Using a Router to create molding/trim

[Nosstech]

I have a a variable speed router (on a router table). I purchased a set of molding router bits. When I place my 1x4 on my table and feed it to the bit... the router will violently take the wood right from my hand. I have the router set on the lowest speed possible and it still "shoots" the board 10 feet away. I almost took my dad's head off!!!

Any idea how I can control the board so I can get a clean, usable cut from the router and bits?

The router bits are approx. 3 1/2 inches in hight.

Thanks. Barry

[Chuck Taylor]

Feed the boards right-to-left across the router bit. It sounds like you're feeding them in the opposite direction, which results in a "climb cut", which as you've discovered is very dangerous.

[tom]

Number one: Be sure you're feeding in the proper direction, against the rotation of the bit. Number two: Take smaller bites, maybe using a fence to limit depth of cut. Three: Get a primer that covers basic techniques and safety(this probably could be number one, eh?). Good luck. Tom

[Charlie M. 1958]

Are you feeding the board into the cutter (right-to-left) as you should be? If that isn't the problem, try making shallower passes. Using a featherboard setup might help also. Another thought: you're not feeding the board between the bit and the fence, are you?

[Nosstech]

table), the same way the bit is spinning. Is that right or should I feed the board in the opposite way the bit is spinning (left-to-right as you look at the table)?

Thanks

[Nosstech]

Thanks Tom,

I will try this tonight and see how it works. I was feeding the board in the direction the bit was spinning (right-to-left as you look at the table). Should I feed against the rotation of the bit for every bit (big or small) I use?

Thanks Again

[Nosstech]

Yes, i set the depth with the fence and feed the board between the bit and the fence. I was feeding the board from right-to-left (into the rotation of the bit (counter clockwise)).

[Charlie M. 1958]

Let's be real clear, Barry. As you look down at your router table, the bit should be spinning counter-clockwise, and you should always be feeding the stock right-to-left. (Occasionally a "climb-cut" is appropriate, but you should read up on that before attempting).

[cselby]

Sounds like your taking the full cut at one go. Move the fence closer to the bit, and take smaller cuts at a time.

Also think about a feather board system to hold the board tight to the fence and table.

Never stand behind the outfeed side until you can control the feed rate.

Pete

[tom]

Heehee! Oh, sorry. Uh, don't do this. Tom

[Charlie M. 1958]

Ouch..there is the problem. NEVER feed between the fence and the bit. The fence should just support the workpiece as it passes over the bit. Feeding as you are, right to left between the fence and the bit is like shooting wood out of a cannon.

[Doug Miller]

In that case, you must have the workpiece on the opposite side of the bit from you -- which means you're reaching your hands over the spinning bit. And, if you're using a fence, you have the workpiece between the fence and the bit.

Both of these are highly unsafe conditions.

No.

If you're using a bearing-guided bit and no fence, then you should be feeding the board from right to left, with the board between you and the bit.

If you're using a fence to guide the board, the bit needs to be in the middle of the fence with only the cutting wings projecting beyond the face of the fence. (Most router table fences are two-piece affairs to facilitate this. If yours doesn't have two pieces, get one, or make an auxiliary fence, that does.) Then you feed from right to left, with the board against the fence, and, again, with the board between you and the bit.

[Nosstech]

Pete,

Thanks for the info. I have received a ton of great tips today. Can I buy a Feather Board at my lock home depot or lowes?

[Doug Miller]

Yes, ALWAYS. Feeding in the direction the bit is spinning is VERY dangerous. In addition to the wood becoming a ballistic missile (as you've already discovered), it can also pull your hands along with it when it launches -- right into the bit.

[Nosstech]

Doug,

Thank you. I will use all of these tips tonight. Great info... As you can tell, I am a little green when it comes to routing. Thanks Again.

[Jim Bailey]

Somtimes a picture is in order as well.

>> I have a a variable speed router (on a router table). I purchased a

[Patriarch]

Nosstech wrote in news:1189090258.734614.189120@

50g2000hsm.googlegroups.com:

Maybe. You can get them at Rockler, or Woodcraft, or one of the other specialty stores. Or make one or more.

Before you plug your router in again, spend some serious, focused time at the following website:

Pat is a very experienced teacher, and knows more about routers than most of us here. And has put together a website to make clear answers to questions you didn't know you had.

Many of us started with similar experiences to what you describe. Most of us got through them without stitches. Not all.

Be cautious. And read Pat's stuff.

Patriarch

[Bas]

What Tom said. But in 24 point font: DON'T DO THIS.

Here's a video that will help ->

routing starts ~2min into the video.

Bas.

[Upscale]

You should be feeding into the boards so that the router tries to push back towards you. When the router is upside down, the bit turns clockwise. Right side up, it turns counter clockwise. That means as you push into the wood, the bit will dig in and try to pull the router towards you. Obviously, you would be holding it securely and pushing in the opposite direction away from you along a board. In other words, the wood is on the right, the router is on the left and you'd be pushing away.

I'd suggest to get used to it, try a small bit in soft wood like pine.

[Doug Miller]

You stated that backwards. Upside down, it's CCW; right side up, it's CW.

Not if you're feeding the wood in the proper direction, it won't.

If the bit is spinning toward the wood as it should be, the force exerted by the bit on the wood is opposite to the direction of feed (i.e. toward the operator), and the force exerted on the router is in the direction of feed (i.e. away from the operator).

And the wood is between you and the bit.