The router motor is clamped into a flat base with an opening it in, through which the cutting bit extends. With the motor running and the bit spinning at high velocity, running the base of the router along a workpiece allows the bit to cut a shaped edge with remarkable ease. Even if you own only a few bits, you can create hundreds of various shapes by varying the depth of the bit. Here are 7 articles that will help you understand and get the most out of this workhorse tool. Many woodworkers own two or three different routers with varying horsepower levels and different features. Whether you prefer a fixed-base router or a plunge router, there are a number of features you should learn about when purchasing a router for your shop. A dovetail router jig is essentially a template that clamps onto the end of a board. The template has slots to guide the bearing on a dovetail bit as the router cuts the pins or tails that will form the joint.