Help!

[slappy17]

This might sound a bit...no pun intended lol...ridiculous but I am the proud new owner of a router and table...Doesn't seem like a big deal right? Well I guess it wouldn't be except that I have never used one before. I have been contemplating getting one because there are some things I would like to make that apparently this tool would be useful for...So I was out shopping yesterday and seen one on sale half price for $79.00 with the table and everythign included...Called a couple of woodworking friends and asked if it was a good deal...They both agreed it was so I ran out this morning and bought it and a box of 10 different carbide bits (for $20) and got home and put everything together.....Now here is my question of the day...What do I do now ... lol....Does anyone know of a good beginners tutorial somewhere that will teach me the basics. It comes with a manual but I am not sure that it is even english...lol...I am hesitant to try it since I figure it could be a bit more dangerous than my scrollsaw so any suggestions. As I mentioned I have a few friends in the biz...one's a carpenter and the other is a cabinet maker now high school woodshop teacher...so I can get some lessons only they are both an hour away and lugging table etc is a bit of an issue for me. One may come up tomorrow to visit but as with anything new I would like to try it myself...Any ideas....

Thanks

Brenda....you all must think I am crazy now....

[FRETDUST]

Hi Brenda
Like you said, it is a very dangersous tool as any power tool is for that matter. I would have one of your friends over to guide you through how to use it. Never try and take to much wood off at one time. Better to make a few passes then one big one. I know the bits are not cheap, but it is better in my mind to have a good bit then buy the cheap ones. Hope this help's you. Be careful.

Steve in Mi.

[Wood Dog]

Just in case you are interested Brenda....Rockler sells a small piece holder for the router.
Very useful jig to be sure. Good luck with your new tool, and be careful

[slappy17]

Thanks for the feedback...I really am unsure of myself when it comes to this one so maybe I will wait...I was so hoping to try it out but I am a bit scared so...we'll see what happens

Thanks again..

B

[Bill Wilson]

Brenda,

Congrats on the new router and table. In all things, safety first. There should be several books on router basics out there, but I haven't read any of them, so I can't make a recommendation.

Specifics as to the operation of your router, things like bit installation, height adjustment, etc, would be found in the manual. Read it carefully and understand them before plugging the router in. Make sure the bit is secure in the collet. Most routers have a combination of a spindle lock and wrench to tighten the bit, some employ 2 wrenches. Never turn the router on until you are certain the bit is clear and you have a firm grip on the tool. The router generates a lot of centrifugal force and unless it has a soft start feature, it might feel like it wants to jump out of your hands if you aren't ready for the startup.

Take light passes when cutting. Cutting too deep will stress the router and the bit. Set the bit shallow at first, gradually raising the bit with each pass to take a little more of a cut, until you have the desired depth. After a while, you will get a feel for what your router and bit will handle and can adjust accordingly.

Once you have the basics of the router down, move to the table. The single most important thing to remember when edge routing on a table is never to do what is called a "climb cut". Always feed the stock against the rotation of the bit, never with. In other words, in a table the bit will be spinning counter clockwise. You should feed the stock right to left. Keep you hands away from the bit as far as possible, while being able to maintain a firm grip on the stock. Start out routing larger pieces, just to get used to it. Use push blocks when necessary to keep your hands clear of the bit.

The router is a very useful and versatile tool. Doing simple edge profiles on the table is a good way to get familiar and comfortable with the router. I think it would be worth the time and effort to take your router and table to one of your friends for some hands on instruction. I really believe that in an hour or so, you will have the basics down and will be able to progress from there. You can do it. Being a little apprehensive is good. Power tools demand a level of respect. Using good technique, safety devices and common sense will really minimize the chance of a mishap.

Good luck and have fun making sawdust.

[greatdane2]

There is a ton of books on router basics. And as a few members here have shown lately you need to learn how to use one to cut wood and not fingers. If nothing else I would sugest you start using the smaller diameter bits first. The large bits can grab wood and rip it out of your hands real fast. It sounds like you got a small table with your router and so it needs to be fastened to a work bench. Good luck and have fun, not pain with your new tool.

Alan.

[slappy17]

Thanks again for the advice...I think I will wait for my company and have a lesson first....

[marshall]

Brenda > food for thought , I learned a lot about the router table and using the han-d held router by watching the router work shop on PBS and on line also , now I don't know if and when their on anymore . For it's been a good while since I've watched it , hope this helps and watch out for those cheap bits . Some my differ on the subject of cheap carbide bits but there is a different . Good Luck !!! Marshall

[hoover4]

just checked out routerworkshop.com and there is a link to routerforums.com a site very much like this one just thought i'd let you know. brian

[campasano]

Brenda, try these two sites: this one is a forum group where you can post messages and ask the experts router related questions, Router Forums.com
the other site is a router learning center: Routerworkshop.net, use your browser search to find these sites. I use Google search.....Mike