MasterCraft 054-6988-6, Instruction Manual, Page: 19 / 30

headline bars
continuation tabs
notes
warnings
19
EDGING WITH A PILOT BIT
(figs 13 and 13a)
Arbor-type bits with pilots are excellent for edge
shaping any workpiece edge that is either straight, or
has a curve equal to or greater than 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 workpiece edge throughout prevents the cut from
becoming too shallow.
Top Edge Shaping
Whenever the workpiece thickness, together with
the desired depth of cut (as adjusted by router depth
setting) are such that only the top part of the edge is
to be shaped (leaving at least a 1/16" (1.6 mm) thick
uncut portion at the bottom), the pilot can ride against
the uncut portion, which serves to guide it (fig 13).
Whole Edge Shaping
If the workpiece is too thin, or if the bit is set so low
that there will be no uncut edge against which to ride the pilot, you will be shaping the whole edge of
the workpiece, and 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 workpiece
edge. If it is positioned so that its edge is flush with the workpiece edge, the bit will make a full cut
(cutting in as far as the bit radius). On the other hand, if the guide is positioned so that it extends
beyond the edge of the workpiece, the bit will make less than a full cut — which will alter the shape of
the finished edge.
OPERA
TING INSTRUCTIONS
NOTICE:
The size (diameter) of the pilot that is used determines the maximum width that can be cut with the pilot against the
workpiece edge. The small pilot exposes all of the bit; the large one reduces this amount by 1/16" (1.6 mm). Any of the piloted cutter
bits can be used without a pilot for edge shaping with guides.
fig 13
Spindle
lock
Motor housing
Spindle
Collet/nut
Fixed base
Cutter-bit
TOP EDGE SHAPING
Pilot
Workpiece
Top edge of
workpiece
fig 13a
Workpiece
Guide
board
Whole edge
of workpiece
WHOLE EDGE SHAPING
WARNING!
• Always securely clamp your workpiece 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. FPO