Women for a long time have been left out of the tool shop or were afraid to approach the tool shop, it was the man's domain, like the sewing machine, and crafts were women's. But now we've come of age especially since the tools or sized down to where they are not so intimidating and easier to handle, without having to have a man's hand involved in the work. Not, those women don't appreciate all that men do, and have done for them before. They just want in on the fun too!

For the first time users of a router, it is reasonably an easy machine to use. Even thought it can be loud. Be sure to use ear and eye protection when using this machine. Always clamp what you are doing to a secure service. And in no time you will be as good maybe even better than your man has been and he'll have to start knitting.

Usually the reason most people don't try anything new is fear of the unknown, once that's conquered, who knows what can be accomplished.

One of the reasons for fear is the loud noise, so many of them can exceed 100 decibels and that can do hearing damage if you use the router a lot. Another fear element is changing all the drills bits and if you are not accustomed to doing that you could get hurt. Make sure to unplug the router before you change the bit. The switch should be in the off position before it is plugged back in. If you don't have safety on your mind at all times you could be hurt. Some routers have a safety switch in the handle. This seems like a safer way to go because the motor is unplugged at the handle, the bit is changed, set the base, then plug the motor into the handle a good rule of safety is give one more tug on the wrench when tightens in the bit, just for safety sake.

When putting in a bit always clean off any wood chips or what ever you've been working on from around the collet. And the bit bottom shouldn't be let out in the collet, it should be pulled up 1/8" before it is tighten.

Make sure you have the router correctly set up, by doing a test cut. You don't want to make a wrong cut and mess up your wood or what ever you are working with, so always test first. More safety advice is never touch the bit unless it is stopped moving and has had a few minutes to cool down or you could get a bit of a burn from the heat that is generated.

Another tip, always hold the router with two hands. And a really great added safety feature is a "D" style handle, a big knob that helps to stay in control of the router.

Consider purchasing a soft start router, (a gradual acceleration). Older type routers start at full speed as soon as turned on. So never have the bit in contact with your wood or what you are working on when the router is cut on, are it will throw the work, or the router could fly out of your hands. Make sure you always use the correct bit and speed for the type of work you are working on and the type router you have.

Another safety tip, always make several passes, not going all the way through on first pass. While a 1/2 " carbide bit would be very capable of cutting a 1"deep grove in the material you would be working on, it would be putting a lot of pressure on the router and the bit and could weaken the bit and wear out the motor in the router.

So now that I've enlightened you about the router, don't be afraid to work with one. But if you still don't feel all that sure of yourself, have your man to help you and show you some of his tricks. A very good excuse for some extra attention, and we all need that. Happy routering!