Reminding myself of why I prefer hand tools

[Sheffield Tony]

So yesterday I set out to make a simple thing; one of those trivet things with slots cut from both sides at right angles to each other. This sort of thing:

Belle Vous Bamboo Heat Resistant Hot Pads Trivet Set (4 Pack) - 15 x 15cm/6 x 6 Inches - Non Slip Square and Round Kitchen Pot Holders - Natural Wood Coasters For Hot Teapot, Bowls and Dishes : Amazon.co.uk: Home & Kitchen

Great prices on your favourite Home brands, and free delivery on eligible orders.

www.amazon.co.uk

The kind of thing that can only be done really with a router. Horrible experience. Noisy, dusty, somewhat scary work. Dust mask, ear defenders, safety specs that steam up immediately. And despite a carefully contrived (I thought) jig the top and bottom sets of grooves still didn't line up properly. I used a piece of walnut, rather than the bamboo ones in the picture, but honestly for £12 for 4, why did I bother. I do notice the groves don't line up neatly in the ones on Amazon either though, which makes me feel a bit better.

Different design needed, I think.

 

[AndyT]

You have my sympathies. If it helps, you could console yourself that the Amazon listing is misleading when it describes them as "natural wood". As far as I know, although bamboo can resemble wood, and is used for some similar purposes, to all botanists and taxonomists, bamboo is a type of grass.

Maybe "natural grass coasters" would appeal to a whole separate market sector...

 

[Cabinetman]

I also hate using a Router, but as you say they are indispensable for the odd thing, and it is just the odd thing, even when I was working making furniture full time I doubt I used one more than twice a year.

 

[Woodbloke]

I also hate using a Router, but as you say they are indispensable for the odd thing, and it is just the odd thing, even when I was working making furniture full time I doubt I used one more than twice a year.

The don't bother me; I find them pretty indispensable for all sorts of stuff, especially stopped housings for ply 6-8mm ply tongues etc. To do that sort of thing by hand across the grain is a complete pita but easy with a router. Get the 'set up' done, don the ear muffs and Bob's your uncle...sorted, easy peasy - Rob

 

[Malc2098]

I couldn't cut the binding and purfling channels, the soundholes nor the rosette grooves without a router.