To create a joint, contact cement should be applied to the core material and the plastic laminate, and one piece of laminate should be fastened to the core with the other overlapping it by about 3/4". The fixed piece must have a clean, straight edge as it will serve as a guide for the underscribe base to follow. The over- lapping sheet of laminate will then pass over the aluminum plate and be cut to the proper length by the router bit. (See Figure 14). This

Fig. 14

accurate system makes it a perfect tool for joining laminate on stile and rail constructions, circular or curved edges, and many other sur- faces. Because the cutter will generate chips, it is necessary to keep the laminate pressed down tightly near the seam to keep these chips from getting into the joint—this is especially impor- tant on larger pieces of material. It is also necessary to keep steady pressure on the tool so that the guiding edge of the base remains in contact with the fixed piece of laminate through- out the operation. (See Figure 15). This is especially important at the beginning and end of a cut.

Fig. 15

An eccentric adjuster is fitted to the aluminum plate and if necessary, can be adjusted with the pin wrench provided, after loosening the two screws which mount the aluminum plate. To make the joint tighter, turn the eccentric clock- wise. For a looser joint, turn the eccentric counterclockwise, as viewed from under the base (see Figure 16). It is advisable to make some test cuts on scrap material to determine if adjustment is required before beginning work, and to be certain that the screws are re-tight- ened after adjusting the eccentric. Once this is done, no further adjustment should be required.

Fig. 16

Note that the base receives a preliminary ad- justment at the factory, but will generally need to be "fine tuned" by the user to produce a perfect seam.

Offset Trimmer

Model 1609A

Offset trimmer 1609A is primarily used for trimming laminate in confined areas such as backsplashes, corners, or other locations inac- cessible to the standard trim bases (see Fig 17). Piloted bits may be used, or the laminate trim guides may be fitted for use with unpiloted bits. Note that the offset base is designed for these specialized laminate trimming applica- tions, and is not suitable for heavy stock re- moval or continuous service.

Using Self-Piloted Bits

Self-piloted bits have an integral round tip or ball bearing which rides against the work sur- face above or below the cutters to control horizontal cutting depth. When using these bits, the trim guide is not required, and it is only necessary to adjust the cutting depth to allow the pilot to ride on the work surface. When guiding against a laminated surface, use wax or other lubricant and do not apply excess pressure or the piloted end may mar the work. Bearing pilots must be kept clean and free of adhesive or other residue. Router bit bearings are sealed and permanently lubricated, and should be replaced when they no longer turn freely to avoid damaging the work surface.

Templet Guides

Your Bosch trim router Model 1608 will ac- cept optional Bosch templet guides for pattern and other fixture work. To install a guide, remove the sub-base 7, insert the desired tem- plet guide into the sub-base recess, and rein- stall the sub-base. (Templet guide screws are not used - the sub-base holds the guide in place). See your Bosch dealer for templet guides and other accessories.

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Bosch Power Tools 1608LX instruction manual Offset Trimmer Model 1609A, Using Self-Piloted Bits, Templet Guides