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Freqently Asked Questions

  • Q: Which bits work best?

    A: If you are routing a decorative edge on the surface, the attachment will work best with a piloted router bit like #615. The pilot on the bit (a pilot is a guide section or bearing on the end of the router bit designed to follow the edge of the wood) works to follow the exact edge of the wood while the cutting is taking place. Piloted bits will not work down the center of the material to rout a channel. The pilot will burn off. If routing a decorative edge, use the attachment without the edge guide. If you are routing a straight channel or line 2-3 inches from the edge of the work piece, use the edge guide and a straight router bit, like #650, #652 or #654. The guide will keep your line a consistent distance from the edge.

  • Q: What kinds of wood can I rout?

    A: The router bits are constructed of high-speed steel, not carbide. Thus, they can heat up and burn the wood if you try to force them to take too much material too fast. Softer woods tend to have more sap which can add to the heat. Hard woods are simply more dense and may require two, shallow passes with the bit instead of one deep pass in order to get a good cut.

  • Q: What is the maximum depth that can be routed?

    A: If you're routing a harder wood like oak, and your depth requirement exceeds 1/4", you will find greater success by making a second pass through the same channel routed. If you're working in a softer wood like pine, depths of up to 3/8" should be possible without difficulty.

  • Q: How do I rout a perfect circle?

    A: Certain circular cuts can be made using the edge cutting bracket. Radii from 1-11/16" to 4" can be done. Remove the edge guide and attach the edge guide bracket to the guide rods. Use the finishing nail provided as a compass point. Set the edge guide bracket for the desired radius. Place the nail through the hole in the bracket and place the nail at the center of the desired radius to be cut. (The nail needs to be pounded into the subject material to act as a compass point). Once secured the router will easily make a circle.

  • Q: Some router bits seem to produce a little more ragged cut. Why is that?

    A: The router bits are very sharp. They work on a variety of woods, but several factors alter their effectiveness. The speed at which you are routing will make a difference, so generally, don't force the tool through the wood too quickly. Another cause can simply be the kind of wood being used. Soft woods are fibrous and the fibers can break, causing a ragged appearance. Hard wood is more dense an more likely to produce a smooth cut. There may be some finish work on routing. For example, on more fibrous woods some sanding may be necessary. Try using a flapwheel, a finishing buff, or even our Contour Sander. They are all designed to help make short work of finish sanding.

  • Q: It's really tough to find router bits. Who sells them?

    A: We make nine different router bits including a six piece router bit set. If you can't find what you're looking for online, in a major home center or hardware store near you, you can purchase directly through Dremel by calling 1-800-437-3635.

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