THE ROUTER
This machine can be used for various cutting and shaping operations. With a powerful motor driving a cutter at high speed, the Router produces a finished result that is precise and professional in appearance.
All routers operate in a similar way. An inter-changeable cutter is mounted on a spindle which is in turn directly driven by a motor
mounted overhead. The router usually has two handles with a witch on or close to one of the handles. The whole assembly sits
on a circular base through which the cutter can protrude by as much or as little as the operator chooses. The cutter is fed into the face of the work or guided along the edge of the work.
Routers have two spring-loaded columns which allow the circular motor and cutter assembly to be lowered or raised relative to the position of the circular base, allowing the cutter to be fed into the face of the work and effectively setting the depth of the cut for both face and edge work. Most routers have a shaft speed of between 22,000 and 27,000rpm.
All routers operate in a similar way. An inter-changeable cutter is mounted on a spindle which is in turn directly driven by a motor
mounted overhead. The router usually has two handles with a witch on or close to one of the handles. The whole assembly sits
on a circular base through which the cutter can protrude by as much or as little as the operator chooses. The cutter is fed into the face of the work or guided along the edge of the work.
Routers have two spring-loaded columns which allow the circular motor and cutter assembly to be lowered or raised relative to the position of the circular base, allowing the cutter to be fed into the face of the work and effectively setting the depth of the cut for both face and edge work. Most routers have a shaft speed of between 22,000 and 27,000rpm.
MAIN PARTS OF THE ROUTER
ROUTER BITS
SAFETY PROCEDURES
PLUNGE ROUTER
TABLE ROUTER
- Wear safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles).
- Routers operate at high speeds and torque. Ensure all parts are tight and bits are sharp. Keep a solid two-handed grip at all times and make sure your stance is solid.
- Routers turn clockwise. Always feed from left to right when making outside cuts. For inside cuts move from the right to the left.
The rule to remember is: Outside = Counterclockwise
Inside = Clockwise
(an easy way to remember this is to match up the two longer words – Outside and Counterclockwise, and the two shorter words – Inside and Clockwise) - Look listen and smell! You control the feed speed. If the motor is slowing down you are trying to cut too fast. If you smell burning, you are feeding too slowly and the router bit is burning your wood
- Ensure you are using proper depth of cut. Test cuts on scrap material. Make multiple passes for deep cuts.
- Never let go of the router until it has come to a complete stop
- Make sure material to be routed is clamped solidly to the work bench.
- When bits become worn or damaged, they should be repaired or replaced immediately. Excessive burning or tearout are signs of damaged and dull bits.
TABLE ROUTER
- Wear safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles).
- Routers operate at high speeds and torque. Ensure all parts are tight and bits are sharp. Keep a solid two-handed grip on your work at all times, and make sure your stance is solid.
- When possible, use a push stick and/or feather boards to ensure that your fingers are not able to come in contact with the router bit
- When using a router table with a fence, the work always moves from right to left.
- When routing all the edges of a board (or table top), start by routing across the grain.
- Look listen and smell! You control the feed speed. If the motor is slowing down you are trying to cut too fast. If you smell burning, you are feeding too slowly and the router bit is burning your wood.
- Ensure you are using proper depth of cut. Test cuts on scrap material. Make multiple passes for deep cuts.
- Never let go of your wood during a cut.
- When bits become worn or damaged, they should be repaired or replaced immediately. Excessive burning or tearout are signs of damaged and dull bits.
AT ALL TIMES – IF IN DOUBT, SEE YOUR INSTRUCTOR