What is the meaning of the furniture term Routing?

Answer:
Routing is a technique used in woodworking, metalworking, and other related fields, where decorative engraved lines are created using a portable revolving spindle called a router.

The router is a versatile tool that can be handheld or mounted to a table. It consists of a motor that rotates a cutting tool, usually a sharp-edged bit or a shaped cutter. By guiding the router along the materials surface, the user can create intricate patterns, shapes, or grooves.

To make decorative engraved lines, the router bit is set to a desired depth and the operator moves the tool along the material while maintaining a steady speed. This creates precise and consistent lines in the material, adding decorative elements to the workpiece.

Engraved lines made by routing can be used to enhance the aesthetics of furniture, cabinetry, doors, signs, and various other woodworking and metalworking projects. They can be straight, curved, or even follow complex designs by using templates or guides.

Routing can be done on various materials such as wood, plastic, metal, and composite materials. Different router bits can be used to achieve different effects, including chamfering, beading, fluting, and many others.

Routing with a portable revolving spindle opens up endless possibilities for creating decorative engraved lines, giving a unique and customized touch to finished products.

Decorative engraved lines made by a portable revolving spindle.
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