Instructions:Router Table: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 19:18, 2024 July 31

Purpose[edit | edit source]

The router table has a table with a rotating tool pointing up through a hole in the table. It is used for cutting and shaping wood in many different ways:

Slots
Chamfered or filleted edges
Cutting complex joinery
Moulding

Safety[edit | edit source]

Do:

Use a fixture or sled wherever possible

Do not:

Feed with the rotation of the tool (left to right, when standing in front of the table)

Let hands come within 6” of the tool - use push blocks where required

Tool changes[edit | edit source]

Unplug the router and lower before changing tools.
Insert the collet wrenches against the collet nut. Keep the wrenches close together for ease of use.
Using one hand, squeeze the wrenches together to loosen the collet nut.
Install the tool, using an adapter if required. Ensure tool is fully inserted.
Replace the collet and tool into the router.
Squeeze the wrenches together to tighten the nut.

Operation[edit | edit source]

Check that the correct throat plate is installed (use the smallest possible plate to minimize gaps between tool and table)
Select the appropriate speed range:
1. Large tools (above ¾”) = SLOW
2. Small tools (¾” or below) = FAST
Ensure the fence is in position and locked.
Set the tool height as required. Rule of thumb: depth of cut = 1/2x tool diameter

Shutdown and Housekeeping[edit | edit source]

Remove all workpieces, tools, and fixtures
Store collet adapter on the rack with wrenches and crank handle
Store push blocks on the peg board
Store clamps on the wood room rack, wood room peg board, CNC room peg board, or tool room (small clamps only)
Wipe exterior with a brush (table, handles)
Remove dust collector hose and check for debris/clogs (replace when done)
Sweep floor around router table, small band saw

Tips and tricks:

To check if the bit is dull, run your fingernail along the edge. If it catches, the bit is sharp. If it slides along smoothly, the bit is dull and should be replaced.

General rule of thumb: the depth of cut should be half of the diameter of the tool. For example, a 1/4" tool would have a max depth of cut of 1/8". Deeper cuts can be done in multiple passes.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-Purpose
+===Purpose===
 The router table has a table with a rotating tool pointing up through a hole in the table. It is used for cutting and shaping wood in many different ways:
-Slots
-Chamfered or filleted edges
-Cutting complex joinery
-Moulding
-Safety
-Do:
-Use a fixture or sled wherever possible
-Do not:
+*Slots
-Feed with the rotation of the tool (left to right, when standing in front of the table; see below)
+*Chamfered or filleted edges
-Let hands come within 6” of the tool - use push blocks where required
+*Cutting complex joinery
+*Moulding
-Tool changes
+===Safety===
-Unplug the router and lower before changing tools.
+'''Do''':
-Insert the collet wrenches against the collet nut. Keep the wrenches close together for ease of use.
+*Use a fixture or sled wherever possible
-Using one hand, squeeze the wrenches together to loosen the collet nut.
-Install the tool, using an adapter if required. Ensure tool is fully inserted.
-Replace the collet and tool into the router.
-Squeeze the wrenches together to tighten the nut.
+'''Do not''':
+*Feed with the rotation of the tool (left to right, when standing in front of the table)
+*Let hands come within 6” of the tool - use push blocks where required
-Operation
-Check that the correct throat plate is installed (use the smallest possible plate to minimize gaps between tool and table)
-Select the appropriate speed range:
-Large tools (above ¾”) = SLOW
-Small tools (¾” or below) = FAST
-Ensure the fence is in position and locked.
-Set the tool height as required.
-Emergency stop
+===Tool changes===
-The router can be turned off by pressing the red off button.
+#Unplug the router and lower before changing tools.
-Shutdown and Housekeeping
+#Insert the collet wrenches against the collet nut. Keep the wrenches close together for ease of use.
-All workpieces, tools, and fixtures have been removed
+#Using one hand, squeeze the wrenches together to loosen the collet nut.
-Collet adapter is stored on the rack with wrenches and crank handle
+#Install the tool, using an adapter if required. Ensure tool is fully inserted.
-Push blocks are stored on the peg board
+#Replace the collet and tool into the router.
-Clamps are stored on the wood room rack, wood room peg board, CNC room peg board, or tool room (small clamps only)
+#Squeeze the wrenches together to tighten the nut.
-Exterior has been wiped down with a brush (table, handles)
-Dust collector hose has been removed and checked for debris/clogs
-Floor around router table, small band saw has been swept
+===Operation===
+#Check that the correct throat plate is installed (use the smallest possible plate to minimize gaps between tool and table)
+#Select the appropriate speed range:
+##Large tools (above ¾”) = SLOW
+##Small tools (¾” or below) = FAST
+#Ensure the fence is in position and locked.
+#Set the tool height as required. Rule of thumb: depth of cut = 1/2x tool diameter
+===Shutdown and Housekeeping===
+*Remove all workpieces, tools, and fixtures
+*Store collet adapter on the rack with wrenches and crank handle
+*Store push blocks on the peg board
+*Store clamps on the wood room rack, wood room peg board, CNC room peg board, or tool room (small clamps only)
+*Wipe exterior with a brush (table, handles)
+*Remove dust collector hose and check for debris/clogs (replace when done)
+*Sweep floor around router table, small band saw