Craftsman 171.61181 Owner's Information Manual

ROUTINGUSING FEATHERBOARDS (FIG. 24)Featherboards are helpful in controlling the workpiecewhile routing and assist in keeping the workpiece flaton the tabletop. The table featherboard, combined withthe fence featherboard, helps keep the workpiecepressed against the fence and tabletop. The bestlocation for the featherboards varies according toyour application, workpiece size, and other factors.1. Loosely install the featherboard(s) as describedon page 26.2. Place the workpiece on the router table so that it issquarely against the fence.3. Position the featherboard so that the featherboardis snug against the workpiece and tighten theclamping knobs.4. The workpiece should move with some resistancebut without requiring a great effort.5. For wider workpieces, the tabletop featherboardcannot be used. The second featherboard may alsobe positioned on the fence, if desired.Fig. 24DIRECTIONOF FEEDI I Never let go of the workpiece.ZLWARNING, when routing until the cut has beencompleted and the workpiece is completely clear ofthe bit. Such precautionary safety measures reduce therisk of personal injury and/or property damage.• Featherboards aid in holding the workpiece in positionwhen routing on a router table.• They are NOT intended to hold the workpiece in placealone when the workpiece is in contact with the bit, orat any other time when the bit is turning.I .4LWARNINGI For accuracy in routing andimproved control, the workpieceshould be held against the router table fence whenrouting.ADJUSTING THE FENCE FACING (FIG. 25)The right and left fence facings are attached to the frontface of the router table fence and can be adjusted inwardor outward from the router bit to allow proper clearancefor different-sized bits. To provide the best supportduring routing operations, the fence facings should be asclose to the bit as possible without being able to come incontact with the bit (typically about 1/4 in. from the bit isa suitable distance).1. Loosen the two clamping knobs on the backs of thefence facings and slide the facings inward or outwardfrom the router bit as needed.Fig. 25I =_WARNING I Always hold the workpieceagainst the router table fence whenrouting. Such precautionary safety measures increasethe accuracy in routing and improve the control of theworkpiece, reducing the risk of personal injury.2. Once the fence facings are in the desired position,tighten the clamping knobs SECURELY.27