Router Table

GeneralInstructions

Tools
Model
Room	Woodworking Room
Work envelope/max capacity
Link to manual
Related tools
Trainer(s)	Paolo Riva
Training Sessions	Woodworking Room Training
Knowledge keeper(s)
Training document(s)
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Safe Work Procedure
Consumables
Software	this machine has no software listed
Equipment type	tool

Woodworking Room Precautions apply

You will be working in the Woodworking Room . In order to keep safe from hazards created by you or other workers using any of the tools in this room, the following precautions apply in addition to any other precautions: Safety Hazards Dust Noise Fire (friction from tools, polymerizing oils) Projectile (materials or tools shattering, kicking back) Laceration (sharp tools or workpieces) Entanglement (spinning parts sucking user into equipment) PPE Hearing Protection Respiratory protection (minimum N95 mask; respirator preferred) Safety Glasses Safety shoes Tie back or remove loose hair, clothing, jewelry, etc. Precautions Do Read the Safe Work Procedure and obtain North Forge approval before using the equipment for the first time. Plan cuts carefully; use safety devices (push sticks, clamps, sleds, featherboards) where required. Maintain a calm but vigilant attitude. If you are stressed or in a hurry, it’s best not to use the equipment. Tie back long hair and jewelry; remove earbuds and hoodie cords. Check the workspace for slip and trip hazards. Ensure the equipment is in good condition (guards installed and working, blades are sharp and intact, no clogs in dust extraction hoses). Make sure others in the area are aware of what you're doing. Warn any bystanders if your work can affect them. Inspect the material for cracks, knots, or debris before starting - material can shatter or kick back if it is not stable. Stand outside of any kickback zones. Check the equipment for trapped debris when done, particularly trapped beside or under blades. Use a brush and/or vacuum to clean most of the dust before finishing with compressed air. Follow instructions in Oily Rags Bins Do not Use the equipment if you are tired, intoxicated, or otherwise impaired Rush Distract operators - if you need to get someone’s attention, stand to the side and wait until they notice you. Do not wave, shout, or touch the operator. Leave the equipment with equipment still running - note that hearing protection can prevent users from hearing when the blade is/is not running. Cut or sand metal due to risk of sparks and equipment/property damage. Dispose of oily rags in the general waste bins. Housekeeping Check the working area for slip and trip hazards (sawdust, oil, offcuts) before and after working Do not leave air hoses or extension cords laying across walkways where people can trip on them Check hoses for excess sawdust or other clogs Empty the dust collector if it is filled to more than halfway up the viewing window (~1 garbage bag worth of dust) Empty waste bins if they are more than 75% full Bag waste should be less than 6x6” Blunt any sharp corners that could puncture the bag Replace waste bags after emptying Firewood bins are only for untreated wood with no paints or stains Spread oily rags out to dry and dispose of them in the oily rags bin. Return all fab lab tools to their proper locations Remove all personal tools, materials, and equipment from the room Fire code prohibits storing material in the wood room Turn off the equipment and dust collector. Turn off the room exhaust if you are the last one in the room. Room exhaust is interlocked with equipment power; turning off the exhaust will turn off all equipment in the room!

edit these instructions at Instructions:Router Table

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:

• 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

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

Operation

1. Check that the correct throat plate is installed (use the smallest possible plate to minimize gaps between tool and table)
2. Select the appropriate speed range:
   1. Large tools (above ¾”) = SLOW
   2. Small tools (¾” or below) = FAST
3. Ensure the fence is in position and locked.
4. 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

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.