OPERATION
DETERMINING DEPTH OF CUT
See Figure 12.
As previously mentioned, the depth of cut is important because it affects the rate of feed that, in turn, affects the quality of the cut (and, also, the possibility of damage to your router motor and bit). A deep cut requires a slower feed than a shallow one, and a too deep cut will cause you to slow the feed so much that the bit is no longer cutting, it is scraping, instead.
Making a deep cut is never advisable. The smaller bits — especially those only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) in diameter — are easily broken off when subjected to too much side thrust. A large enough bit may not be broken, but if the
DEPTH OF CUT
1ST.
2ND.
PASS
WIDTH
OF CUT
1ST.
cut is too deep a rough cut will result — and it may be very difficult to guide and control the bit as desired. For these reasons, we recommend that you do not exceed 1/8 in. depth of cut in a single pass, regardless of the bit size or the softness or condition of the workpiece.
2ND. PASS PASS
PASS
To make deeper cuts it is therefore necessary to make as many successive passes as required, lowering the bit 1/8 in. for each new pass. In order to save time, do all the cutting necessary at one depth setting, before lowering the bit for the next pass. This will also assure a uniform depth when the final pass is completed.
ROUTING
Your router is a versatile tool and can be used for many different applications. You may rout grooves, carve designs using a template, carve designs by freehand, taper table and chair legs, mortise door jambs, or create joints.
ROUTING GROOVES
See Figure 13.
When routing across the face of boards, set router at desired depth of cut, place the edge of router base against workpiece, and turn on the router. Slowly feed the cutter into the workpiece along desired line of cut.
WARNING:
If desired depth of cut is greater than can be safely cut in one pass, make cuts in two or more passes.
When routing straight cuts across stock, clamp a straight edge to the workpiece to use as a guide. Position the straightedge parallel to the line of cut and offset the distance between the cutting edge of the cutter and the edge of the router base. Hold the router base against the straightedge and rout the groove.
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
16