Fixed Depth Using the Turret Latch, Plunge Routing

Fixed Depth Using the Turret Latch

The turret latch can be used during fixed depth routing to provide an easy means for making small incremental changes in routing depth. An example of this is for inlaying a component or other piece of wood into a substrate wood, where the inlay needs to be perfectly flush with the substrate surface. The depth of the cut can be finely adjusted and the component test-fitted between passes (refer to the example on page 16).

Plunge Routing

Plunge routing is any operation where the router is lowered down into the cutting area after the router has been started. Most often this involves router bits that do not have a guide bearing, but can also be used for interior cutting (such as the circular cut shown on page 12).

1.Verify that the router bit is properly secured and the router is ready for operation.

2.Secure the workpiece to a stable surface.

3.Set the router speed according to the speed settings table on page 7.

4.With the router turned off, place the router on the workpiece.

5.Firmly grasp both handles of the router and pull in on the power trigger switch.

6.Lower the router to the desired depth, tighten the plunge lock knob, and advance the router through the cut.

Note: Failure to tighten the plunge lock knob may result in the router depth rising unexpectedly.

►For router bits with guide bearings, advance the router through the

cut according to the feed direction rules discussed on page 12.

►When using router bits without a guide bearing, or with an external guide rail, follow the tips in "plough cuts" below to keep the router tracking properly.

Plough Cuts

When making plough cuts, as shown to the right, three sides of the router bit are engaging the workpiece. This can lead to undesired changes in the path of the router.

►One side of the router bit is climb-cutting, and this tends to propel the router forward.

►One side of the router bit is push-cutting, and this tends to slow the feed rate.

►The leading edge of the router bit pushes the router sideways, opposite the rotation of the bit.

The opposing climb-cutting and push-cutting sides of the cut tend to cancel each other out, but may cause the router to advance with a jerking motion.

To avoid drift from the leading edge of the router bit, position the guide on the push-cutting side of the router (toward the middle in the image to the right).

Supplemental User’s Manual