Today I want to introduce you to what I consider the essential tools for any router owner. If you want to create Router magic in your workshop the following router tools are essential. I am going to break the router tools up into three categories. Absolutely essential. In my opinion without these the router is almost as useful as an Angle grinder in a wood shop.

Essential Router Cutting Bits

The first three router tools are bits. These three Router Cutting bits were always the most used in my workshop. I would have been lost without them.

1. The first Router Cutting Bit to buy is the 1/2″ straight Router cutting bit. This bit is used for everything from planing your timber to cutting shapes and circles. This is probably the staple Router Cutting Bit for most occassions. The bit is stable as it is not stepped and is extremely difficult to bend. I did see that happen once.
Get your 1/2 inch Straight Router Cutting Bit here

2. The Roman Ogee also known as the classical Router Cutting bit. The Roman ogee is the most popular shaping bit in the world. I am guessing if you have a classic wooden desk the style on the edge has a little lip and then rounded. That is the ogee. Finishing table tops in this traditional fashion is continued today.
Get your Roman Ogee Router Bit here

3. The Bevel or laminate trimming Router cutting bit is next. Bevelled edges need not be big, Just trimming an edge makes a cabinet side less harsh, less likely to splinter and easier on the eye.
Buy your Bevel Trim Router Cutting Bit here

Essential Router Jigs and Templates

4. Cutting the perfect round table top is easy with a circle cutting router jig. Cutting a perfect circle is nigh impossible with any tool but the router. A Circle cutting jig makes this a really simple task. Mount your router to the jig. Affix the jig to your workpiece, Start your router and cut. Dependant upon the thickness of your stock multiple cuts will be needed. Never cut more than about a quarter inch in depth at a time. Jasper 270J Model 270 Router Circle Cutting Jig

5. A Router edge guide is a way of ensuring absolute accuracy when trimming edges and more. Be very wary when purchasing an edge guide. The slightest wobble gives you a less than stellar finish. Check out the Porter-Cable 42700 Edge Guide

6. When you start making your own jigs a Router Template Guide Bush or two will be very handy. In essence your jig is always undersize for any items the need to be shaped externally. Lets say you want to make a jig for a rocking horses head. You would cut it slightly slmaller than your finished article. Select a guide bush that allows your cutter to pass through it and cut many shapes from the same template. I know a business that uses unskilled labour to cut the same components over and over from just such a jig. Check out this 7-Piece Router Template Guide Set Now

Router Bench and Accesories

7. Now Personally I consider this the most important part of the whole deal besides the actual router and the router cutting bits. My Router Bench is the one Router tool I could not do without in my workshop. Once you have worked with a router Bench you rarely unmount your router. I have designed and made many jigs for my router bench over the years. There are very few router operations that I do with a hand held router anymore. Buy the TD Industrial 10012 Heavy Duty Router bench today

8. The best investment ever made in my workshops was a Micro Adjustable Router Table fence. The adjustment is so fine that we were able to shave millimeters off of the timber when using the routerbench as a jointer. It is as simple as adjusting one part of the fence back 1/8th of an inch, using that half inch Router cutting bit and running the stock face down against the edge. Perfect preparation for joining to planks to make a board.Get your Micro-Adjustable Router Table Fence

9. A Router bench without hold downs is a ship without a rudder. The feather board has undergone some changes since I made my first one in 1986. They now come in various plastics that last way better than the wooden ones we made. Check out the ProGrip Feather Board Kit

and 10 I am going to leave up to you, Why don’t you tell me and the other visitors what your favourite Router Tool is in the comments.