Dremel 231 Operating/Safety Instructions Manual page 6

Installing Router Bits
1. When installing router bits, be sure the
power cord is unplugged, then remove
the tool from the Shaper/Router Table. Fit
the router bit shank into the collet allowing
a maximum of 5/8" to protrude past the
collet nut. Use the shaft button on your
rotary tool and wrench to secure the bit.
(See Fig. 3)
2. Loosen the clamp knob and turn the
depth adjustment screw to set cutting
depth. Depth of cut will be the amount the
bit extends above the shaper/router
table.
Cutting Depth Adjustment
Adjustment markings on the side of the
tool holder facing outward are marked in
inches and millimeters. View the markings
prior to starting your project. Turn the depth
adjustment screw to set desired depth. To
ensure proper settings, rout and measure
cut on scrap material. (See Fig. 4)
Router Feed Direction
The router spindle turns in a counter
clockwise direction when viewed from above
the table. For best control and quality of cut,
feed the work into the bit in the direction that
the bit will tend to pull the work to the fence.
(Incorrect feed direction will result in the bit
trying to pull the wood through faster than
you want. This is called climb cutting.) Feed
the workpiece from right to left as shown.
Feed direction is extremely important when
using a pilot bit freehand on the edge of a
workpiece as well as when using the fence
with all bits. (See Fig. 5)
Routing Table Tips
1. Wrong Direction – Hard to control.
2. Feeding too fast – Overloads motor.
3. Dull bit – Overloads motor.
4. Cutting too large or deep in one pass –
Overloads motor.
5. Feeding too slow – Leaves friction burns
on work.
Fig. 5
Feed Direction Without Fence
Fig. 3
Large Knob
Clamp
Knob
Tool
Holder
Assembly
Depth
Adjustment
Screw
Fig. 4
Millimeters
in 5mm increments
Depth Adjustment Markings
Feed Direction With Fence
6
Depth of Cut
5/8"
Table
Inches in 1/8 inch
increments
Feed
Direction
Arrow