6 Wood Router Woodworking Projects (Beginner Friendly)

Last Updated on December 22, 2023 by Web Operator

Wood router projects can be an incredibly rewarding hobby. With the right tools, basic skills, and tips from this article, you’ll be ready to kick off your next project.

There are tons of ideas that you can accomplish with a wood router. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Here is a quick overview of the types of wood router woodworking projects you can start with.

  • Cutting Boards
  • Picture Frames
  • Cabinets and Drawers
  • Bookstands and Shelves
  • Desk Organizers
  • Custom Wine Racks

If you are clueless about which project to work on first, this guide will some of the creative things you can do. I’ll provide information on how you can create some exciting pieces using a wood router.

getting ready to start wood router project

Before you make a splurge on a router, you need to understand the two types of routers; the fixed base and plunge base router. Owning either of these tools gives you versatility in your projects.

If you like creating unique and intricate designs from wood, you’ve come to the right place.

Here are some wood router projects that I recommend you try with the help of a wood router.

Cutting Boards

cutting board

Everyone needs to spruce up their kitchen once in a while. For first-time woodworkers, this project is a must-do. In addition, it’s popular among woodworkers due to its high demand. Almost every cooking video on the internet has this kitchen tool which contributes to its demand.

When using a wood router, you can be able to create cutting boards of various designs. The tool makes perfect edges, and therefore you can start by rounding the edges of the board. Then, to make it unique, you can cut out a groove all-round the board.

To create a strong board, you can use various hardwoods that give it a different appearance each time. Some of the best options you can go for include maple, cherry, walnut, or teak. These close-grained woods will last longer and keep your board in good condition.

If you are a beginner, this woodwork project is good practice for future complex tasks. First, however, you need to remember to have the proper router bits to create perfect edges. 

These parts of the tool determine how precise the cuts will be on your board. Once your first design is done, you can replicate the template and make more to gift your friends or even sell.

Picture Frames

picture frame

A wood router plays a significant role in shaping decorative molds for your home. For example, to create a picture frame for your walls, you can use a router to make beveled edges out of pieces of wood. The power tool then helps you shape the inside and outside edges of your frame.

Depending on the patterns and styles you need for your frame, you can alter or change the router bits. These bits come in handy when you want to craft either complex or straightforward profiles. According to your settings, the router will make straight cuts, curved contours, or creative finished edges.

A key feature that comes with a router is the depth adjustment ring that you can use to determine how much cutting you want to do on the frame. It also has high motor speeds that make the molding process much quicker and more efficient.

The versatility of this tool allows you to create diverse projects. The frame can be in different shapes as you need. For instance, if you are just starting, you can make a simple rectangular frame and advance to more complex designs as your skill level grows. If you need to recreate the template, the router comes in handy.

Cabinets and Drawers

wood drawer

Drawers are a necessity in every home. You can make some of your kitchens store knives and other appliances away from table surfaces. Drawers and cabinets can also be fixed in other rooms in the house for storage purposes.

The wood router enables woodworkers to develop a wide range of modern designs and patterns for these projects. With a router, you can make precise pieces that fit the opening. For example, you can create some hinges for the cabinets. Most importantly, the router will help you in shaping perfect edges.

Having creatively crafted edges bring out the design on your cabinets and drawers. With this power tool, you can achieve the perfect edges without needing special skills or lots of practice. As you make the cuts, turn the router counterclockwise, which pushes the router toward you, making it easier to work.

Cabinets also need rabbets and dadoes for making joints. You can easily make these slots with a router.  

Book Stand and Shelves

book stand and shelves

A project to build an elegant bookstand or shelf is straightforward. You can transform any space using a wood router to store and display books, photos, trophies, and other mementos. To go along with your prized possessions, a wood router will help you create elegant designs that show off your woodworking skills.

When building shelves, you need dadoes and rabbets to piece them together. A router creates slots that you can use as connecting panels. The cuts can be 1/8″ or 1/4″ depending on the type of wood you are using. This power tool will cut precise and accurate dadoes which align with the cutter’s diameter.

A well-cut dado or rabbet will ensure the shelves fit perfectly. As you cut, make sure you create enough space to glue the parts together or fasten any connection joints.

Desk Organizers

wooden desk organizer

Just like cutting boards, desk organizers are simple wood router projects you can start with. The designs are simple and direct and require you to have an idea that you can execute. In addition, having a desk organizer makes it easier to fit your office items, especially if you work from home.

For this project, you just need a single board, and the first step is to make perfect rounded edges along with your board. 

You can then use a template to carve out the design and sections for your organizer. Finally, you can combine the router with other power tools such as a miter saw to complete this project.

A wood router has a depth adjustment feature that allows you to have different types of cuts according to the specifications you need. The router also allows you to create different patterns by using distinct router bits.

If it’s your first time, you can get ideas and images from the internet to guide you in designing your project. Using that, you can create a template and replicate the design as many times as you’d like. 

Custom Wine Racks

wine racks at home

If you don’t have enough shelves for your wine bottles, consider working on a custom wine rack.

A wood router is an essential tool for incorporating an excellent decoration element for your home bar. Customized wine racks are essential, especially if you have children and you have enough room where you can put them away safely.

Building a wine rack is not too complex. Just like building cabinets and shelves, you can achieve the perfect edges without needing special skills or lots of practice. 

You can use a template to save on money and time that could have been used to draft the design afresh. In addition, wood projects like this make it easy to learn how to create complex designs as you advance to become a pro.

The Final Word

These projects are just a few of what you can do with a wood router. Most of them are perfect if you are a beginner at woodworking.

As a seasoned pro, you are better equipped to accomplish most of these designs in the most creative way.

With this guide, I’ve covered the basics to help you kickstart your next project. You can share in the comments any other tasks you can complete with a router.

Before you commit to complex designs, start with uncomplicated projects to grow your skills. This comprehensive guide will get you started on more straightforward projects.

Are you planning to design any of these projects? I’d like to know which one you started with. Leave a comment below.

Also Read: 13 Shed Man Cave Ideas on a Budget

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Barry Gray

Hi, I’m Barry. I’ve loved woodworking and bringing things back to life for more years than I care to remember. I hope my passion for tools comes across loud and clear in everything you read here on The Tool Square.

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