Notice
- This machine should not be operated without an induction
- This tool should not be used while working alone in the space - lone working rule.
Router Table
Details
Record Power Table
Elu MOF 177E Router
Condition Notes
2nd hand, in good condition
Induction and Training
Safety / PPE:
Same as a hand held routers, BUT Increased risk of hands in the blade (it is exposed) and kickback. Ensure fingers do not come within 30cm of the blade, and use push sticks as necessary. Also, as the router is upside down, cutting directions are backwards.
Climb cuts should not be done on the router table. Please watch the video
- Users will be required to prove in an assessment they can operate the machine safely
- Learn the routers application and limitations as well as the specific hazards unique to it
- WEAR PROPER APPAREL. Do not wear loose clothing, gloves, neckties, rings, bracelets or other jewellery which may get caught in moving parts of the cutters
- WEAR PROTECTIVE HAIR COVERING to contain long hair.
- WEAR SAFETY GLASSES for cuts that create a lot of dust/chips
- WEAR FACE MASK OR DUST MASK
- MAKE ALL bit changes with the router UNPLUGGED
- SECURELY LOCK ALL ADJUSTABLE PARTS so they can’t loosen while cutting. This will prevent distraction from cutting and damaging your work
- ALWAYS KEEP HANDS AND FINGERS AWAY from the router bit when power is on
- DO NOT OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance
- SECURE the work piece prior to cutting
- ALWAYS FULLY STOP the tool before placing it onto a surface
- DO NOT cut deeper than the machine can handle
- DO NOT TOUCH HOT router bit after use
- NEVER LEAVE A TOOL UNATTENDED. Turn the power off and do not leave until it comes to a complete stop
- ISOLATE all power supplies before maintenance, cleaning and repairs
- Defects are reported to @woodtechs to ensure all items are repaired or replaced
- DO NOT DROP THE ROUTER
- DO NOT CUT METALS (Aluminium, brass, diebond etc.)
- Cutting MDF and Plywood dulls blades quicker than most other woods. Check cutters after use and if dull, alert a @woodtech
- Check for defects in the wood before cutting, such as knots. It’s advised to go slowly through knotted areas to avoid the wood being kicked back
- Check all “reclaimed” timber for nails before using the router as this will cause dangerous kick-back if the cutter meets a nail/screw
- All routers MUST be used with on tool extraction.
Other considerations:
- NEVER use a collet extension
Induction and Training
Assessment
click/tap to expand
What to do ahead of time
The expectation ahead of an assessment is that you have thoroughly read through the material on this page, and are comfortable demonstrating your ability to safely use the tool. If necessary, watch the videos at the bottom of the page. Please be considerate of your assessor’s time.
To take a Router Table assessment, you must be approved to use the routers. You can take both at the same time.
What to bring
Something acceptable to rout.
What will be covered
You will demonstrate to the inductor that you can safely use the tool by doing the following:
- Describe the safety considerations of the router table vs the hand routers (direction of cut, exposed blade, push and climb cutting, push sticks, isolation)
- Prepare the area - area clear and clean, clamp your workpiece
- examine the bit
- Remove and inspect the collet and clean if necessary
- Change the bit correctly, inserted to the proper depth
- Set the router height
- Set the speed
- Describe which direction you should be moving the work piece (push cut)
- set the fence
- Connect and use extraction
- Make a cut (can be a project specific task). Explain to the assessor depth of cut considerations
- Make depth adjustments and additional passes as necessary
- tap out of tool control and clean up
The inductor will assess your ability to safely do the above. Feel free to ask questions during the assessment. If the inductor is not confident in your safe operation of the tool, you will be asked to practice with supervision before being added to the tool control list.
Anatomy of the machine:
click/tap to expand
Same as handheld router - except everything is backwards because it is upside down. This is the same Elu unit as we have for handheld.
Router is permanently turned on - and you control it from the front controls
When changing the bit or bringing hands near the blade, also isolate the machine at the wall.
Sliding table -slide back for access to the router
Extraction is via a hose on the back of the fence. Ensure that the selector is connected to the router table.
Maintainers
Risk Assessment
Before Use
click/tap to expand
Slide out away from the wall
Lock the front wheels
Adjusting the Depth:
Use knob underneath
Changing the Bit
Isolate the machine from power (wall switch)
Slide the table out of the way
Press the lock button underneath and turn the spindle until it clicks into the hole:
Use the wrench from the top to loosen the collet. After loosening the nut a few turns, it will become tight again. This is a safety feature, use the wrench to loosen further:
Ensure the collet is clean (compressed air and a wipe down if necessary), inspect the new bit, insert it, and tighten. It just needs to be tightened, don’t crank it down. NEVER use a collet extension bit.
Set the router to the relevant height using the screw. Lift the locking lever to hold the same height.
Plan your cut:
- How are you going to hold your piece safely and securely (various push sticks on hand)
- Where will you stand
- Which direction will the cut be made in - 99% of the time that will be moving the work-piece from right to left
- Is the depth of cut appropriate? Don’t try to remove too much at once. A good rule of thumb is 5mm passes - you may want to take more shallow passes with some bits.
- Is the fence appropriately placed? Depending on the cut, make sure you’re getting effective extraction. Similar depth of cut considerations as above as well.
- Is the speed setting appropriate?
-
1/2" Elu MOF 177E Type 4 Speeds:
1 = 8 000rpm | 2 = 12 000rpm | 3 = 16 000 rpm | 4 = 18 000rpm | 5 = 20 000rpm
-
1/2" Elu MOF 177E Type 4 Speeds:
| ROUTER BIT SPEED GUIDE | |
|---|---|
| Diameter of Bit | Maximum RPM |
| 1 - 25mm (1 inch or less) | 24 000 |
| 25 – 50mm (1-2 inch) | 18 000 |
| 50 – 65mm (2-2½” inch)* | 16 000 |
| 65 – 75mm (3 inch)* | 12 000 lower |
Set the fence to the necessary distance. If using a bearing bit, make sure the fence is positioned appropriately for extraction.
Set the extraction selector to the router table.
During Use
Turn on dust extraction
Don’t climb cut. Maker sure you’re cutting in the correct direction. 99% of the time that will be moving the work-piece from right to left
Use push sticks if necessary . DO NOT bring your fingers within 30cm of the blade
After Use
Clean up the area of all dust and wood chips
Tap out of tool control.
Maintenance
References
Router Safety - New Brit Workshop Excellent overview of the safe use of a router table
eg. instruction manuals, tutorial videos etc.