USING THE ROUTER
Periodically wipe columns clean with a dry cloth. DO NOT lubricate columns.
Before using your router, consider the kind and total
amount of material to be removed. Depending on the
material, more than one cut may be necessary to avoid
overloading the motor. Before beginning the cut on the
actual workpiece, make a sample cut on a piece of scrap
lumber to show exactly how the cut will look as well as
allowing the dimensions to be checked.
When through-cutting, be sure there is clearance under
workpiece for router bit.
Always be sure the work is rigidly clamped or otherwise
secured before making a cut.
Generally speaking, when working on a bench, use clamps to hold the
workpiece. When routing edges, hold the router firmly down and against the
work by both handles.
When working on the outside of a template, move router in
a counter-clockwise direction. Avoid “Climb-Cutting” (cutting in direction
opposite that shown in Fig. 20). “Climb-Cutting increases the chance for
loss of control resulting in possible personal injury. When “Climb-Cutting”
is required (backing around a corner), exercise extreme caution to maintain
control of the router. When working on the inside of a template, move router in
a clockwise direction.
The speed and depth of cut will depend largely on the type of workpiece. Keep
the cutting pressure constant, but do not crowd the router so that the motor
speed slows excessively. More than one pass
at various settings on hardwoods or problem
materials may be necessary to get the desired
depth of cut.
When making cuts on all four edges of the
workpiece, make the first cut on the end
of the piece across the grain. If chipping of
wood occurs at the end of a cut, it will be
removed when making the next cut parallel
with the grain
.
16
Fig. 20
