Tip #53
Shopsmith Ovararm Pin Router
Click here for a printer friendly version of Tip-
Pg. 1-4, Pg 5-8, Pg 9-12, Pg 13-16, Pg 17-20, Pg 21-23
Help with Downloading PDF Files

Routing System Safety

Warning: Before using the routing system, read and understand these important safety instructions:

Danger Zone-The danger zone on the routing system includes any location within 3" of the rotating bit. Always keep hands clear of this area when working with the machine.

Protective Guard-Keep the seethrough guard in place and set at no more than 1/4" above the surface of the workpiece during overarm or undertable routing.

• Always wear proper eye and ear protection.
• Never attempt to clamp the overarm assembly onto any column less than 2-3/4" in di-ameter by using bushings or adapters.
• Follow your router manufacturer's recommendations as to replacement parts for your router.
• Before beginning any operation or turning on your router motor, always check to be sure the router, overarm assembly, depth stop rod, depth control handle, worktable, table plate, accessories, safety devices, fences and fixtures are secured.
• Whenever possible, use a push stick, push block, feather board, miter gauge with safety grip, fixture or other safety device to maneuver a workpiece into the rotating bit. This is especially true of small or narrow stock.
• Always keep a firm grip on your workpiece and never hold it with your hand in line with the bit.
• When cross-grain routing stock up to 10" wide, use your miter gauge with safety grip to control the workpiece (which must extend 5-1/2" away from the router bit).
• To prevent the router from grabbing and throwing the workpiece, always feed the stock against the rotation of the bit and never with it. During overarm routing, stock being worked in front of the bit should be moved from left to right. During under-table routing, stock being worked in front of the bit should be moved from right to left.
• Always cut with the grain of the wood and not against it for a smoother, safer cut.
• To avoid being hit by a thrown workpiece, never stand in-line with the workpiece being fed.
• Never rout second-hand lumber. It may contain nails or screws that could damage your bit and cause serious injury.
• Use extra care when work-ing stock that contains highly figured grains or knots to avoid kickbacks.
• Do not rout boards that are warped, bowed or cupped.
• When working long boards or sheet materials, always sup-port them adequately with roller stand(s) placed from 1' to 4' from the table.
• Never freehand rout stock lessthanl2" x 12"insizeor equivalent.
• With the exception of single-pass dovetail cuts, limit your depths-of-cut to 1/4" for each pass when using bits up to 1/2" in diameter to cut hardwoods.
• Never exceed depths-of-cut of 3/8" when using bits up to 1/2" in diameter to cut soft woods.
• When using bits over 1/2" in diameter, limit your depths-of-cut to half the recommended depths for bits up to 1/2" diameter.
• NEVER feed your workpiece between the rotating router bit and a fence, as this could cause a kickback.
• When stop routing, always use stop block(s) to control the length of cut. Failure to use stop block(s) could cause a kickback.
• NEVER install a router bit without first unplugging the router motor.
• Make sure the router bit is secured firmly in the collet. Loose bits could work free and cause serious injury.
• Insert bits all the way into the collet and retract them about 1/8" to avoid transferring vibrations and heat to the motor armature.
• Listen carefully for sounds of chattering or looseness at start-up. If you hear, see, or suspect problems, turn off the tool immediately, unplug it and check it out thoroughly. Correct the problem before proceeding.
• NEVER try to make your own collet adaptor to hold different sized bits. Balance is very important at high speeds, so always use purchased adapters.
• Keep router bits clean and sharp at all times.
• Attach the routing system to a dust collection system . . . or wear a close-fitting dust mask.

Continue to Special Cautions on Materials & Techniques
Back to Router Bits