Router Table - How to Use

Want to know how to use a Router Table? Here are tips to get the most from your router table.

Table Saw Tools

You do not need a miter channel. Typically, you slide your work along the fence. If using a miter channel, then the fence must be square to the miter channel. Why go to that trouble?

Table Saw Tools

You can create a jig to glide along the Fence. This automatically aligns the wood to get a square cut. You can make adjustment in profile and depth of cut. A Router Lift makes this easy.

A quality Router Table fence eases dust collection. Use your Router Table and Fence for simplicity and ease!

You should never put your work between the fence and the router bit. That is just asking for trouble.

Typically, you slide the wood from right to left (when looking at the fence from the front). That is an anti-climb cut. You make nearly all cuts this way.

If very careful, you can go a short distance in the opposite direction. But you must hold on tight to avoid kickback and/or injury. This climb cut gives cleaner edges, but you should only attempt it after a lot of experience.

Only do less than 15% of your work this way. You should only use shallow or light cuts. Do NOT take big cuts. Only do it when you hands are protected and away from the router bit.

How to use a Router Table to center edge-to-edge joints:

Have you ever wondered how to center edge-to-edge joints? You use this technique for making solid tabletops, wide panels, or even make edging to go around your router table top.

Let's use an actual example of oak edging on a MDF Router Table Top. The top is 1 1/8" thick. The oak edging is 1 1/8" thick.

How do we ensure a centered edge?Decide on the tongue dimension. You have a 1/4" slot cutter. You want the tongue thickness less than two times the cut. Therefore, the tongue thickness is slightly less than 1/2". We use a 1/4" depth of cut for this example. We want a tongue that is less than 1/2" in thickness. Therefore, we know that the rabbet on the Table Top is slightly more than 5/16" on both sides of a 1 1/8" thick piece. Rabbet the top with a rabbet bit with a bearing to produce a 1/4" rabbet. You don't want to take a lot during your first pass. Therefore, the depth of cut is set for 1/8" for your first pass. Set the fence so it is even with the bearing of the rabbet bit. Cut both top and bottom of the top. Take your time and go all the way around. Make sure the workpiece is flat on the Router Table Top. Or use the router on top of the workpiece. Measure the thickness of the tongue. If it is larger than 1/2", then adjust the depth of cut. A router lift makes this easy.Note: you rout both sides; therefore use one-half the adjustment for each side. Make your adjustment, rout the top and bottom again. The tongue's thickness is now slightly less than 1/2". Replace your rabbeting bit with your 1/4" slot cutter. I always disconnect the power source to the router before changing bits! Sit the rabbeted piece on the router tabletop near the slot cutter. Raise the Router so the bottom of the slot cutter aligns with the bottom of the tongue. You may need support if the workpiece is large. Set the depth of cut for the slot to around 3/16" initially. Now slot your Oak edging. Turn it over and slot again. Test the slot on the tongue. Is it too tight? If so, remember that you make two passes with the slotter. Only lower your slot bit by 1/2 of the dimension needed. By the way, the Porter Cable 7518 Router makes this a snap. Since the slot cut is 1/4", the second pass is not using the entire cutter. You get an exactly center slot that fits on the tongue. Once the slot (groove) fits on the tongue, you are ready to set your final depth of the groove. The final depth of cut is slightly more than 1/4" to allow for glue. Set your fence for this final depth. Remember - make two passes with the slotter. This gives you an exact fit.

You can use this method for any edge-to-edge joinery, such as tabletops, panels, large drawer fronts, and any time you want to join two-pieces. You get perfect alignment and a rock-solid joint.

If you want to see how this looks after glue-up, please visit Router Table Top

To make your own router lift, visit an easy to make Router Lift

For more information on Using Your Router Table, including pictures and tips, please visit How to Use a Router Table

Router Table - How to Use
Table Saw Tools

Black Friday Irwin Industrial Tools 3061001 Miter Saw Laser Guide 2011 Deals

Nov 27, 2011 18:23:57

Black Friday Irwin Industrial Tools 3061001 Miter Saw Laser Guide Deals
Click for larger image and other views

Irwin Industrial Tools 3061001 Miter Saw Laser Guide

>> Click here to update Black Friday prices for Irwin Industrial Tools 3061001 Miter Saw Laser Guide <<

Black Friday Irwin Industrial Tools 3061001 Miter Saw Laser Guide Feature

  • Retro-Fit your miter saw into a laser guided power tool
  • Projects a laser guide line for accurate cuts
  • Easy to install
  • Automatic on and off with saw blade rotation
  • Extra long bolts included


Black Friday Irwin Industrial Tools 3061001 Miter Saw Laser Guide Overview

Convert your miter saw into a precision laser-guided power tool! Simple to install, just replace the saws outside blade washer with the self-aligning Laser Guide. The guide projects a clear line just to the left of the cut, and turns on and off automatically at 400RPM. No more "sneaking up" on a mark, just cut on the line. Will not fit Bosch, Rigid, ProTech, or DeWalt model 704 or 705 saws. Includes: Laser guide and batteries. Three different installation bolts to cover most applications. Hex key for battery installation. Soft sided storage case

Black Friday Irwin Industrial Tools 3061001 Miter Saw Laser Guide Specifications

The Irwin Miter Saw Laser Guide fits onto most miter saws to create a laser-guided power tool. The guide projects a line just to the left of the cut to enable precise cuts and includes two batteries with a 1.5-hour life and extra-long bolts to secure the guide to your saw. It automatically turns on and off as the saw blade starts and stops rotating.

SAVE NOW on Black Friday offers below!

Available In Stock.

This Black Friday Irwin Industrial Tools 3061001 Miter Saw Laser Guide ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.

Price : Click to Check Update Prices Please.

Irwin Industrial Tools 3061001 Miter Saw Laser Guide

Limited Offer Today!! Irwin Industrial Tools 3061001 Miter Saw Laser Guide Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2011 Deals

Best Drill 720P Lcd Hdtv