Router Table Safety | What to know before using your table

Рет қаралды 33,372

Күн бұрын

Safety is paramount in the shop because you can go from fine to dead in a matter of seconds. This video focusses on safety around the router table. By no means is this all encompassing but it should give you a good start to safe operation of a router table.
Router Table Safety Tips
1. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) - Respiratory, Ear, & Eye
2. Unplug the table or router before working on it
3. Turn off the router itself before plugging it back in
4. Secure the table to the work surface, if it’s mounted, easy, if not, clamp it down
5. Use PPE
6. Secure the bit properly
7. Use insert rings or covers to prevent work pieces from getting caught in the router well
8. Check for metal debris in your work piece
9. Adjust your fence to the smallest gap the bit will allow
10. Always route “against” the bit
11. Never start with your bit engaged
12. Use push blocks
13. Last certainly not least, use PPE
I harp on using PPE but this is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and extend your woodworking career. Just do it.
For more resources on router safety, please see the links below:
www.wwgoa.com/article/12-tips...
www.finewoodworking.com/2006/...
www.canadianwoodworking.com/t...
If you have any questions, leave a comment and I’ll make sure to get back to you.
Happy (and safe) woodworking!
Josh
Northwest Craftsman
**************
Support:
Website: NorthwestCraftsman.com
Apparel: NorthwestCraftsman.com/shop/apparel/8
My Tools: www.amazon.com/shop/northwest...
Connect
Instagram: / northwestcraftsman
Facebook: / northwestcraftsman
Email: See contact section
**************
Products Used*:
Router Kit, Bosch 1617EVSPK: amzn.to/2HE72Kk
Router Table, Bosch RA1181: amzn.to/37OY0W6
Router Bit, Starter Kit: amzn.to/3jAoLj9
Eye Protection: amzn.to/3c7rZdF
Hearing Protection: amzn.to/368BK7F
Push Block Set: amzn.to/367rNaI
RZ Mask: amzn.to/3axR8fe
Audio Credits:
Room for Two by Dan Lebowitz (Licensed by KZfaq Audio Library)
More Audio from Soundstripe**:
app.soundstripe.com/referrals...
*As an amazon affiliate, your purchases provide a small amount back to the channel at no extra cost. Your support is appreciated.
**Link above is an affiliate link which provides you a discount of 20% on your first purchase and Northwest Craftsman a rebate on our subscription.

Пікірлер: 64

@cc29350 3 жыл бұрын

A good reminder about closing the fence gap. Am new to using a router table, and had a few cases of the edge not quite clearing the outfeed side of the fence. Closing the gap helped get a cleaner cut without the leading edge hanging up. Thanks!

@NorthwestCraftsman 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you found it useful! I’m always learning new safety tips as well.

@geraltofreviews6032 Жыл бұрын

Clear and concise. Thank you

@MrPete1x Жыл бұрын

Excellent, thank you for showing this

@NorthwestCraftsman Жыл бұрын

Glad you found it helpful Peter!

@jimrosson6702 3 ай бұрын

Great tips thanks for sharing

@NorthwestCraftsman 3 ай бұрын

Glad you liked it! I appreciate your kind words 😊

@duffshot81 Ай бұрын

Awesome video for us newbs. Thank you for posting/

@NorthwestCraftsman Ай бұрын

Glad you found it helpful!

@dawnrezak5399 Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@NorthwestCraftsman Жыл бұрын

Glad you found it helpful Dawn! Happy Woodworking! Josh Northwest Craftsman

@bruce1106 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, and very timely. Just bought myself this exact combination a month ago, your tips are sure to be helpful. Did you build the table/cart you were talking about? If so, I'd be interested to see what you came up with. There's another KZfaqr who built a really nice one with a couple of drawers. Interested to see what others are doing. Thanks!

@NorthwestCraftsman 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Bruce! Thanks for the compliment! I’m glad you found it helpful! I haven’t yet! I was able to salvage a flat surface elsewhere so that hasn’t been at the top of my list. Do you have the link to the other KZfaqr? I’d love to see what they did!

@bruce1106 2 жыл бұрын

@@NorthwestCraftsman Here is the link: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/eauei62krdLFlZ8.html He offers a plan, which I purchased. It's a good starting point, I'll say that. If nothing else, it's a chance to learn about my router, table saw, and measuring 😊

@NorthwestCraftsman 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing! And absolutely! It’s always fun for me to work through what someone else does to see how I can improve.

@Birdlab 3 жыл бұрын

Nice work. I have the same router table and I always use the feather boards that come with it whenever possible. They really help to control and secure the work piece. Have you considered using them?

@NorthwestCraftsman 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely! Highly recommend using them, especially if doing repeated work, I have used them a lot, especially when building the bed frame. Thanks for the contribution!

@srfwoodworks3749 Жыл бұрын

great video, i have the same combo question do you find the plastic guard that goes over the bit useful? thanks for sharing video

@NorthwestCraftsman Жыл бұрын

Glad you found it useful! And not at all 😂 I always have safety glasses on anyways. The one thing I could see it being useful for is increasing the suction from your dust collector because it narrows that opening for chips

@troybush5899 Жыл бұрын

The plastic guard that goes over the bit is VERY USEFUL! Similar to a blade guard, it keeps your fingers away from where they shouldn't be!

