How To Round Edges With A Router

Are you searching for ways to round edges with a router?

If so, it’s worth noting that this process can be challenging, mainly if you have never used a router before.

The modern routers make it artless to round edges.

However, you need to follow a couple of steps to simplify the task and achieve the best results possible.

In today’s article, I will discuss the steps involved in making round edges.

Ideally, rounding edges allows you to prevent potential injury to yourself, your children, pets, and other family members.

Besides, rounding an edge makes the item sturdy and indestructible from potential crashes and falls.

So, read on to learn how to round perfect edges (if you need to learn how to round wood by hand read here)!

Step 1 – Configure the Router

First, start by inserting the round over your preferred cutter in the router’s collet. Second, place the router machine on the edge of the workpiece and modify the cutter’s height to fit the cutting depth.

Notably, the large cutters need to be higher than the ultimate cut.

You have to configure them for making progressive cuts which often removes a couple of millimetres of material with every pass until you attain the ultimate depth.

Step 2 – Use Scrap Materials to Support Thin Workpieces

Clamping a thin board to a workbench is not a recommendable idea because the routing process could cause damage to the workbench.

The good news is you can prevent prospective damages by placing a reasonably thick scrap material below the item you are routing.

Indeed, you can use hot-melt glue to stick the scrap material to the piece you want to work on. Use a putty knife to remove the glue (see the best glue for decoupage) after finalising the work.

Step 3 – Route the Ends First

It’s advisable to start with the ends before moving to the sides when routing a workpiece to avoid splitting the already routed sides.

It’s easy to repair poor edge cuts that may emerge if you start with the ends and then cut the sides.

When routing the inner edges of an item, such as a painting frame, you have to ensure that the router moves in a clockwise direction.

On the other hand, you need to move it in a counter-clockwise motion when routing a board’s outside edges. Well, this makes it easy to control the machine.

Step 4 – The Actual Routing

After setting the cutting depth, power on the router, plunge it until it’s stopped by the depth and make sure it’s locked in this position:

  1. Move the router while ensuring the router cutter’s guide bearing touches your workpiece’s edges.
  2. Move the router around the product and keep the guide bearing in contact with the edges.
  3. Repeat the process, readjusting the cutter lower at all times until you achieve the desired rounded edge.

Step 5 – Assess the Rounded Workpiece

Please switch off the router after rounding the desired edges and set it aside. Inspect the rounded product to determine whether there are areas you need to redo again. Feel free to fine-tune your work.

How to Round Edges with a Router

Overall, I hope this article has given you essential information regarding how you can use a router to cut perfect round edges.

Feel free to use the mentioned points as I have tried and tested them.