a router to cut a straight line but it requires confidence and following the right technique.

In this article, I’ll discuss a step-by-step guide on how to cut a straight line with a router. It’ll allow you to learn the right technique and have confidence that you need to use a router and cut straight lines by avoiding learning pitfalls.

How to Cut a Straight Line with a Router

If you’re a beginner woodworker and planning to cut a straight line using a router, follow the guidelines discussed below to get the results you want.

Step 1: Set Up a Router Table

Using a router table will allow you to make precise cuts without putting too much effort, which will be very challenging to achieve with a handheld router.

A router table has a big hole on top and setting it up is a straightforward process. Many router tables also come with a built-in clamp mechanism that allows you to secure your router properly.

Pick a router designed to work with your router table. You need to make sure that you place your router vertically in the hole so that the router bit extends above the table. It will allow you to lower or raise the assembly to achieve the required working height.

Keep in mind that some router tables allow you to install both the cutting bit and router at the same time, while others require you to mount the router before installing the cutting bit. In either case, the aim is to place the router securely so that you can use your router table and machine effectively.

Step 2: Choose the Right Router Bit

There are many types of router bits available in the market that come in different designs, types, sizes, and shapes. The carbide-tipped steel and high-speed steel bit are the most common types of router bits and you can choose the one depending upon the nature of your work.

Related: Find the best router bit for cutting precise letters.

Considering the design of the router bit is also important. Essentially, there are two designs for bits, which are straight and profile. You need to choose the routing bit depending upon the material you need to cut. 

If you need to cut a wooden board in a straight line, I recommend you choose a sharp carbide-tipped steel bit that comes with a straight design. That’s because profile bits are used to carve different designs. 

Step 3: Set the Cutting Depth

The cutting depth will vary depending upon the model of your router. Different routers can have different methods to set the cutting depth of their bits. If you’re cutting wood, opt for a router designed specifically for wood.

You can refer to the user’s manual of your router to adjust the cutting depth accordingly.

Generally, you want to set the cutting depth slightly below the thickness of the workpiece you need to cut. For example, setting the cutting depth to 1.1 inches will be sufficient if you need to cut a one-inch thick wooden board. 

Step 4: Take the Measurements

Take the measurements using a measuring tape and make the cut line on your workpiece with a marker and ruler. It’ll allow you to follow the line to ensure a precise and straight cut.

Step 5: Secure the Workpiece

Once your router is set, place your workpiece on the router table securely and firmly using clamps. It’ll allow you to make sure that your workpiece doesn’t move with the torque of the router during the cutting process.

Step 6: Turn on the Router

Grip the router firmly before turning it on. Adjusting the grip after turning on the router could be dangerous because of the machine’s vibrations.

Step 7: Set the Router Speed

If the speed of your router is too slow, it can lead the wood to burn. If it’s too fast, it can cause splintering on the wood and it also increases the chances of making imprecise cuts. The best way to find out the ideal router speed is to run it on a spare piece of wood.

The larger the router bit, the lower the speed. You should not exceed the maximum speed limit depending on the size of your router bit explained in the following chart.

Step 8: Start the Cutting Process

If you want to get the best results in terms of accuracy and efficiency, consider using a straightedge as a guide for your router to make the straight precision cut.

Even though a router is far more accurate than a jigsaw, you will won’t get a perfectly straight line without a fence of some sort. Using a circular saw fence is probably the easiest solution.

It’ll reduce wobbling while you’re moving the router over your workpiece. You’ll have less room for error and more stability to keep your router in a straight line while it makes the cut.

Tips to Use a Router to Cut a Straight Line

The following tips will allow you to ensure your safety and cut the workpiece in a straight line.

• Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from the dust that the router generates while cutting wood.
• Install a dust collection system with your router table or wear a face mask, especially if you’re allergic.
• You can also wear a pair of rubber gloves to have a firm grip in order to make your work more efficient and safer. It’ll allow you to guide the router effectively to make a straight cut.
• Use your both hands on the router to move it around after placing your forearms on the table.
• You should hear a steady buzz or hum while your router is cutting the wood. If you hear a high-frequency chattering sound, it means the wood is bouncing off. It happens when your workpiece is not fully secure on the router table.
• Double-check your router bit to make sure it’s installed tightly. A loose router bit can be dangerous and it can also damage your workpiece.
• Always use a sharp router bit because a dull bit will make the job difficult and you’ll end up with rough cuts.
• Don’t feed the workpiece too slow or too fast to the router.
• Don’t turn your router on until you’re ready to cut the workpiece and turn it off if you need to take a break.
• If you feel your router is overheating, turn it off immediately to avoid unwanted accidents.

FAQs

Final Words

Following these easy steps will allow you to make a parallel straight cut with a smooth edge. Make sure you run your wooden workpiece all the way across in one pass to avoid inaccurate cuts. While you can use a hand-held router, I recommend you go with the router table to cut a straight line, especially if you’re a beginner.

Don’t forget to keep the tips that I have discussed above in mind while using your router not only to ensure your safety but also to achieve the best results.