Fixed-Base Router

• A fixed-base router is an electric motor with an attachment at one end called a collet, also known as a chuck, which holds a cutting bit. Each router also comes with an adjustable fixed baseplate to allow for controlled cuts.
  
  

Plunge Router

• The plunge router allows a woodsmith to turn on the motor and lower the spinning bit directly onto the wood project without losing any control. The plunge router is great for stopped grooves, dadoes, mortises and pocket cuts for inlays.
  
  

Trim Router

• The trim router, also called a palm router or laminate trimmer, is compact and powerful. The trim router works great for routing small roundovers and chamfers and for completing detailed woodwork.
  
  

Router Bits

• Woodworkers should have 10 basic router tips in their woodshops: straight bit, flush-trim bit, roundover bit, chamfer bit, rabbeting bit, dovetail bit, pattern bit, cover bit, ogee bit and slot-cutting bit.
  
  

Baseplates

• The following five baseplates are must-haves for woodsmiths: flush-trim jig, big-mouth router jig, circle-cutting base, see-through base and edge-guide baseplate.