@agneolofsson2646 Жыл бұрын

Tydlig instruktion 😀😀😀

@NorthwestCraftsman Жыл бұрын

tack! kul att du tyckte att det var till hjälp! Josh Northwest Craftsman

@loganscreationswv 2 жыл бұрын

Would you be able to find out what the size&thread is on the starter pin I have the mdf cabinet model but I think they both use the same plate and I'm missing that but shipping from bosch is crazy so I just want to get a bolt from the hardware store. Thanks

@NorthwestCraftsman 2 жыл бұрын

I don’t have a thread gauge in my shop to check mine but from some quick searching online, it looks like Bosch uses a 1/4”-28 thread on the starter pin. Not sure how easy it is for you to buy one and try it out but that’d be my go at it.

@j.frankparnell3087 2 жыл бұрын

1/4"-28 is the correct size for the Bosch plate. The 28 indicates fine thread. I used a 1-1/2" bolt. Cut off the bolt head and about 1/4" of thread with a hacksaw. When installed, this leaves about 1" of the smooth, unthreaded portion of the bolt exposed. Before cutting the thread end, screw on a nut. Then after you cut, unscrewing the nut will clean up any threads that get messed up by the saw. File the sharp edges smooth. Carefully saw a slot across the top to allow tightening/removal with a screwdriver. If you have to use a bolt that is threaded its entire length, a 1" nylon spacer can be slipped over the bolt to prevent the threads from marring your work piece.

@loganscreationswv 2 жыл бұрын

@@j.frankparnell3087 thanks

@rodrigogouvea7107 3 жыл бұрын

I did a climb cut without using push blocks, almost lost my finger! Hurts pretty bad, please work safe guys, becouse once it goes wrong, the damage can be irreversible (I'm also a guitar player)...

@NorthwestCraftsman 3 жыл бұрын

Yikes! Glad you didn’t lose your finger! Thanks for sharing.

@lauraa.3593 2 жыл бұрын

thanks for the video and the tips. I find it very frustrating to change the router bits; I do it from underneath the router table, but there is just a very small space to use hands; any tip on how to do it? thanks!

@NorthwestCraftsman 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Laura! I can understand how that’d be frustrating. I do a combination of under and over. First, I adjust the router as high up as it can go with the quick adjust button (not need to use the fine adjustment). Then, there is a small plastic window that is removable on the fixed base that came in the 1617EVSPK combination pack. I remove this window and then, under the bench, holding the the spindle wrench (smaller of the two) in my right hand, I position it through this window to hold the spindle in place. With my left hand and the collet nut wrench (larger of the two), I come in from the top (it will have to be at an angle), loosening the collet nut until I can finish with my hand. I’ve also been told that Bosch has a set of wrenches that have a double 90° jog which allows the user to use both wrenches from the top. If that was too confusing, I think this is a prime example of a picture being worth 1000 words, shoot me an email (should be in the about page on the channel) and I can send some photos your way 😊 Happy woodworking! Josh Northwest Craftsman

@lauraa.3593 2 жыл бұрын

@@NorthwestCraftsman Hi Josh, EXCELLENT tip!!! and your explanation was just perfect!! I just followed them, and it was so much easier! Thank you very much!!

@NorthwestCraftsman 2 жыл бұрын

So glad it was helpful! Happy woodworking! Josh Northwest Craftsman

@eddiemarano9998 Жыл бұрын

Any thoughts on router table height? I understand the height of the work surface would be a personal preference but are there any guidelines you're aware of? I noticed in your video the router was up pretty high but I don't know if that was for filming or personal comfort. Thanks

@NorthwestCraftsman Жыл бұрын

Great question Eddie! There is actually a good amount of writing on this topic and much debate. Generally what I’ve heard is that for work requiring strength, the table top should be about at your wrists when you stand up straight with your arms at your side. If you’re doing more detailed work that doesn’t require strength or leverage, closer to your elbows (so your arms are at a 90 when working) is more appropriate. This varies greatly depending on who you are but the goal is for the work to be ergonomic. Not requiring you to lean over the table all the time but also not having to push in odd ways because your table is too tall. I know this was very vague, but hopefully it helped some 😊

@fj7509 2 ай бұрын

I just watched your video on the Bosch router and table and got mine hooked up. Very happy with the results! But I still need a vacuum for the back. Do you have any vacuum recommendations I could hook up to this that won't break the bank? Or is that something you wouldn't cheap out on? Thanks so much!

@NorthwestCraftsman 2 ай бұрын

Glad you found this helpful! This is the shop vac I still use, or very nearly it. Though, if you go into your local home store, you should be able to find one that works great. Honestly, shop vacs are pretty robust and I wouldn’t break the bank on it. If you can wait until Black Friday or another summer sale, you can probably get one for under $100. Shop Vac amzn.to/3QyNfMS Something that is well worth the money is a cyclone. I’ve only had to change my vacuum bags twice in the 5 years I’ve been woodworking and it keeps your vacuum’s performance high. Cyclone amzn.to/3WoJkWQ Dust Bin amzn.to/4a8LzRa Hose amzn.to/4a9nmKK

@fj7509 2 ай бұрын

@@NorthwestCraftsman Thanks so much for your detailed response! I'll be sure to pick them up when I can.

