Craftsman CRT/A - Manual (Page 25)

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Router Table for the Craftsman
b. Gradually swing workpiece towards cutter until
template engages the guide bearing.
c. Feed workpiece against the rotation of the cutter
whilst swinging the workpiece away from the
Lead-On Pin. At this point the guided bearing is
acting as the guide. Progressively feed the
workpiece anti-clockwise around the shape of
the template ensuring that the guide bearing
always stays in contact with the template.
d. When the complete edge of the workpiece has
been machined, slide the workpiece away from
the cutter.
If you are unfamiliar with the above procedure then
the technique should be practised before switching on
the router.
Y. Using The Profiling Top Guard
Example
A typical application using the Profiling Top Guard is in
the routing of shields from MDF Board (Medium Density
Fibreboard) as follows:
Producing a Shield
1. Construct an actual size template of the shield
design from 6mm MDF, hardwood or plywood
ensuring that it is accurate and free from imperfec-
tions. Remember the finished product will only be
as good as the template.
2. Fix the template to the back of the workpiece to be
used using screws or double sided tape.
3. Rough cut the workpiece to the shape of the
template using a band saw or jigsaw leaving 2-3mm
oversize.
4. Remove the Back Fence assembly from the table.
5. Fit the Lead-on Pin as described in section K.
6. Fit the fine height adjuster if one is available for
your router. This will allow the height of the cutter to
be adjusted accurately.
7. Fit a self-guided trimmer cutter.
8. Lay the workpiece (with template fitted) face down
on the table surface. Adjust the height of the cutter
using the plunge and lock mechanism on the router
or use the fine height adjuster (if fitted). Ensure
that the bearing will contact the template and the
cutting edge of the cutter will machine the full edge
of the workpiece. See fig. Y.1.
9. Lock-off plunge mechanism of router to ensure that
the plunge mechanism will not inadvertently move
during routing.
10. Fit the Profiling Top Guard as described in
Section T and adjust height to give a 6-12mm gap
between the top of cutter and underside of tem-
plate.
11. Switch router on and allow to reach full running
speed.
a. Position the workpiece against the Lead-On Pin
as shown in fig. Y.3. The Workpiece should not
contact the cutter.
Design of shield Special Notes
1. Always keep the workpiece moving in a precise
steady movement to prevent the material from
burning.
2. Never let go of the workpiece. Always keep an even
pressure of the workpiece against the bearing. Do
not use too much pressure.
3. If you wish to stop routing halfway through the
operation. Simply slide the workpiece away from
the cutter before switching off the router.
4. If the template inadvertently comes away from the
bearing and so does not emulate the template, do
not stop. Complete the operation and repeat the
procedure for the edge concerned.
5. It is advisable to repeat the operation in order to
improve the finish of the workpiece.
6. Keeps hands away from the cutter, even if the
guard is fitted, in order to give a good safety
margin.
Minimal finishing should be required before the next
operation. If natural woods are used, consideration
should be given to breakout of short grain which will
effect your decision as to where to start the routing
operation in order to prevent it.