22
WARNING
Before operating your router follow all safety instructions in this manual.
Failure to do so could result in serious personal injury.
NOTICE: Choose the applicable cutting speed according the bit diameter and the material
being cut.
Bit
Size
Materials Hardness
0-1”
1.25-2”
2.25-2.5”
3-3.5”
Plastic
6
4
3
2
Softwood
6
4
2
1
Hardwood
5
3
2
1
Reduce the speed when using extra-large bits (cutting diameter of 1 inch or greater), or heavy
cutting bits. Changing the rate of feed can also improve the quality of the cut.
DIAL SETTING
RPM
APPLICATION
1
10,000
Non-ferrous metal, hardwoods, larger
diameter cutter bits
2
11500/13,000
3
14500/16,000
4
17500/19,000
Softwoods, plastics, countertops, smaller
diameter cutter bits
5
20500/22,000
6
23500/25,000
The speed charts above indicate the relationship between speed settings and the cutting
application. Exact settings are determined by operator experience and preference, and also
by recommendations made by manufacturers of cutter bits.
Placing the Router onto the Workpiece and Starting the Cut
WARNING
Before operating the router follow all safety instructions in this manual.
Failure to do so could result in serious personal injury.
NOTICE: Making test cuts is essential with most routing applications. A test cut will give a
feel for the set-up, the router’s speed, the depth of cut, and how the cutter bit reacts to the
workpiece.
Much of routing is a trial-and-error process of making various adjustments, followed by test
cuts. To avoid ruining good material, make your test cuts on scrap materials.
How you place your router onto a workpiece (starting the cut) with a fixed base depends on
the type of routing you are going to produce: edge routing or internal routing, as discussed on
the following pages.
For ease of operation and to maintain proper control, your router has two handles: one on
each side of the router base. When operating the router, always hold it firmly with both hands.
WARNING
Always be alert and watch what you are doing. Never operate the router
when you are fatigued.
