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The first major power tool a woodworker buys is a table saw. That is usually followed by a wood router, power miter saw, drill press and joiner. Wood routers spin very sharp bits at high rates of speed. It isn't difficult to learn to operate a wood router, although it can be appear intimidating to a novice.
Steps
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Install the router bit that you want to use by loosening the collett. This is done by turning the collett nut counter-clockwise.
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Insert the desired bit and tighten the collett by turning the nut clockwise. Clamp on the base and loosen the slide of the router body to the depth you need. Then, reclamp the body in place.
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Turn the router on. Use a scrap piece of wood to check the depth of the bit.
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Use the fine adjustment to correct the height if necessary.
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Begin routing the wood, moving the router from right to left.
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Set the depth of a plunge base router by setting the depth stop on the router base. This allows the motor to plunge downward to the depth you desire for making the cut.
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Switch on the router. Push downward and move the router from right to left while holding down on the base. Let up when you have reached the end of your cut. The motor should move upward retracting the bit.
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Use a router table. These tables can be used with medium and larger sized plunge and fixed-base routers. They vary in size from stand-alone to bench-top.
- The router is mounted upside down on a special plate that fits into a hole cut into a table top. Otherwise, it operates the same. The advantage is that it makes more accurate cuts and expands the use of a router.
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Tips
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Cut in increments when routing a deep score. It is possible to overload the router and burn the wood. This action would also overheat the motor.Thanks
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The advantage of a plunge router base over the fixed-base router is that, when you are through with routing, the bit moves back up into the base. This allows you to immediately shut the router down.Thanks
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The method of depth adjustment differs with manufacturers. You should always follow instructions for your particular wood router.Thanks
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