Hi Bruce
The key word may be "pivoted" into the bit.
Any time you pivot into a bit you should use a start pin/safety pin and not have the fence in play.
It sounds like you are trying to go around the corner of the sq.poplar to get the look of the feet.
If the fence is in place it will trap the stock between the bit and the fence edge or just kick it out like a table saw.
NOTE**** if you don't have a start pin you can clamp some plywood to the top right next to the bit to give you a start point.
Once your on the stock the bearing will take over and at as a guide BUT going around a corner you must take care to be on the stock 1st then move around the corner and let the bit and bearing do the work.
Bj