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Model W1821 (For Machines Mfg. Since 3/10)
OPERATIONS
Irregular or freehand routing, as illustrated in Figure 24,
takes a high degree of skill and dexterity and is done
without the protection and aid from the fence and guard.
The most dangerous part of free-hand routing is beginning
the cut, where the cutter first contacts the workpiece.
Often the workpiece will tend to jerk or kickback,
presenting an injury hazard to the operator.
To reduce this tendency, use a starting pin or block (see
Figures 24–25). This will allow you to anchor and slowly
pivot the workpiece into the cutter as the cut is started,
making the operation more stable and safe.
With the fence assembly removed, you MUST use a router
bit with a rub collar to guide the workpiece through the
cut and limit the depth-of-cut. Also, use a jig or fixture to
hold the workpiece so that your hands can be kept at a
safe distance from the router bit while cutting.
If you are unfamiliar with free-hand routing or shaping,
get assistance from an experienced woodworker, read
books on routing and shaping, and start with a simple
project.
Workpiece
Feed Direction
Swing
Starting Pin
Rub
Collar
R
o
t
a
t
i
o
n
Figure 24. Using a starting pin for
freehand routing (custom guard not shown
for clarity).
Free-hand or irregular routing greatly
increases the chance that the operator
may lose control of the workpiece,
which could result in serious personal
injury. Therefore, a starting pin or
block and a custom guard or workpiece
holding jig MUST be used.
Free-Hand Routing
ALWAYS use an auxiliary jig and extreme care when
free-hand routing that requires removal of the fence.
Routing without the fence and the attached guard
greatly increases the risk of accidental contact with
the spinning cutter, causing serious personal injury.
Figure 25. Example of using a jig with a
starting block.
To free-hand route, do these steps:
1. DISCONNECT ROUTER FROM POWER!
2. Fabricate a jig to use with the workpiece that will
match the finish shape desired, then attach it to the
workpiece (see Figure 25 for an example).
Note: Make sure any fasteners used will not make
contact with the router bit during the cutting
operation. Glue can be used as an alternative.