@NorthwestCraftsman 2 ай бұрын

Glad to help! Good luck and hope you have a great time with your new table!

@yeltayyesbolat7566 7 ай бұрын

I am looking for my Milwaukee router FTR8-0X a router table does this one pass?

@NorthwestCraftsman 7 ай бұрын

Not sure! I don’t have any experience with that particular table.

@Sulkanator 3 жыл бұрын

Do you have a link to those push blocks you used?

@NorthwestCraftsman 3 жыл бұрын

You caught me with a missing link! Thanks for catching that! I've added it and my other PPE to the video description and below is the link to the push blocks! If you're looking for something more sophisticated, you can get the GRR-Ripper. I plan to upgrade to this push block at some point. Push Block Set: amzn.to/367rNaI GRR-Ripper Push Block: amzn.to/3reO9PG

@x-Gingerbeard-x Жыл бұрын

Also, please use featherboards!! They can help massively too!

@NorthwestCraftsman Жыл бұрын

Totally agree! I don’t utilize my feather boards nearly enough!

@dsigetich 9 ай бұрын

I have my router plugged into a foot switch, which is plugged into a power bar. The foot switch must be held down constantly for the router to run, so that’s almost like unplugging the router. The foot switch is plugged into a power bar with a switch, so instead of unplugging the router to change bits I turn the power bar off and do not touch the foot switch. Double protection from inadvertent start-ups.

@NorthwestCraftsman 9 ай бұрын

That’s a great idea!

@davidlarson9050 Жыл бұрын

Is an insert ring always required?

@NorthwestCraftsman Жыл бұрын

Not required to run, but absolutely recommended. It’s a pretty big safety risk if your part goes in while the router is running.

@richardefriend Жыл бұрын

What happened to the fingerboards?

@NorthwestCraftsman Жыл бұрын

Still have them but don’t use them unless there are a large number of the same cut I’m making. They aren’t necessary to operate the tool safely so I left them out for this video.

@aldoogie824 2 жыл бұрын

One thing worth mentioning is DON'T use gloves when using a router table, the fabric can get caught and pulling your hand in causing even more damage. Also worth noting, watching this video and not hitting the like button is also not best practices.

@CarveLife 6 ай бұрын

Tell me you served without telling me you served ha. Great video

@NorthwestCraftsman 6 ай бұрын

I appreciate the compliment but I have actually not served. I’m just surrounded by friends and family that have so I’ve probably picked up some mannerisms. Glad you liked the video!

@CarveLife 6 ай бұрын

@@NorthwestCraftsman lol, your ear protection had me foiled ha.

@NorthwestCraftsman 5 ай бұрын

@@CarveLifeyou’re all good 😂 I take it as a compliment!

@Obscurity202 5 ай бұрын

Dust collection doesn't necessarily capture all the fine particles which are what you should be concerned about for your lungs. Mask or respirator should be worn regardless and it's reckless of you to suggest otherwise.

@NorthwestCraftsman 5 ай бұрын

I appreciate your feedback and I will always have misses. You are right that the safest approach to dust collection includes always wearing a mask.

@echoshatter Ай бұрын

100% agree. Any power tool working at high speed that cuts material will produce fine particles AND fling them into the air. Unless you're working in a space that has a very high flow of air from one end of the room to the other, it's recommended to always wear a mask. And if you're in an enclosed space, unless you're only doing one or two small cuts, you might even want to wear the mask the entire time you're in there. Lung damage, lung cancer, throat cancer, sinus cancer, etc. I've also read that it can cause cardiovascular issues like blood pressure spikes when you have all the detritus in your lungs.

@ResinEssenceByCheri 20 күн бұрын

I brought my dad’s old craftsman router home with me when I was selling his house. I put it under my router table. I was busy doing something at the table and the damned thing turned on by itself. I unplugged it, detached it and examined it. There was a wire that was exposed and my bumping the table jiggled the wires I guess? Needless to say, it’s no longer in my workshop. UNPLUG people.

@NorthwestCraftsman 19 күн бұрын

Always a good reminder. Glad you’re safe!

@ResinEssenceByCheri 19 күн бұрын

@@NorthwestCraftsman Thanks! I wasn’t close enough to it to get hurt LUCKILY but it sure scared me! It’s was a loud one!

@eitantal726 9 ай бұрын

If PPE is the first safety tip, then you're giving the false impression that router tables are 100% safe

@NorthwestCraftsman 9 ай бұрын

Well shoot, that’s not what I was going for at all. PPE is always my first safety tip because it’s one of the best things someone can do to prevent unnecessary injury in the shop. By no means is that intended to convey immunity from injury afterwards. I used to say it more but in the shop you can go from zero to dead in less than a few seconds, so pay attention. Maybe need to convey that more.

@Staffofford 6 ай бұрын

PPE The logical first step in safety. No need to be obtuse