The Router Plane Guide | Common Woodworking

Paul Sellers Router Plane Kit

This page covers the ins and outs of working with a standard router plane. In order to provide a more affordable alternative, without compromising on utility and effectiveness, Paul has come up with his own Router Plane Kit. You can learn more about the kit, and the router plane that Paul now uses every day, here.

The router plane is used to refine cuts which are either made by chisels, saws or machines. In use, the blade cuts in a similar way to a chisel, but the blade is fixed within a wooden or metal body and has an adjustment mechanism making this a true plane.

Uses

A router is used to accurately level out recesses, such as those made for housing hinges or joints. It can help to level surfaces and make them parallel to an adjacent surface. This means that a router can aid a great deal in making accurate joints. It is often used after chiseling and sawing, as the router does not excel at removing a bulk of wood, but rather bringing a surface that is close to level to a smooth and accurate final depth.

Paul often uses a router plane as an improvised marking gauge. He ensures that the final depth of cut is exact by setting and using this single tool. This removes the possibility of confusion from having the marking gauge and router set differently.

Terminology

Cutting Iron - In a router this is a foot-shaped steel blade. They come in different shapes and sizes
Fence - Connects to the underside, it can be double sided (square and rounded)

Types of Router Planes

Wooden
Metal Cast

Parts of a Router Plane

● Cutting Iron (Blade)

◎ Sole (Plane Body)

● Knob

● Handle Screws

● Height/ Depth Adjuster

● Square Pre-set Stop

● Set Screw for Square Pre-Set Stop

● Fence, Fence Set Screw, Washer

● Depth Locking Set Screw

Paul Sellers Router Plane Kit

Uses

Terminology

Types of Router Planes

Parts of a Router Plane

Further Reading