Free-Hand Routing

Model W1821 (For Machines Mfg. Since 3/10)

Irregular or freehand routing, as illustrated in Figure 24, takes a high degree of skill and dexterity and is done without the protection and aid from the fence and guard. The most dangerous part of free-hand routing is beginning the cut, where the cutter first contacts the workpiece. Often the workpiece will tend to jerk or kickback, presenting an injury hazard to the operator.

To reduce this tendency, use a starting pin or block (see Figures 24–25). This will allow you to anchor and slowly pivot the workpiece into the cutter as the cut is started, making the operation more stable and safe.

With the fence assembly removed, you MUST use a router bit with a rub collar to guide the workpiece through the cut and limit the depth-of-cut. Also, use a jig or fixture to hold the workpiece so that your hands can be kept at a safe distance from the router bit while cutting.

If you are unfamiliar with free-hand routing or shaping, get assistance from an experienced woodworker, read books on routing and shaping, and start with a simple project.

ALWAYS use an auxiliary jig and extreme care when free-hand routing that requires removal of the fence. Routing without the fence and the attached guard greatly increases the risk of accidental contact with the spinning cutter, causing serious personal injury.

To free-hand route, do these steps:

Free-hand or irregular routing greatly increases the chance that the operator may lose control of the workpiece, which could result in serious personal injury. Therefore, a starting pin or block and a custom guard or workpiece holding jig MUST be used.

					Swing
					Starting Pin
			at
		t		i
Rub	o				o
	o				n
	R				n
Collar	R
Collar
					Workpiece
					Feed Direction

Figure 24. Using a starting pin for

freehand routing (custom guard not shown

for clarity).

OPERATIONS

1.DISCONNECT ROUTER FROM POWER!

2.Fabricate a jig to use with the workpiece that will match the finish shape desired, then attach it to the workpiece (see Figure 25 for an example).

Note: Make sure any fasteners used will not make contact with the router bit during the cutting operation. Glue can be used as an alternative.

Figure 25. Example of using a jig with a

starting block.

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