Routing Using Featherboards; Adjusting The Fence Facing - Craftsman 171.61181 Owner's Information Manual

ROUTING
USING FEATHERBOARDS
(FIG. 24)
Featherboards are helpful in controlling the workpiece
while routing and assist in keeping the workpiece flat
on the tabletop. The table featherboard, combined with
the fence featherboard, helps keep the workpiece
pressed against the fence and tabletop. The best
location for the featherboards varies according to
your application, workpiece size, and other factors.
1. Loosely install the featherboard(s) as described
on page 26.
2. Place the workpiece on the router table so that it is
squarely against the fence.
3. Position the featherboard so that the featherboard
is snug against the workpiece and tighten the
clamping knobs.
4. The workpiece should move with some resistance
but without requiring a great effort.
5. For wider workpieces, the tabletop featherboard
cannot be used. The second featherboard may also
be positioned on the fence, if desired.
Fig. 24
DIRECTION
OF FEED
I I Never let go of the workpiece
.ZLWARNING,
when routing until the cut has been
completed and the workpiece is completely clear of
the bit. Such precautionary safety measures reduce the
risk of personal injury and/or property damage.
• Featherboards aid in holding the workpiece in position
when routing on a router table.
• They are NOT intended to hold the workpiece in place
alone when the workpiece is in contact with the bit, or
at any other time when the bit is turning.
I .4LWARNINGI
For accuracy in routing and
improved control, the workpiece
should be held against the router table fence when
routing.
ADJUSTING THE FENCE FACING
(FIG. 25)
The right and left fence facings are attached to the front
face of the router table fence and can be adjusted inward
or outward from the router bit to allow proper clearance
for different-sized bits. To provide the best support
during routing operations, the fence facings should be as
close to the bit as possible without being able to come in
contact with the bit (typically about 1/4 in. from the bit is
a suitable distance).
1. Loosen the two clamping knobs on the backs of the
fence facings and slide the facings inward or outward
from the router bit as needed.
Fig. 25
I =_WARNING I
Always hold the workpiece
against the router table fence when
routing. Such precautionary safety measures increase
the accuracy in routing and improve the control of the
workpiece, reducing the risk of personal injury.
2. Once the fence facings are in the desired position,
tighten the clamping knobs SECURELY.
27