10.Press the release button to select the 1st or 2nd routing depth (Fig. 9).
NOTE: The adjustment of each routing depth should be checked with a trial cut and
When routing is complete, loosen the hand grip and return the router to the top position.
FIG. 9
Release button
Feeding the Router
If the router is hard to control, heats up, runs very slowly or leaves an imperfect cut, consider these causes:
•Wrong direction of feed – hard to con- trol.
•Feeding too fast – overloads motor.
•Dull bit – overloads motor.
•Cut too large for one pass – overloads motor.
•Feeding too slow – leaves friction burns on the workpiece.
Feed smoothly and steadily (do not force). You will soon learn how the router sounds and feels when it is working best.
Rate Of Feed
When routing or doing related work in wood and plastics, the best finishes will result if the depth of cut and feed rate are regulated to keep the motor operating at high speed. Feed the router at a moderate rate. Soft materials require a faster feed rate than hard materials.
The router may stall if improperly used or overloaded. Reduce the feed rate to prevent possible damage to the tool. Always be sure the collet nut is tightened securely before use. Always use router bits with the shortest cutting length necessary to produce the desired cut. This will minimize router bit run- out and chatter.
Edge Forming
When edge forming, always use piloted or bearing bits. The lower portion of a pilot tipped bit is a shaft with no cutting edges. Bearing guide bits have a ball bearing to pilot the bit.
The pilot slides along the edge of the work as the rotating blades make the cut, making decorative edges. The edge on which the
pilot slides should be perfectly smooth since any irregularities are transferred to the shaped surface.
When routing a workpiece that requires edge forming on the endgrain, always rout the endgrain edge before routing the edges that follow the grain. This minimizes the possibil- ity of damage from any blowout at the end of the endgrain.
Router Feed Direction
The router spindle turns in a clockwise direction when viewed from above. For best control and quality of cut, feed the tool into the workpiece in the direction that the bit will tend to pull itself into the wood. Incorrect feed direction will cause the bit to try and climb over the wood.
Feed the tool in direction shown here. If cut- ting around the edge of a square piece, move the tool in a counterclockwise direc- tion. If routing the inside surface as shown, move in a clockwise direction (Fig. 10).
NOTE: Feed direction is extremely important when using a pilot bit freehand on the edge of a workpiece.
Router Feed direction | FIG. 10 |
Rout
End
Grains
First
Work
Bit Rotation
6
