One of the most familiar complaints about wood routers is that they don't last as long as they used to. For some, this is due to wear and tear from use; others don't have the money to buy a new one. Here are seven ways to extend the life of your wood router, whether you're using it for a hobby or professional purposes.
How to extend your wood router's life
1. Keep the blade sharp
A dull blade doesn't cut as well, which means less time spent fixing it and more time spent waiting for parts to ship. Sharp blades cut faster and get a lot done with each pass. Keeping the router blade sharp is not only good for your wallet, but it's good for the environment, too; if the blade breaks down, you won't have to buy a whole new tool.
2. Dust your work area regularly
When a surface gets dusty, it's hard to clean off without causing damage to the edges of the workpiece. Use a sharp microfiber cloth to remove loose sawdust before using the tool again. You don't want to let any dust build up around the cutting edge because if it does, it could clog the blade and cause it to become even worse than it started.
3. Clean your tools
If you're not cleaning them properly after use, they'll jam up, fail, break, and ultimately need to be replaced sooner rather than later. Various types of woodworking and power tools require maintenance, including drills, routers, circular saws, jigsaws, table saws, sanders, planers, nail guns, and much more. Tools can sometimes get dirty because they are designed; some aren't meant to be cleaned. But you can do a few things to help ensure your tools last longer between repairs.
4. Make sure everything is working right
Look at your machine and make sure everything is plugged in and turned on correctly. Please turn it on and watch to ensure the spindle turns smoothly and the motor spins freely. Next, check over the fence and make sure the fence is securely set (so you don't accidentally kick something else off the bench) and straight and level. Finally, check that the depth adjustment dial is where it should be. If you find anything wrong with your equipment, take it back to the store you purchased it from and ask them how to fix it.
5. Oil your bearings
Once in a while, give your bearings quick oiling to keep them running smoothly. Lubricating them helps ease the friction produced by the turning motion of the spindle while spinning the cutter bit. However, apply the lubrication sparingly since excess oil could result in overheated bearings. Too much oil might also mean more frequent bearing replacement.
6. Keep your hands dry
Your fingers are extremely susceptible to getting burnt and chapped from all the oils that are naturally present on woodworking tools. So protect yourself by always keeping your hands dry whenever possible. Wipe them on a rag frequently, or wear gloves. And never touch your face!
7. Don't use a screwdriver or pry bar
These tools are great for putting nails and screws in tight places, but they often leave behind bits of metal shavings that can easily rust onto your workpieces. Try using a hammer instead, especially if you need to remove small pieces of material.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you want to extend your wood router's life, there are seven ways to do so. By following these tips, you can ensure that your router remains in good working condition for longer.
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