Which tool is commonly used to create edges or designs on wooden surfaces?

The router is specifically designed for shaping wood, creating decorative edges, or hollowing out areas on the surface. It uses a rotating bit to cut and carve, allowing for precision in creating intricate designs or edges, such as coves, beads, and various profiles. Its versatility makes it ideal for both decorative woodworking and functional projects where unique edges are desired.

A chisel is primarily used for carving, whittling, or removing small amounts of material from wood, which does not provide the same depth and profile capabilities as a router for creating distinct edge designs. A saw is intended for cutting wood to specific sizes and shapes rather than detailing or embellishing surfaces. A planer, on the other hand, functions to smooth and flatten surfaces, but it does not create decorative edges or designs in the way that a router does.