Router

ROUTER

What this tool is primarily used for:

The Router is generally used for shaping the surfaces and edges of material, and for joinery. Different edge shapes can be made such as coves, grooves Roman ogees, or rabbets by using different types of cutting bits

ALWAYS USE APPROPRIATE PPE WHEN USING THIS MACHINE

SAFETY FOR THIS MACHINE:

DO NOT operate while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication
SECURE any loose fitting jewelry or clothing, tie back long hair - they can get caught in moving parts
DO NOT modify machine to cut without the safety devices. Guard should be used at all times
UNPLUG tool when you need to change the bit or adjust the bit depth in the collet
ALWAYS HOLD ROUTER by the handles when in use
DO NOT USE this too to cut into metal unless you have the proper bit (see Studio Technician)
DO NOT TOUCH the bit immediately after use, IT WILL BE VERY HOT
BE SURE that the router motor has stopped completely before you lay the router down. This is not a plunge router, so the bit will always project below the base of the router
PLACE THE ROUTER on its side when you are done cutting
DO NOT START cutting with the router bit in contact with material
REFER to instruction manual for further information (see Studio Technician)

Personal Protection Equipment while working with the Router
Head/Face or Eye	Clothing	Hands	Feet	Ears	Respirator
REQUIRED clear face shield or safety glasses	REQUIRED long sleeves rolled up RECOMMENDED long pants	none needed	REQUIRED shoes or boots	RECOMMENDED ear plugs or ear muffs	RECOMMENDED N95
	do not wear clothing that may get caught in moving parts, such as neck ties or dangling jewelry	do not wear gloves as they can get caught in moving parts	NO open toed shoes or slip-on- types in the woodshop	generates loud noise when cutting	recommended if generating large amounts of dust

Speed Selection Chart
blank		Electronic Control Setting (variable speed dial)
Material	Cutter Diameter	Setting 1 8,000 rpm	Setting 2 12,000 rpm	Setting 3 14,000 rpm	Setting 4 18,000 rpm	Setting 5 21,000 rpm	Setting 6 24,000 rpm
Hardwoods	Small (1/2")	NR	NR	S	G	VG	G
	Medium (1/2" - 1 1/8")	NR	NR	S	VG	G	NR
	Large (over 1 1/8")	G	VG	S	NR	NR	NR
Softwoods	Small (1/2")	NR	NR	S	G	VG	VG
	Medium (1/2" - 1 1/8")	NR	S	G	VG	VG	VG
	Large (over 1 1/8")	G	VG	S	NR	NR	NR
Plastic- Laminated chipboard	Small (1/2")	NR	NR	S	G	VG	VG
	Medium (1/2" - 1 1/8")	NR	S	G	VG	VG	VG
	Large (over 1 1/8")	S	VG	G	NR	NR	NR
Plastics/Solid Surfaces	Small (1/2")	NR	S	G	G	VG	VG
	Medium (1/2" - 1 1/8")	NR	S	VG	VG	G	G
	Large (over 1 1/8")	G	VG	S	NR	NR	NR
Key:	NR: Not Recommended		S: Satisfactory		G: Good	VG: Very Good

OTHER THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN USING THIS MACHINE:

Never tighten the collet without first installing a router bit
When installing a bit, insert the shank into the loosened collet as far as it will go, then pull it out about 1/16", and then tighten the collet nut
Direction of Feed:
- The direction of feed is very important when routing and can make the difference between a clean cut and a ruined project. A general rule is to move the router in a counterclockwise direction on a outside cut and a clockwise direction on an inside cut
- Shape the outside edge of material by following these steps:
  - Shape the end grain, left to right
  - Shape the straight grain side moving left to right
  - Cut the other end grain side
  - Finish the remaining straight grain edge

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Last modified May 23, 2007