My First Router (power tools, woo-hoo!)

[Jen, Lachlan, and Declan]

Woo-hoo, my first router! Cool! Should be able to learn how to use it, shouldn't I? Oh well, it makes the guys at work nervous just knowing I have one and that's half the fun!

Dang, gotta assemble the table before I can router something. Is router a verb? Hmmm ... to router ... routered ... oh never mind, I wanna play with it!

Right. Attach the sides to the back. Uh-huh. Which bit you reckon's the back, boys? I love the way instructions always say things like "using 2 #10-32 x 1 1/2 pan-head machine screws (34)" like I'm supposed to have any clue what that means. Oh look, there's a drawing. Suppose that's to scale, guys? Heh, that explains so much.

Pixel! Get back here, you little varmint! Yes, I know it's plastic and crinkly but that does NOT make it a cat toy! I need the parts that're in it! And quit smirking at me. Yes, I'm doing it right!

Hold the what where? And then do what? How many hands they reckon I have, anyway? Yeesh, never let it be said mama couldn't improvise - where's that roll of duct tape?!

Lachlan, in this country we differentiate between what we call "cardboard" and what we call "food".

Excuse me, Pixel ... can I please finish putting this thing together BEFORE you shred the instructions?!

No, Lachlan, I'm afraid screwdrivers really don't taste very nice. And stop looking at me like it's MY fault! Please note, ref the cardboard, that we differentiate between "food" and "hand tools" here too.

Four what-kinda-screws? I don't see anything in any of these bags that looks like ... ohhhh, there they are hiding from me! Wait ... I only see three. Should I worry that there's only three? Check the other bags. Nope, just three. The instructions clearly said ... oh wait, duh, reading comprehension for the win.

Do what now? Huh. Okay, one of you guys hurry up and grow opposable thumbs.

Awww, thank you Lachlan. Yes, big puppy hugs help!

Okay, you'd think that if the instructions say "do this before you assemble that" they might have foregone pre-assembly of THAT, don't'cha?

Dagnabit, Lachlan, remember our discussion about the cardboard? And no, "but Pixel was in it" is not a valid excuse.

Okay guys, that's enough, this is NOT a team sport.

Lachlan, knock that off! Incidentally, I called the vet earlier this morning and scheduled your neutering appointment.

Okay, which side is "right side up", then? The diagram doesn't look anything LIKE this!

Again with the cardboard? Here, you get a cracker and I get the cardboard, mmkay?

Hey, this looks pretty good. I think we're making progress! Unfortunately, the next step is to drag it outside and test it but the wind's whipping up and it's pouring down rain out there. That's enough for one day, I think. Where'd mommy leave that bottle of wine, guys?

Epilogue: Woo-hoo, I routed something! And won't the guys at work be impressed that I still have all my fingers attached! 

It's okay boys, you can come out from under the sofa now.

[Lynne of Fountain Falls]

Wow, when you buy a router you go all out.  Mine fits in a nice plastic case.  I love power tools.  Saws, drills, router and my favorite is my easy start Stihl chain saw.  The pictures of your doodle and Pixel are wonderful.  What ever project I'm doing, they are right in the middle of it.  I'm building a chicken coup with my husband and couldnt find where I put down the hammer.  I found it around the corner with some nice new chew marks on the handle.  Cant wait to see what you rout next!

 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

LOL!! Great blog!! Love all the help you got with the assembly process! The pictures say it all!!! 

 Hey and I'm SO impressed with your assembling and routing skills!! WTG!!!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

REALLY enjoyed reading this. I am sure the guys at work were very impressed.   Keep up the good work!

[Pat and Traveler]

Impressive!!  Love the blog--all so true.  Instructions never start at the right level, like 'remember, this is what a bolt looks like.'  Every part should have a label!  The helpful animal pictures are hilarious.  That Pixel is really into the whole project.  And in the end...you routed something!  Congratulations!!

[Jen, Lachlan, and Declan]

@Karen, so did I a few weeks ago, LOL! This all started with the question "so how does one join pieces of wood together and make it look good, then? Oh, what's a router? Hey cool, could I learn to do that?"

@Donna, sadly I'm still afraid of power tools ... but I love learning new stuff and figure I can probably learn this with a minimum of finger loss. *grin* The table saw, however, still terrifies me!

@Barbara and Nina ... yayyyy for power tool chicks! I'm learning to love toys that go vrooom!

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

Yeah... another power tool chick :)  I love my power tools, my doodles do the exact same thing when I open up something new  - they are soooo nosey!

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

OMD! I have the power tool gene too... And I am so envious. I would gladly share my compound miter saw with you if we lived closer. Love the pics and running narrative too!

[Carol and Banjo]

Whoa.....THAT is an awesome set up!!!    LOL @ Karen.....yes Karen....you're correct....But THIS router won't help you connect to DK!

[Donna K & Quincy]

The fact that you were able to assemble this with all that help in remarkable. The fact that you are not afraid of power tools also remarkable. When people ask me what I would be if I had to choose a different career, I always answer carpenter. I think I have a little router envy. The pictures are funny, especially the one of Pixel groping for the screwdriver.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Whoa!  I love power tools too!  But this is spectacular!  Congratulations.  LOVE LOVE LOVE THAT KITTY TOO!