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Yes—a router table can prepare short board edges for a glue-up when you add an outfeed shim to its fence and use a straight bit. The shim’s edge must align with the bit’s cutting edge so it supports the board after the bit trims it. WOOD Magazine describes this method as an option for people without a jointer; it does not establish that it is suitable for long or unstable stock.
What you need
- A router table and a straight router bit.
- A piece of plastic laminate to use as an outfeed shim.
- A steel rule or another suitable way to align the shim with the bit.
- A push stick and the guard and other safety equipment specified by your router-table manual.
The method does not require a particular router-table brand or model. Follow the manual for the router and table you actually use.
Set up the fence shim
- Unplug the router before setup. Clamp the plastic laminate to the left-hand, outfeed end of the fence.
- Ease the laminate edge nearest the bit with sandpaper so it will not catch the passing workpiece.
- With the router unplugged, align the shim’s working face with the cutting edge of the straight bit. WOOD Magazine describes using a steel rule for this alignment.
- Set the bit high enough to trim the full edge of the board in one pass.
The shim is the critical part of the setup: it creates an outfeed support at the level of the newly cut edge, after material has been removed.
Joint the board edges
- Turn on the router and feed the board from right to left across the table, keeping it against the fence.
- WOOD Magazine specifies removing about 1/16 inch of material per pass. Keep the workpiece controlled throughout the cut.
- Repeat the procedure on the mating board. WOOD Magazine says the resulting edges can be glued together without a gap; that is the article’s stated result, not an independently tested guarantee.
Keep the method to appropriate stock
This is presented as a way to edge-joint short boards when a jointer is unavailable. Do not assume the same setup is appropriate for long, wide, warped, or otherwise unstable stock. Bosch’s router-table safety guidance calls for adequate support for long or wide workpieces and warns against unstable or warped stock. For those conditions, use equipment and workholding appropriate to the workpiece rather than relying on this short-board method.
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#1 Best Overall
Sale
Nicpro Mechanical Carpenter Pencils for Construction (Black, Red) With Case| Deep Hole Marker Pencil Set Includes Sharpener and 26 Refills, Comfortable Grip, Heavy Duty Woodworking Tools for Architect
- Valued Carpenter Pencil Set: You will get 2 pcs solid carpenter pencils with 26 piece 2.8 mm refills, 1 replaceable sharpener, 1 plastic storage box.The complete carpenter pencils combination allows you to finish your work faster and more easily
- Deep Hole Marker Pencil: The deep-hole construction pencils adopts 45mm elongated tip design, which is more convenient to mark in the small hole or in other tight areas that other carpenter markers cannot reach
- Carpenter Pencils with Sharpener: The sharpener is screwed into the top of the work pencil, which won't get lost either. Built-in pencil sharpener that keep the lead with pointed and smooth to Improves line of sight in fine work
- Stronger Solid Lead: This work pencil is matched with a 2.8 mm thick lead , which is much thicker and stronger during the drawing process of construction work, it will not break or damage easily
- Marks on Various Surfaces: 3 colors solid construction pencil can marks on various surfaces,such as metal, plastic, wood, paper etc. Ideals for woodworkers, contractors, craftsmen, builders, merchants and masons
Follow router-table safety guidance
Bosch’s router-table manual states, “Always feed the workpiece from right to left across the front of the bit.” It also advises using the fence or starter pin and the appropriate guard, following the table manual, and using a push stick whenever possible, especially with narrow stock. Bosch recommends push sticks, featherboards, and jigs to keep hands away from the spinning bit. Consult the instructions for your own router and table; the cited Bosch manual is not a substitute for model-specific guidance.
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Milwaukee 48-22-3104 Inkzall Point Marker, Fine, Black, 4-Pack
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2 Pack Carpenter Pencils Mechanical Pencils with 12 Refills, (2 Colors)
- Long Nib and Deep Hole Marker: Our mechanical carpenter pencil with 45mm nib is designed for easy marking of deep holes or narrow areas. These construction pencils are the great choice for woodworking tools, construction tools, carpenter tools, contractor tools, wood carpentry tools and architect tools
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- Stronger Pencil Lead: The black refills are made of lead, sturdy and smooth. The red refills are made of wax, clear and light. These marking pencils are much thicker and stronger than normal pencils during the marking process of construction work, suitable for various surfaces, such as glasses, metal, boards, floors, walls, furniture, etc. The written marks can be easily wiped with a wet paper towel when needed
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Push to Unlock,Katerk 6pcs 1/4 inch Hex Shank Aluminum Alloy Screwdriver Bit Holder Light-Weight Quick-Change Extension Bar Keychain Drill Screw Adapter Portable,Black Carabiner,Tool Gifts for Men
- 【Great Compatibility】This Katerk 1/4 inch hex shank bit holder is specifically designed for 1/4 inch hex shank drill bits. It's compatible with most 1/4 fast hex handles, hex sockets, various electric screwdrivers, and handheld screwdrivers. The bit holder makes it a valuable addition for any handyman.
- 【Secure and Safe】Built with a secure backup nut design, each drill bit holder securely locks onto your bits, ensuring they stay firmly in place. Additionally, our bit holder incorporates a high-quality steel ball rolling design that holds up to several kilograms of weight, ensuring your various drill bits don't fall off.
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DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver, Power Tool Combo Kit , Includes 2 Batteries, Charger and Bag (DCK240C2)
- Ergonomically Designed: Work in tight areas with a compact design that gets into tough spots
- Compact and Lightweight: Both tools are designed to fit into difficult to reach spaces. The 1/4" impact driver has a length of 5.55 in. and weighs just 2.8 lbs, while the 1/2" drill/driver measures only 7.5 in. and weighs 3.6 lbs
- Both the DEWALT impact driver and electric drill driver feature integrated LED work lights with a convenient 20-second delay, ensuring enhanced visibility in dimly lit or challenging work areas
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Sources
- WOOD Magazine, “Make your router think it’s a jointer” (updated January 15, 2025).
- Bosch, “1191VSRK Router Manual: Feeding the Workpiece on a Router Table.”
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