-39-
Model W1763W (For Machines Mfd. Since 09/16)
O
PE
R
ATIO
NS
Featherboards
Featherboards work similarly to the hold-down provided
with the shaper in the way they hold stock tightly against
the fence and the table, while flexing with minor height
or width variations from stock as it passes through.
Because of the consistent pressure featherboards place on
the stock, cuts are more consistent, the risk of kickback
is greatly reduced, and the operator's hands do not need
to get near the cutter to maintain feeding pressure. If a
kickback does occur, featherboards will also slow down or
stop the workpiece.
A shop-made featherboard can be made to accommodate
sizes of stock that the included hold-down can't reach.
Figure.54
shows the dimensions of a basic featherboard.
The ultimate size is flexible and should be built around
the size of stock you are shaping. The fingers can be cut
with a bandsaw or table saw.
To install a featherboard, feed a piece of stock halfway
through the machine, then turn the machine
OFF
. Place
the featherboard against the stock so all the fingers touch
the edge of the stock, then clamp the featherboard to the
fence or table. For best results, place featherboards just
before and just after the cutter. An alternative mounting
method for tables is to rout a slot in the featherboard and
use T-slot mounting hardware to secure the featherboard
to the miter slot gauge (see
Figure
55).
Drill or rout
optional hole
for T-slot mounting
Cut fingers
1
/
8
"-
1
/
4
" thick
30°-45°
15"-18"
4"-6"
3
/
4
"
Wood
stock
4"-6"
Figure.54.
Basic featherboard
construction.
119
Figure.55.
Featherboard attached to miter
slot.
Workpiece
Featherboard
Miter Gauge
Slot