How to Use a Craftsman Router
A Craftsman router is a woodworking machine that uses a motor to spin a cutting bit known as a router bit. The handheld Craftsman router can vary the depth of the cutter. It also has a variable speed control and is available as a fixed base router or as a plunge router. It can use 1/4-inch or 1/2-inch shaft router bits with an interchangeable collet.
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Things You'll Need
- Safety gear to include safety glasses and hearing protection
- Craftsman router
- Roundover router bit
- Scrap wood
- Non-slip mat
Instructions
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1
Start by putting on your safety gear.
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2
Unplug the router and install the roundover router bit.
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3
Adjust the depth of the router bit by turning the depth stop knob on the router for removing about 1/8 inch of material for the first pass. This is a good practice to use for most router bits as it keeps an excessive amount of wood from tearing out in each pass. The Craftmans router has a preset depth stop set in 1/4-inch increments. Set the preset depth stop on the highest position and move the depth adjustment bar so it rests on the depth stop.
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Place a piece of scrap wood at least 6 inches square (large enough for safety) on a non-slip pad on your work surface.
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5
Adjust the Craftsman router's variable speed control to a high RPM for this router bit. The bigger the router bit, the slower the RPM to use.
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Start the router and move it into the wood. Now router the wood in a clockwise direction. Keep the bearing against the wood as you go.
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Now tighten the slide bar in place. Turn the preset depth stop to the next lower preset and lower the router until the slide bar touches the preset depth stop. Lock the router in place and router the next pass. Repeat this step until you have the profile you want.
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Tips & Warnings
Always test your router setup on a scrap piece of material so if the profile is off, the project is not ruined.
Clean your router bit with a blade cleaner especially after routering a wood high in sap, such as pine.
A dirty blade will act dull and burn your wood.
Always check the router bit for damaged carbide or loose bearings.
Never use a router bit that is dull or damaged.
Double check that your router bit is tight in the router.
Always wear eye protection.
