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cabinetman · 05-01-2007, 09:39 AM

My first router was a B&D 3310, can't remember the number, but I think that was the number. Looked a lot like the DeWalt 610/612. At the time I did a lot of Formica (mica) work in addition to woodworking. The router had two outboard handles, but on a lot of door edges and panels, I held it in one hand because it seemed easier than to be clamping each piece to be routed and holding the router with two hands.

As time went on and I could afford another router, of course it was a trimmer, a PC309, which I swear by as a workhorse for trimming. Now, that one is definitely a one hander, but I got used to using it for other projects, like light moulding work, only because it was so light.

To hold the 33 series in one hand helps if you have big hands. The only problem in holding routers is the isometric stress from hours of operation. There would be times I wouldn't even feel the router in my hand, and when shutting the thing off, couldn't release my fingers.

So what have we got after years and years of this abuse? A good looking, happy go lucky guy with big hands that don't work so good. I was ten years too late in getting the carpal tunnel surgery on both hands. It didn't help much, but kept it from getting worse. Add to that severe tendonitis. That's the one that hurts like heck when the fingers are bent, clicks when the fingers close, and maybe just maybe will let you straighten out the fingers from a locked tight position.

Now don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to scare anyone away from doing anything. There are signs that I didn't heed warning me. I didn't stop when the router got stuck in my hand. I didn't stop when numbness set in. I didn't pay attention to my well being.

Before doing this post, I read through some of the manuals that came with different routers and didn't see any info on possible inherent dangers in extended use. So the answer here is like with many facets woodworking to work safe and smart. I won't even get into my discovering dust, contact cement and lacquer. That's another whole post or three.

05-01-2007, 09:39 AM	#1
cabinetman Registered User Forum Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 166 View cabinetman's Gallery	One Handed Grip My first router was a B&D 3310, can't remember the number, but I think that was the number. Looked a lot like the DeWalt 610/612. At the time I did a lot of Formica (mica) work in addition to woodworking. The router had two outboard handles, but on a lot of door edges and panels, I held it in one hand because it seemed easier than to be clamping each piece to be routed and holding the router with two hands. As time went on and I could afford another router, of course it was a trimmer, a PC309, which I swear by as a workhorse for trimming. Now, that one is definitely a one hander, but I got used to using it for other projects, like light moulding work, only because it was so light. To hold the 33 series in one hand helps if you have big hands. The only problem in holding routers is the isometric stress from hours of operation. There would be times I wouldn't even feel the router in my hand, and when shutting the thing off, couldn't release my fingers. So what have we got after years and years of this abuse? A good looking, happy go lucky guy with big hands that don't work so good. I was ten years too late in getting the carpal tunnel surgery on both hands. It didn't help much, but kept it from getting worse. Add to that severe tendonitis. That's the one that hurts like heck when the fingers are bent, clicks when the fingers close, and maybe just maybe will let you straighten out the fingers from a locked tight position. Now don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to scare anyone away from doing anything. There are signs that I didn't heed warning me. I didn't stop when the router got stuck in my hand. I didn't stop when numbness set in. I didn't pay attention to my well being. Before doing this post, I read through some of the manuals that came with different routers and didn't see any info on possible inherent dangers in extended use. So the answer here is like with many facets woodworking to work safe and smart. I won't even get into my discovering dust, contact cement and lacquer. That's another whole post or three.
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