BASIC OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
1) EDGING AND PROFILING
One of the most common operations undertaken using a router is Edging or Profiling, i.e. running a shaped cutter along the edge of the workpiece. In many instances this is for decorative purposes but it can also be to make a joint or fitting such as a raised panel.
Using a router table for this type of work vastly reduces the setting up time required and does away with many awkward clamping devices. Router table users soon find that having both hands free to control the workpiece, rather than holding a machine, makes the task far more comfortable and generally a lot safer.
CHOOSE THE INSERT RING:- The router table is sup- plied with an insert plate and two transparent insert rings to give a range of cutter apertures. Always choose the smallest possible aperture for safety. For example when working with a cutter of 38mm diameter, use the outer transparent ring which gives an aperture of 42mm.
Fig. 11
SET THE CUTTER HEIGHT:- First fit a suitable cutter after making sure the router is unplugged. It is often eas- ier to do this by unscrewing the insert plate from the table and lifting the router out of the table. Draw a profile of the required cut onto the edge of the workpiece and adjust the cutter height to match. Adjusting the cutter height is made much easier if a fine height adjuster is fitted to the router. With many models this now comes as standard, but on others it is available as an accessory produced by the router manufacturer. Having set the cutter height fit the router back into the table and secure with the four screws.
SET THE FENCE:- The next step is to set the fence in a position to give the desired width of cut. Use the profile drawn on the end of the workpiece to set the fence and lock into position. There is a scale printed onto the table to assist in rapid fence setting. When using a cutter fitted with a guide bearing the fence should be set in line or just in front of the edge of the bearing so that the work- piece runs on the face of the bearing. The distance
between the two wooden fence faces can be adjusted by undoing the knobs and sliding the clamp assembly and fence along. The fence faces should be set so that the edges just clear the cutter. This provides the maxi- mum amount of support to the workpiece during the cut.
Fig. 12
SET THE CLAMPS:- Adjust the Finger Pressure so that the distance between the ends of the fingers and the fence is between 2 to 5mm less than the width of the workpiece. This will hold the workpiece securely against the fence and prevent
Please Note: Some workpieces may be too big to fit inside either the Top Clamps or the Finger Pressure, i.e. larger than 70 x 80mm. Simply remove the clamp/finger pressure from the table. The function of the clamps is twofold; to hold the workpiece securely against the cut- ter, whilst keeping the hands well away from it. When using larger workpieces the increased weight will help to keep it against the cutter and the danger of hands being too near the cutter is greatly reduced.
SET THE CUTTER GUARD:- Adjust the transparent guard so that it just clears the work piece and will deflect any chips or dust which are thrown towards the opera- tor. If possible connect a vacuum cleaner or dust extrac- tor to the dust chute before commencing the cut.
Make a cut with a waste piece of wood before using the workpiece. Mistakes cannot usually be rectified after- wards.
THE GOLDEN RULES;
ALWAYS KEEP HANDS WELL
AWAY FROM THE CUTTER
ALWAYS USE A PUSH STICK
WITH SMALL WORKPIECES
ALWAYS FEED FROM RIGHT
TO LEFT ONLY
