I dashed off this morning to do some gardening and I had a thought did I post the pic Harry sent
My apologise to all here it is
Tom
My apologise to all here it is
Tom
Hi Mike, yeah I saw the bit sticking up there. I wasn't sure what exactly Tom was trying to say. It definitely could cause injury but woodworking is inherently dangerous all by itself. I see a lot of woodworking videos etc. demonstrating this very method. My dovetail jig uses a very similar operation actually. So I guess for me it doesn't throw a red flag up immediately. Another easy fix is to put outboard handles on the jig to keep your hands free of the bit, kind of like the katie jig. You can get all crazy with all kinds of guards etc. but the key is not to be fooled into complacency with all that, but focus at all times when using power tools and know at all times where your hands are. If you can't focus then shut the tools off and go in and watch TV. I have had those days.Mike said:Corey? Do you see the bit sticking up with no guarding? This is the point Tom and Harry are getting at: an unguarded bit is dangerous. It is very easy to slip and lose something that should remain attached for life. This is a major point in why Tom promotes using guide bushings and jigs, there is no way you can contact the bit.
Tom, my answer is to have a piece of wood with a plastic guard shield on the end clamped to the table so it extends over the bit. Quick, easy and safe.
Joe, this is what I have done in the past only with a simple cardboard and then jig sawed and cleaned up on the drum sander in the drill press. I haven't used the router. Like Norm would do I guess. What you suggest is exactly what Tom is saying is unsafe due to the exposed cutter. And it is because you could slip if you are not careful and make hamburger out of your hand. But many use this method regardless. Personally I am not a fan of pattern routing like this at all so I have avoided it and use other tools instead. My Gifkin dovetail jig is somewhat of an operation like this but much more controlled.Joe Lyddon said:Tom,
Thank you for the detailed pictures of the operation.
I have to mention this... To me, it would have been easier to make a pattern out of 1/4" hardboard, mdf, or plywood real scale size, then just tape it to the workpiece which has been rough-cut on a bandsaw, and route it using a flush bearing bit getting it cut exactly to size in one simple operation.
In this case, what do you think?
I can see the guides & templates being used more when doing the 'carving' type projects.
Are bearing bits harder to get over there?
Thank you for your input.
I would like to see some more input and how to do presentations from other professionals out there on the forum.Joe Lyddon said:Tom,
Thank you for the detailed pictures of the operation.
My pleasure Joe
I have to mention this... To me, it would have been easier to make a pattern out of 1/4" hardboard, mdf, or plywood real scale size, then just tape it to the workpiece which has been rough-cut on a bandsaw, and route it using a flush bearing bit getting it cut exactly to size in one simple operation.
In this case, what do you think?
Joe; Of course it might seem easier to do exactly what you said that is because we have always done it that way. We have to approach the problem with an open mind and 'step outside the square'. If it is going to be safer then we should consider an alternative method. That is all I did. We must also keep in mind that we will produce a better surface as well. We spend the same time making a suitable template either way so why not give it a try.
I can see the guides & templates being used more when doing the 'carving' type projects.
Carving with the router was only an experimental project I was trying out. I have been using this method for over 20 years on many projects and I am sure you have seen many of my projects I have posted. if not have a look at some of my work on the various blogs I have been trying out.
http://www.woodshopphotos.com/main.php?g2_itemId=12542&g2_page=1&
http://tomodonnell.bigblog.com.au/
http://routermagic.blogspot.com/
http://templatetom.wordpress.com/2006/12/21/routing-new-projects/
http://theonlineauthor.com/templatetom/
Are bearing bits harder to get over there?
Joe we have a great range of bearing cutters readily available and I have a large number in my collection. I also have a large number of Face / Edge cutters which I use with the guides.
Thank you for your input.
Coreychallagan said:Tom, I can see it now. Basically you need to make a large template holder first that will fit the larger item and then make the template itself. So what size of bit are you using in the router?
Corey
Bob N said:Okay Tom, you have stired the waters of my curiosty. I would like to know more about templates and what is involved in making them. Is there anything you can point me too that explains the process of making a template? Perhaps a "how to" article or something?
Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.
KenHamlin said:Noticing that the bit IS sticking way up in the air, however, anyone notice the bearing on the bottom side of the bit? Other than using a shorter style of bit or as Tom would use, guides, what else is there? Only other thing I noticed not in the pic. is, where's the guide pin?
Coreychallagan said:Tom, i would like to see more on how you design a template and bring it to the final template ready to use in your holder etc. Materials, tools used to make the template, design etc.
Corey
George have you had a look at the Sticky at the top of the page. Or you may find some information on one of the blogs I have been trying outcuriousgeorge said:I for one would really like to see some drawings and pictures on your processes Tom. I'm what you might call a visual type person and can learn faster by seeing. Thank you for taking the time to teach a bunch of hard headed Yanks.