On the chance that you might think that I make no mistakes, here is one boo-boo I made a couple of days ago when I was learning how to use the router and guide system. While it is an embarrassing reminder, it doesn't really effect the operation of the guide. |
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Karla is attempting to adjust the router so that the 3/4" mortising bit will be just a hair away from the rubber. She wants it close enough so that she can use the rubber to set against any mark she makes, but not contact the rubber piece. This rubber strip gives the saw a cleaner cut but has no function for the router other than guiding the setup. |
It is easier to see this fine adjustment if the router is on the guide and both are tilted up. The arrow points to a clamp that Karla has used to hold the router adapter on the guide. She is now free to adjust the router and to manually rotate the bit to double check that she has the clearance she wants. |
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With the adapter set, she connects the router's power cord to the vacuum and the vacuum hose to the router. |
She wants to set the plunge depth to 1/4". She starts by plunging the router until the bit touches the surface. She locks the plunge at this "zero" point. |
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She places a 1/4" spacer bar and adjusts the plunger stop to this brass. This makes working with the Metric adjustment scale very easy. I have nothing against Metric — in fact, it is often much easier to use. As for setting the plunge stop, I usually use this type spacer or a sample board. |
I have Karla hold the router assembly firmly on the guide and route a very small bit in the surface. The arrow shows this mark. It also shows her that her guide plate is adjusted exactly right. Now she can back up and start her rabbet. |
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She is half way through the cut. She keeps downward pressure with her left hand to keep the router firmly on the guide. (By the way, I "notched" the guide the other day by letting the router swerve away from the guide. My left hand was not on the large knob that keeps the unit on the guide.) |
She checks her first rabbet with the scrap piece. It is perfect so she can move on to the next one.
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Karla is setting the guide in place for the rabbet on the other side. Note that she is using the scrap piece to help her adjust the guide. This is faster and more accurate than drawing a line. |
It doesn't take long for her to set up and make the second rabbet. |
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