T5
-16-
Freehand Routing with the Router
The T5 can also be used for signwriting or
creative freehand work without any form of
guide.
With practice, numbers or name plate designs
can be routed freehand. Draw the design or
motif on the workpiece and then rout the design,
taking shallow passes.
Batten Routing
Where a side-fence cannot be used, it is also
possible to guide the router along a batten
clamped across the workpiece (with an
overhang at both ends).
Guidance from a batten is similar to that
obtained from a side-fence. This method is
appropriate if the edge of the workpiece is not
straight or is not very smooth or simply the
guide rods of the side-fence are too short for
the job.
Use the straight edges of the router base and
calculate the distance required from the edge
of the batten to the cut required. Always
check that the clamps do not obstruct the
path of the router before starting the cut.
Standard technique is used, and
side pressure applied to ensure the
router does not wander from the
batten.
A V groove cutter
is ideal for
engraving designs
at shallow depths.
MANU-T5 v8.0 1/9/05 12:06 pm Page 16