Ryobi Ultimate Guide to Operating the R181FB Router for Precision Freehand Routing
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OPERATION

When routing a groove wider than the diameter of the cutter, clamp a straightedge on both sides of the cutlines. Position both guides parallel to the desired line of cut and spaced equal distances from the desired edges of the groove. Rout along one guide; then, reverse direction and rout along the other guide. Clean out any remaining waste in the center of the groove freehand.

ROUTING BY FREEHAND

See Figure 21.

When used freehand, your router becomes a flexible and versatile tool. This flexibility makes it possible to easily rout signs, relief sculptures, etc.

There are two basic techniques for freehand routing: ■ Routing letters, grooves, and patterns into wood.

■ Routing out the background, leaving the letters or pattern raised above the surface.

When freehand routing, we suggest the following: ■ Draw or layout the pattern on workpiece.

■ Choose the appropriate cutter.

NOTE: A core box or V-groove bit is often used for

Fig. 21

routing letters and engraving objects. Straight bits and

 

ball mills are often used to make relief carvings.

 

Veining bits are used to carve small, intricate details.

 

■ Rout the pattern in two or more passes. Make the first

 

pass at 25% of the desired depth of cut. This will

 

provide better control as well as being a guide for the

 

next pass.

 

NOTE: Do not rout deeper than 1/8 in. per pass.

 

WARNING:

Do not use large router bits for freehand routing. Use of large router bits when freehand routing could cause loss of control or create other hazard- ous conditions that could cause possible serious personal injury. When using a router table, large router bits should be used for edging only. Do not use router bits that are larger in diameter than the opening in router subbase for any purpose.

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Contents Operators Manual Save this Manual for Future ReferenceTable of Contents IntroductionGeneral Safety Rules Work AreaSpecific Safety Rules ServiceSymbols Symbol Name DESIGNATION/EXPLANATIONElectrical Connection ElectricalDouble Insulation Extension CordsFeatures Locking ARM Depth Adjustment Ring Gold SpindleUnpacking Lock ButtonOperating the Router OperationTurning the Router ON/OFF See FigureDepth Adjustment Ring Indicator Arrow Removing and Installing the Router BaseTo Install the Plunge Base To Remove the Fixed or D-HANDLE BaseSee Figures 6 To Switch from Plunge Base to Fixed Base or D-HANDLE BaseTo Install the Fixed or D-HANDLE Base To Remove the Plunge BaseTo insert the cutter REMOVING/INSERTING CuttersTo remove the cutter Loosen Tighten Spindle Lock ButtonDepth Indicator Ring Adjustment Arrow Adjusting Depth of CUTTo Adjust Depth of CUT for Fixed Base or D- Base Routers Indicator PointTo Adjust Depth of CUT for Plunge Base Routers Plunge Lock Lever Cutter Stop BAR Knob Depth IndicatorSee Figures 11, 12, Feeding the Router TOO Fast TOO Slow Rate of FeedFeeding Too Fast See Figure Feeding Too Slow See FigureDetermining Depth of CUT RoutingRouting Grooves Routing by Freehand Edging with Pilots Router Pilot WorkRouter Work Pilot Guide Routing with the Guide Bushing To Install the Template Guide BushingRouter Template Guide Bushing KIT See Figures 23To Install the Straight Guide Straight GuideSee Figures 25 Maintenance AccessoriesPage Service Model NO. and Serial no
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