Thread: Getting the Most From Your Router.

I read some of the post and will get back to it later but I recall seeing a US forum where the discussion was cleaning the gum off router bits and the general consensus was 'DO NOT' use oven cleaner as it has a detrimental effect on the edge, of course I can't find it now but I seem to recall the caustic content caused pitting.

Yeah, I wouldnt doubt that Iain! I read that part a couple of times and was still a little puzzled, but anyway I guess the fact remains that the bits should still be kept clean... Not that I practice that .... Oh mah!!....hahahah

As far as cleaning the router bits go I use a cotton bud with turps which does the job for me.
I never soak or leave the bits sitting in turps or any such fluid as was mentioned on an American BB as guide bearings are a sealed unit as such it is not recommended to carry out this practice.
But if you're honing your bits with a fine diamond stick after each usage which is a good practice which most of us probably dont do then you wont have to worry about gum removal!
Cheers

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Johnno

[This message has been edited by John Saxton (edited 18 November 2000).]

Try Lacquer thinners on the gum build up, and make sure you get rid of the gum before you hone with the diamond lap, otherwise you will clog the lap. Use turpentine as a lubricant it works well.

We do lubricate our diamond lap with water or turps whenever we use it, don't we?:rolleys:

NO! Why the hell not? It cuts quicker and easier, and stays sharper longer, if it is used with a lubricant. Just like a normal sharpening stone.

I use a drop of detergent in the water when using the lapping diamond sticks a trick passed on by the guy selling them at the WWW show which has stood me in good stead since.

Shane

I had a look at the reference 'Getting the most from your router', Im sorry, but the only way to get the most from your router is to use the template guides,and they didn't even get a mention. If you or anyone else would have access to PowerPoint presentation I will forward a presentation to illustrate what I mean.
The template guide was/is the most important accessory that was/is supplied with the router, as some manufactures no longer supply a guide.

Learn how to use the guides and this will increase the routers versatility at least 50%
Tom

Kind of Ironic really, Over the last 8years I have been using my current makita router I have never even removed the templete guide from its pack. It is of no use to me. And yet the router completes all tasks I ask of it.

This article was, as stated, useful for beginners to routers. This article may help some 'To get the most of their routers' by following a few simple guidelines, not an article on the different uses and techniques of router operation.

I understand that the templete guide is a useful accessory, As is the edge guide supplied with routers, or the bearing guide. Where do you stop?

If you have a link to another article that gets into more advanced router operation, feel free to post it for all. I am sure there are a lot of woodworkers that would appreciate it.

Cheers..



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Shane Watson..

Combine Love & Skill & You Can Expect A Masterpiece!