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18
OPERATION
When routing a groove wider than the diameter of the
cutter, clamp a straightedge on both sides of the cutlines.
Position both guides parallel to the desired line of cut and
spaced equal distances from the desired edges of the
groove. Rout along one guide; then, reverse direction and
rout along the other guide. Clean out any remaining waste
in the center of the groove freehand.
ROUTING BY FREEHAND
See Figure 21.
When used freehand, your router becomes a flexible and
versatile tool. This flexibility makes it possible to easily
rout signs, relief sculptures, etc.
There are two basic techniques for freehand routing:
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■ Routing letters, grooves, and patterns into wood.
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■ Routing out the background, leaving the letters or
pattern raised above the surface.
When freehand routing, we suggest the following:
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■ Draw or layout the pattern on workpiece.
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■ Choose the appropriate cutter.
NOTE: A core box or V-groove bit is often used for
routing letters and engraving objects. Straight bits and
ball mills are often used to make relief carvings.
Veining bits are used to carve small, intricate details.
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■ Rout the pattern in two or more passes. Make the first
pass at 25% of the desired depth of cut. This will
provide better control as well as being a guide for the
next pass.
NOTE: Do not rout deeper than 1/8 in. per pass.
WARNING:
Do not use large router bits for freehand routing.
Use of large router bits when freehand routing
could cause loss of control or create other hazard-
ous conditions that could cause possible serious
personal injury. When using a router table, large
router bits should be used for edging only. Do not
use router bits that are larger in diameter than the
opening in router subbase for any purpose.
Fig. 21