Router Table
Make: SawStop/Bora Portamate Motor
Model: RT-LFT 4-Post
Serial Number: 107015
Ace: Needed (Makerhub@georgefox.edu).
Location: Wood Shop
Description
A router table can be used to make custom moldings and make slots in workpieces. The router table is very versatile but can also be a very dangerous tool if not used properly. Used in conjunction with the proper jigs and templates, the router can accomplish a wide variety of tasks with relative ease. Holes and channels of varying depths and nearly limitless shapes can be cut. The router table can also use special bits to cut bevels and chamfers along the edges of a workpiece.
Introductory Video
Things you can do with a router table
Documentation
Terminology
Each bit is made for a different job. The wood shop has a wide assortment, although less common types may be unavailable. It should be noted that different bit sizes and profiles will operate better at different speeds. The amount of material that is being removed in each pass as well as the hardness of the wood should determine the speed the router is ran. You should not attempt to use any bits over 1" in diameter as these are designed for use in a router table and could create a dangerous situation.
Occasionally routing can leave burn marks on the work piece. This usually means that the bit in the router has become dull, let a shop supervisor know if a bit seems dull. Sometimes the burning is due to build up of resin and other gunk (a technical term) on the back of the blade insulating the bit and allowing for heat to build up, make sure to keep bits clean. A final possible cause of burning wood while routing is taking passes that are too slow or setting the router bit speed too high. A good rule of thumb for setting router bit speed is the larger the cutter the slower the speed. Set the spindle speed adjustment to around 20000 RPM when starting out and you can adjust as needed. If a specific cutter is marked with a recommended speed start with that.
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- Fixture - Tooling you make or buy, which assists in the usage of a tool and helps yield a higher quality product.
- Soft Start - Electronic circuit used to slow the start up speed of a motor or power tool.
Operation
The hand router is a versatile power tool and can accommodate 2 different cutter shank diameters. Both the 1/4" and 1/2" shank require their own specific collet. The collet is changed by unscrewing the collet clamping nut and removing the collet. The collet is located near the cutter so it tends to collect a large amount of wood dust. It's important to always clean out the collet and collet housing so the spring clamping action works properly. It's very important to have the proper amount of cutter shank engagement. A cutter shank that is not installed correctly could come loose or even damage the collet. You should have at least 3/4" engagement into the collet. The cutter should be inserted all the way into the collet then pulled out approximately 1/8". This will make sure the shank is not bottomed out.
If your material looks good, the next step is to set up the router itself. When setting up the router height,
After the router is set up you are ready to cut. Turn on the router and slowly feed the cutter into the material, making sure to keep your hands on the handles. Do not stop the cutter in one spot and let it sit as this will cause burning. Also make sure the router spindle has stopped spinning before taking your hands off the handles.
Demonstration
Demonstrate you can safely setup the hand router/tooling. You will need to chamfer or round over an edge of material. Remember to always unplug the router when changing tools or making adjustments to prevent an accidental turn on situation. The direction of travel is also important when making cuts to prevent tearing out corners and edges. Use router bits with bearings to help guide the cutter. Never attempt to free hand a cut without a guide for the router to follow as this can lead to the router running away out of control.
General Procedure
Edge Chamfer
1. The material you are cutting needs to be free from nails or foreign objects. The material should be at least 1/2" thick.
2. Make sure the material is secured. You can use clamps, double sided tape, or bench pucks. Material that is not secure will move and create a hazard.
3. Select the type of router bit you wish to use. Make sure the bit has a bearing guide.
4. Verify the router is unplugged and place the router upside down on the bench.
5. Select the 1/2" or 1/4" collet needed for the appropriate bit.
6. Install the router bit into the collet at least 3/4" Always make sure the collet is clean before inserting a bit to prevent poor clamping issue.
7. Firmly lock the tool down using the router wrench. The nut will squeeze the collet down onto the router bit shank. You will need to use the spindle nut wrench and the spindle lock button.
8. Position the router onto your material. Loosen the spindle depth lock. Adjust the height of cutter engagement as desired and lock the spindle depth lock.
9. Make sure the power switch is in the OFF position. Verify the router cutter is clear and place the router on its side. Proceed to plug in the router.
10. Only handle the router with both hands on the handles. Move the router onto your material. Make sure the cutter does NOT make contact.
11. Turn on the power switch and let the router get up to speed. Slowly feed the cutter into the material until the bearing makes contact with the material edge. Keep the guide plate flat on your material and slowly feed the router opposite the direction of the spinning cutter. If you travel in the wrong direction the cutter will try to pull the router along. If you travel too slow the wood will start to burn. Traveling too fast will produce a poor cut. Be careful to keep the router from tilting when traveling along the edge and especially while traveling around a corner.
12. Power off the router after making your cut. Let the spindle stop turning before moving the router away from the work piece.
13. Place the router on its side and unplug the router to prevent an accidental power on condition.
14. Remove the router bit by using the wrench and spindle lock button.
15. Reset the space.
Safety
- Be aware of the cutter location on a router at all times as it is fairly exposed.
- Keep all body parts away from the cutter and make sure the motor has stopped before removing your hands from the handles.
- Any equipment/tool that you don't handle safely is the most dangerous tool in the shop.
- Don't attempt to use any router bits exceeding 1" in diameter.
- Never attempt to use the router without the base.
Certification
Troubleshooting
If you notice burning or dark coloration on the material it could be caused by feeding the cutter at too slow of a rate. A dull cutter can also cause material burning.
Maintenance
General maintenance
- Make sure cutter bits are clean.
- Remove and clean the collets as needed.
- Make sure any adjustment screws are tight.
Specific Maintenance Tasks
| Maintenance Procedure | Frequency | Done By |
|---|---|---|
| Sample | Sample | Sample |