Freehand Routing With The Fixed Base; Edging With A Pilot Bit - Skil RT1323-00 Owner's Manual

Freehand Routing with the Fixed
Base (Fig . 15)
WARNING
Use of large cutter bits when freehand routing
could cause loss of control or create other
hazardous conditions that could result in
personal injury. If using a router table, large
bits should be used for edging only.
When used freehand, the router becomes a
flexible and versatile tool. This flexibility makes
it possible to easily rout signs, relief sculptures,
etc.
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 route 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.
WARNING
loss of control causing possible serious personal injury.
Edging with a Pilot Bit (Figs . 16 and 16a)
The arbor-type bits with pilots are excellent for edge shaping any workpiece edge that is
straight, or is curved at a curvature equal to 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.
Fig. 16
Spindle Lock
Cutter-bit
Pilot
TOP EDGE SHAPING
Do not use large cutter bits
for freehand routing.
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
Motor Housing
Spindle
Collet/Nut
Fixed Base
Work-piece
Sub-base
Fig. 15
Fig. 16a
Whole Edge of Workpiece
WHOLE EDGE SHAPING
Workpiece
Guide Board
21