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Router Table
Basics
Router tables are good for two main
things: Cutting edges, and cutting grooves.
The type of cut you’ll use on an edge
depends on your project, but some of the edge cuts you can do on
a router table include: A rabbet, a shape (like a roundover or ogee), or
a smooth edge (which can come in handy when edge-gluing).
Grooves
are cuts in from the edge of a board, and have different shapes
depending on their purpose.
Basic Information:
You’ll need to follow the
manufacturer’s instructions when setting up your router and table. Most
tables are designed for use with fixed-base routers, rather than
plunge routers. There’s a link at the bottom of this page with
more information about these differences.
Also note that the infeed and outflow
sides of the fence (before and after the bit) can move independently.
There’s a reason for this and the explanation is in the next section.
Here are a few tips that may not be in
your instructions:
1)
Make sure to get
piloted router bits for shaping edge cuts (like roundovers and
ogees). These bits have bearings that run along the edge of the board as
they cut in the shape. This is another point of support – in addition to
your fences – that yields a more accurate cut. Plus, they’re vital
if you’ll be using your router off the table.
2)
If you’re cutting a
small amount off an edge, be sure your outflow fence is set in from the
inflow fence by the amount of the cut. If you just thought “Huh?” then
here’s a wordier explanation: If you need to cut 1/16” off the edge of a
board, then the board will naturally be 1/16” narrower after the cut.
Move the fence after the blade over 1/16” so the board is resting
on the fence as you continue the cut.
(more to come)
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