Edging With A Pilot Bit - Craftsman 320.2767 Operator's Manual

EDGING WITH A PILOT BIT (Figs.12 and 12a)
The arbor-type bits with pilots are excellent for edge shaping of any workpiece
edge that is straight, or is 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.
Whenever the workpiece thickness, together with the desired depth of cut (as
adjusted by 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.12).
If the workpiece is too thin or if
the bit is set so low that there
will be no uncut edge against
which to ride the pilot, an extra
board must be placed under
the workpiece to act as a guide
(Fig.12a). 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 as shown in Fig. 12a
Fig. 12
TOP E_E S_AP_NG
W_OLE EDGE _HAP_NG
(out from the workpiece edge), the bit will make less than a full cut---which will
alter the shape of the finished edge.
NOTE: The size (diameter) of the pilot that is used determines the maximum cut
width that can be made with the pilot against the workpiece edge (the small pilot
exposes all of the bits; the large one reduces this amount by 1/16 in.). Any of the
piloted cutter bits can be used without a pilot for edge shaping with guides.
_1, WARNING: Always securely clamp your workpiece 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.
2767 ManuaLRevised_lO 1213 Page 24