Grizzly G8030 instruction manual Pattern Routing, Centerline

Figure 22. Location of guide pin height lock.

Pattern Routing

!
	Make sure that your
	hands and fingers are
	not in the path of the
	router bit before acti-
	vating the foot pedal.
	Failure to do so could
	result in serious per-
	sonal injury.

The overarm pin router truly excels in the area of pattern routing. The basic set-up consists of a guide pin and router bit that have the same diam- eter. The guide pin is mounted in the table direct- ly below the position of the installed router bit. When used in conjunction with a pattern mounted to the underside of the workpiece, the operator is able to guide the pattern along the pin while trans- ferring the exact routing path to the top of the workpiece.

This operation can be used to rout consistent grooves in the tops of workpieces; however, it can also be used to cut consistent shapes completely out of workpieces. It is also helpful when many pieces of the exact same profile are required, or when making even one cutting operation where absolute precision is required on the initial attempt. It only takes one mistake to ruin expen- sive lumber or a time consuming assembly.

G8030 3 H.P. Overarm Router

The key to successful pattern routing is having good patterns to follow. The time you spend mak- ing accurate patterns will save a lot of time during production runs, as well as reducing the amount of wasted lumber from mis-cuts. Take the time to follow our pattern making directions and you will be on your way to very efficient routing opera- tions. For this example, we will be making a “smi- ley” face.

X

Centerline

Figure 23. “X” equals the diameter of the router

bit.

1.Draw out the full scale pattern on a piece of paper. A computer aided drawing program can be helpful here, but it is not necessary. Be sure that the pattern drawing takes into account the area that will be cut away during the routing operation. It is best to draw a line that represents the centerline, then draw two more lines on each side of the centerline, rep- resenting the actual width of the routed line. For example, we are using a 1⁄4" bit, so we need to measure 1⁄8" off of either side of the centerline to account for the full width of the routed line as shown in Figure 23.

2.Using spray adhesive, glue the paper pattern to a piece of 1⁄8" to 1⁄4" birch plywood.

3.Using a jig saw or scroll saw, cut out the area that represents the full width of the routed area. Use a drill to make saw starts that are located on the inner part of the pattern. A 1⁄4" diameter drill bit can also be used to make the rounded holes and ends of lines.

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