Routing by Freehand

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.

See Figure 14.

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

routing letters and engraving objects. Straight bits andFig. 14 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 hazardous 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.