How to Make Letters With a Router

Working with a wood router enables you to undertake woodworking projects that might be impossible otherwise. Routers allow woodworkers to cut wood and create designs. There are 20 to 30 different router bits available, and the routers themselves come in different sizes for different projects. If you are making small shapes, like circles or letters, you need to use a smaller router. It's easy to route letters for a sign if you have the proper bits and router accessories.

Things You'll Need

  • Router Corner base w/fixed bit Letter templates Pencil Engraving tool Scissors Tape Wood Clamps

Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the regular router base and the bit from the tool.

    • 2

      Attach a corner base with a fixed bit already on it. This router trimmer allows you to maneuver the router into hard-to-reach places, especially those you'll find when routing letters.

    • 3

      Print out letter templates from your computer. Access the site in Resources to download a free template. If you need larger sizes than what your printer can handle, use an overhead projector to magnify the characters.

    • 4

      Cut out the letters from the paper templates.

    • 5

      Either trace the letters onto the wood with a pencil or use an electric engraving tool. Make sure to trace all of the lines inside and outside the template.

    • 6

      Secure your workpiece to the workbench with clamps, to prevent your wood from moving while you are routing your letters.

    • 7

      Lay your router on the workpiece. Line up the corner bit with the template lines.

    • 8

      Firmly holding both sides of the router handles, move the machine along the lines. Work slowly for best results, especially if you are creating smaller letters.