Process characteristics

Usually routing is limited to soft metals (aluminium etc.) and rigid nonmetals. Specially designed cutters are used for a variety of patterns, cuts, and edging. Both hand controlled and machine controlled/aided routers are common today.

Workpiece geometry

Routing is a shaping process used to produce finished edges and shapes. Some materials that prove difficult to shape with other processes, such as fiber-glass, Kevlar, and graphite, can be shaped and finished neatly via various routing techniques. Apart from finished edges and shaping, cutaways, holes, and contours can also be shaped using routers.

Tools and equipment

The set up includes an air or electric driven router, a cutting tool often referred to as a router bit, and a guide template. Also the router can be fixed to a table or connected to radial arms which can be controlled easier.

In general there are three types of cutting bits or tools.

• Fluted cutters (used for edging and trimming)
• Profile cutters (used for shaping and trimming)
• Helical cutters (used on easily machined materials, for drilling, shaping, trimming)

Safety glasses and ear protection should be worn at all times when using a router. (Wiki)