Craftsman 320.27680 Operator's Manual page 30

When freehand routing:
1. Draw or lay out the pattern on the workpiece.
2. Choose the appropriate bit.
3. Follow the instructions for INTERNAL ROUTING, and rout the pattern in two
or more passes. Do not exceed 1/8 in. depth of cut in a single pass. This will
help provide better control, as well as serve as a guide on the next passes.
NOTICE: A core-box bit or V-groove bit is often used for routing letters and
engraving objects. Straight bits and ball mills are often used to make relief
carvings. Veining bits are used to carve small, intricate details.
NOTICE: Making a single deep cut is never advisable. Smaller-diameter bits are
easily broken by too much side thrust and torque. Larger bits will cause a rough
cut and be difficult to guide and control. For these reasons, do not exceed 1/8
in. depth of cut in a single pass.
A_, WARNING: Always securely clamp your workpiece in place, and keep a firm
grip on the router base with both hands at all times. Failure to do so could result
in loss of control causing possible serious personal injury.
EDGING WITH A PILOT BIT (Figs. 22 and 22a)
The arbor-type bits with pilots are excellent for edge shaping of any workpiece
edge that is either straight or curved at a curvature as great or greater than
the radius of the bit to be used. The pilot prevents the bit from making an
excessively deep cut; and holding the pilot firmly in contact with the workpiece
edge throughout prevents the cut from becoming too shallow.
Top Edge Shaping
Whenever the workpiece thickness, together
with the desired depth of cut (as adjusted by Fig. 22 Motor Housing
router depth setting) are such that only the
top part of the edge is to be shaped (leaving
at least a 1/16-in. thick uncut portion at the
bottom), the pilot can ride against the uncut
portion, which serves to guide it (Fig. 22).
Whole Edge Shaping
If the workpiece is too thin or the bit is set so Pilot Fixed Base Work-
low that there will be no uncut edge against sub-base piece
which to ride the pilot, an extra board must be TOP EDGE SHAPING
placed under the workpiece to act as a guide
(see Fig. 22a). This "guide" board must have exactly the same contour - straight
or curved - as the workpiece edge. If it is positioned so that its edge is flush with
the workpiece edge, the bit will make a full cut (in as far as the bit radius). On the
other hand, if the guide is positioned so that it extends beyond the edge of the
workpiece), the bit will make less than a full cut - which will alter the shape of the
finished edge.
27683 ManuaLRevised_11-0120 Page 30