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Template Routing - Critique

3K views 18 replies 9 participants last post by  chessnut2 
#1 ·
So I made a video of me routing a template and I was hoping to have a few people look at I and give me some pointers on what I could be doing better. It was a fairly simple template, but I want safety to be at the forefront of any instance where I am using my router. If you could, please, take a couple of minutes to watch it over and tell me if you can see anywhere I can improve on technique or safety. I know I could probably use some grip pads or something similar, but the piece I am working on is pretty large and easy to maintain control off (though the piece did jump a couple times as I fed it into the bit, but it wasn't bad).

I placed the video on my Facebook page. It's not great production quality, its the first video I have ever put up publically (my son kept putting his finger into the shot, the nerd). Just scroll down a little to 'Videos', its the only one there. Thanks for any feedback.

https://www.facebook.com/Fantasy-Arms-by-Pauljr-768408129970389/
 
#3 ·
you can post your video directly here..
I prefer to steer clear of FC ....

that issue of the ''jump''
are you using a starter pin???

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#4 ·
My routing table, unfortunately, did not come with a pin. I saw some info on that a while back, before I bought the table, but I never thought to make my own. I will have to look into it.

I will see about posting the video here. I thought about doing that before, but I grow tired of posting the same thing over and over again in different places....
 
#5 ·
My routing table, unfortunately, did not come with a pin. I saw some info on that a while back, before I bought the table, but I never thought to make my own. I will have to look into it.

I will see about posting the video here. I thought about doing that before, but I grow tired of posting the same thing over and over again in different places....
starter pin - easy enough to do... pins are covered in the PDF's which I trust you read...

posting - I don't go near FC because I've grown tired/weary of their intrusiveness/BS/lack of privacy and the tons of spam that is forever showing up...
can't go a day w/o getting something that's tagged FC something...
 
#6 ·
I only hang around there because of family. I got involved with a group of gamers that craft game related items (t shirts with logos, candles (??), necklaces, etc.) and decided to make a page for my wooden swords. It's not making me any money or anything, but it lets me display what I have done or plan on doing. Surprisingly enough I actually got a couple of hits off of my local Craigslist and sold a couple of pieces from that. Its fun to maintain and nice to get input on my finished items.
 
#7 ·
#13 ·
Dust control, mask, hearing protection, safety glasses. Four essentials. Starting pin is really cheap and many plates come pre drilled, but with aluminum it is not much of a task to thread a hole yourself. I think you can get a 1/4 x 20 tap at HD for less than 10 bucks, and at least theoretically, you could cut the head off a carriage type bolt with a substantial amount of unthreaded
shank. The pin you get or make depends on the plate.
@Stick486
I use Facebook for business primarily, but now and again for family. FB is intrusive, but if it puts tens of thousands of bucks a year in your bank account, it is far less objectionable.
 
#14 ·
I have mixed feelings about starter pins. While they do make for better control, they also get in the way sometimes. For a big piece like you are doing Paul, I don't use a start pin as I can hold it pretty securely and it's mass means it's not going to jump much.

The other thing I often do if the shape allows for it is to position the fence so the bearing on the bit sticks out a small amount. Then you can push the piece against the fence for a lot more control.

+1 for the safety and dust comments. You might want to investigate downdraft DC since you won't have a fence close by. Here's a commercial example. With your skill level you should easily be able to build something similar. I made a temporary one while I was building my RT and just had the top sitting on two sawhorses. Just a little box that attached to the underside of the table top. Works really well - get's almost all the dust.
 
#15 ·
I want to thank those of you who have offered your advice on this subject. Safety is a top priority for me, even though I knew and have been planning on buying some hearing protection, but had failed to pick it up before this video was made. I have a bad feeling that its not IF I catch a fingertip or something, but rather WHEN I catch a fingertip or something. I would like to avoid the inevitable for as long as possible. Your a great bunch of guys, and I appreciate your feedback.

Though I haven't made tens of thousands of dollars yet (or even tens of dollars, really) I thoroughly enjoy woodworking and wouldn't give it up unless I absolute couldn't do it anymore. Just talking about it gets me worked up as I plan for the next project. Thanks again!
 
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