MasterCraft 054-6908-8 Instruction Manual Download

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FIXED-BASE ROUTER - 054-6908-8

Edging with a pilot bit

(figs 13

and 13a)

Arbor-type bits with pilots are excellent for shaping
the edge of any workpiece that is either straight or
curved, if the curvature is at least as great as the
radius of the bit to be used.

The pilot prevents the bit from making an
excessively deep cut, and holding the pilot firmly in
contact with the edge of the workpiece throughout
the operation prevents the cut from becoming too
shallow.

Whenever the thickness of the workpiece and with
the desired cutting depth (as adjusted by router
depth setting) are such that only the top part of the
edge is to be shaped (leaving an uncut portion at
the bottom that is at least 1/16" thick), the pilot
can ride against the uncut portion, which serves to
guide it (fig 13).

If the workpiece is too thin, or if the bit is set too
low, such that there will be no uncut edge against
which to ride the pilot, an extra board must be placed under the workpiece to act as a guide (fig 13a). This
“guide” board must have exactly the same contour – straight or curved – as the edge of the workpiece.
If it is positioned so that its edge is flush with the edge of the workpiece, the bit will make a full cut (as
far in as the radius of the bit). If the guide is positioned as shown in fig 13a (out from the edge of the
workpiece), the bit will make less than a full cut, which will alter the shape of the finished edge.

NOTICE:

The size (diameter) of the pilot that is used determines the maximum width of the cut that can

be made with the pilot against the edge of the workpiece. A small pilot exposes the entire bit, while
a large pilot reduces this amount by 1/16". Any pilot cutter bit can be used without a pilot for edge
shaping with guides.

WARNING!

Always clamp the workpiece securely and keep a firm grip on the router base with

both

hands

at all times. Failure to do so could result in loss of control, causing possible serious

personal injury.

Freehand routing with the fixed
base

(fig 12)

WARNING!

Do not use large cutter bits for
freehand routing. The use of large
cutter bits when freehand routing

could cause loss of control or create other
hazardous conditions that could result in personal
injury. When using a router table, large bits should
be used for edging only.

When used freehand, the router becomes a flexible and versatile tool. This flexibility makes it possible
to easily rout signs, relief sculptures, etc.

WHEN FREEHAND ROUTING:

1. Draw or lay out the pattern on the workpiece.

2. Choose the appropriate bit.

3. Rout the pattern in two or more passes. Do not exceed 1/8" cutting depth in a single pass. This will

help provide better control, and will serve as a guide on subsequent passes.

NOTICE:

A core box or V-groove bit is often used for routing letters and engraving objects. Straight

bits and ball mills are often used to make relief carvings. Veining bits are used to carve small, intricate
details.

NOTICE: Making a single deep cut is never advisable.

Smaller diameter bits are easily broken by

too much lateral thrust and torque. Larger bits will cause a rough cut, and will be difficult to guide and
control. For these reasons, DO NOT EXCEED 1/8" CUTTING DEPTH in a single pass.

WARNING!

Always clamp the workpiece securely and keep a firm grip on the router base with

both

hands

at all times. Failure to do so could result in loss of control, causing possible serious

personal injury.

OPERA

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OPERA

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UCTIONS