Free-Hand Routing - Grizzly T28048 Owner's Manual

5.
Create countersunk mounting holes in zero-
clearance fence board (see Figure 45) so
low-profile shoulder screws removed from
fence boards can be used to secure new
fence to fence assembly in the same manner.
Countersunk
Holes for Fasteners
Zero-Clearance Fence Board
Table
Figure 45. Countersunk holes for mounting zero-
clearance fence board.
ALWAYS use hold-downs or featherboards
and push sticks when shaping small or nar-
row stock. These devices keep your hands
away from spinning router bit and sufficient-
ly support stock to allow a safe and effective
cut, reducing risk of personal injury.
6.
Secure zero-clearance fence board and
router bit guard to fence assembly, then
make sure fence is parallel to the table T-slot
(see Squaring Fence & Table on Page 28).
7.
Check for proper clearance, connect router to
power, then make test cut to verify results.
Model T28048 (Mfd. Since 06/17)

Free-Hand Routing

Irregular or free-hand routing takes a high degree
of skill and dexterity and is done without the pro-
tection and aid of the fence assembly and router
bit guard. The most dangerous part of free-hand
routing is beginning the cut, when the router bit
first contacts the workpiece. It tends to jerk or kick
back, presenting an injury hazard to the operator.
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.
To reduce the likelihood of kickback when free-
hand routing, use the starting pin or block (see
Figures 46 & 47 for examples). This will allow
you to anchor and slowly pivot the workpiece into
the bit as the cut is started, making the operation
more stable and safe.
Starting Pin
Rub
Collar
Feed Direction
Figure 46. Illustration of free-hand routing using
a starting pin.
Swing
Workpiece
-33-