Portable Router

Safety

 * Lockout:
 * Place in locked box when not in use
 * Never leave tool plugged in
 * Never leave tool on the floor
 * PPE:
 * Eye protection required
 * Ear protection required
 * Dust mask recommended
 * Before use:
 * Ensure your material is securely clamped/fastened down
 * Ensure switched off before plugging in
 * Ensure the bit is at least 1/2" in the chuck
 * Ensure 1/2" shank bits only
 * Ensure the depth is not set too deep
 * During use:
 * Always follow correct routing direction
 * The material MUST be fed in a direction against the rotation of the bit
 * If the material is fed in the direction of the bit, the bit will shoot the material quickly in the direction of the rotation
 * Shave off a little bit of material each time and make several shallow passes
 * Deep passes increase the chance of kickback and blowout on the wood

Usage

 * Bits:
 * To change the bit, turn the spindle and hold down the lock button located near the top of the spindle until it locks
 * Use a wrench to loosen the nut on the spindle until the bit can be removed
 * Place a new bit in the spindle and re-tighten the nut
 * Bits with a small circular bearing on the end of them are intended to be used along the edges of material. They will allow for a consistent cut to be applied all the way across a straight edge.
 * Bits without this bearing are not edge dependent and can make grooves in the middle of material. RouterDirection.jpg
 * Routing:
 * First, set the depth of the bit
 * This is done with the lever arm on the router. Move the arm to unlock the depth adjustment, move the router to the desired depth and reset the lever
 * Always set a shallow depth and make several passes, increasing the depth each time
 * Take a minute to double check the direction of bit rotation. Ensure you are feeding the material from the opposite direction to the rotation
 * Turn on the router and make steady pace passes over the bit. Too fast is dangerous, and too slow will cause burning on the surface of your material
 * Keep a good pace and aim to keep it as consistent as you can through the whole cut

Further Information

 * Current: Mastercraft Plunge Router (054-6902-0)
 * Manual: link
 * Video Tutorial: link