What is the function of a router in woodworking?

A router's primary function in woodworking is to hollow out areas in hard materials and create decorative edges. This tool is versatile and typically used for shaping the edges of wood, making grooves, and cutting precise profiles. The router operates with various bits that can be swapped out to achieve different shapes and textures, allowing woodworkers to add intricate designs and details to their projects.

In contrast, while joining pieces of wood is essential in woodworking, this function is usually performed through methods like gluing or using joinery techniques rather than with a router. Measuring angles accurately is the role of tools like protractors or squares, and sanding surfaces is generally done with sanders or sandpaper specifically designed for smoothing wood. The router excels in creating features and details that enhance the overall appearance and functionality of wood pieces, underscoring its importance in the woodworking process.