Bosch Power Tools 16186 Feeding the Router, Start Here, BIT Direction Router Feed, Rate of Feed

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FEEDING THE ROUTER

As seen from the top of the router, the bit turns clockwise and the cutting edges face accordingly. Therefore, the most efficient cut is made by feeding the router so that the bit turns into the work, not away. Figure 14 shows proper feed for various cuts. How fast you feed depends on the hardness of the material and the size of the cut. For some materials, it is best to make several cuts of increasing depth.

FIG. 14

START

HERE

WORK

BIT

DIRECTION OF

ROUTER FEED

If the router is hard to control, heats up, runs very slowly or leaves an imperfect cut, consider these causes:

1.Wrong direction of feed — hard to control.

2.Feeding too fast — overloads motor.

3.Dull bit — overloads motor.

4.Cut is too large for one pass — overloads motor.

5.Feeding too slow — leaves friction burns on work.

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 chuck 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.

GUIDING THE ROUTER

The router can be guided through the work in any of several ways. The method you use depends, of course, on the demands of the particular job and on convenience.

For routing operations such as grooving or dadoing, it is often necessary to guide the tool in a line parallel to a straight edge. One method of obtaining a straight cut is to securely clamp a board or other straightedge to the work surface, and guide the edge of the router sub-base along this path (Fig. 15).

FIG. 15

FEED

DIRECTION

BOARD GUIDE

SECURELY CLAMP

BOARD GUIDE

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