Router Table Safety Instructions

1. Proper eye protection must be worn when using the table router/shaper.
EXPLANATION:  This protects the eyes from danger created by flying particles and accidental moves by others.

2. Get permission from the teacher each time before using the table router/shaper.
EXPLANATION:  This creates order and keeps unqualified students from operating power tools.

3. Make all table router adjustments only when switch is off and power cord is unplugged.
EXPLANATION:  An unplugged switch-off table router cannot be accidentally turned on when hands are near the cutter bits.

4.The switch must be in off position before power cord is plugged in.
EXPLANATION:  This prevents unexpected power movement on router.

5. Keep hands, fingers, hair, loose clothing and power cord away from the router’s cutting edges.
EXPLANATION:  This prevents router from cutting personnel or winding up hair or clothing, which can pull operator into the machine.

6. Select the proper bit for your operation and, using proper wrenches, tighten it in place with the bit shank at least ½” into collect chuck.
EXPLANATION:  A collet chuck grip on the bit of ½” or more will keep the bit from coming loose.

7. Each time a bit is replaced, collet must be checked for being clean.
EXPLANATION:  The upside down nature of router accumulates sawdust in the collect, which reduces the gripping force of collet nut.

8. Ask your teacher to approve your set up before starting the router operation.
EXPLANATION:  Your teacher can help you to remember all safety rules before an accident happens.

9. The bit should engage the wood with light cuts and must be fed from infeed side (right side) to outfeed side (left side).
EXPLANATION:  Reverse direction feed will cause material to be grabbed with hands and/or fingers being pulled into cutters.  Light cuts allow for greater control with less physical effort from the operator.

10. Avoid standing on infeed side of table router when in operation.
EXPLANATION:  If operator loses control, cutters likely throw workpiece the infeed direction.

11. Your workpiece of wood must be fed with both hands against a fence or guide with guards in place to limit fingers within 2 inches of cutters.
EXPLANATION:  Fence/guide will create great control and guards will eliminate danger to hands and fingers.

12. Practice router set ups on a scrap piece of wood before feeding project material through.  Material must be minimum of 6 inches long and ¾ x ¾ inches.
EXPLANATION:  Getting some extra experience can save you embarrassment and expense to replace materials.

13. When cutting operations are complete, turn the power off and disconnect power while insuring cutters have come to a complete stop.
EXPLANATION: Revolving cutters for a new operator could be dangerous.  Disconnected power cord prevents accidentally bringing router under power.

14. Remove all waste materials from around cutters and table top with a brush.
EXPLANATION: Waste materials out of the way will provide a safe beginning for the next operator.

 

REFERENCES:    Pictures and more information on router/shaper can be found in these books:

         General Woodworking, by Groneman, pp 181-184.
         Exploring Woodworking, by Zimmerman, pp 85-89..
         Cabinetmaking and Millwork, by Feirer, pp 381-393.
         Advanced Woodwork and Furniture Making, by Feirer and Hutchings, pp 355-362.