INProfile Issue 1 | Page 25

Hand held routing For hand-held routing operations, various methods of clamping are possible. These include traditional cramps, clamping onto the top overhang and front down-stand. However, for many routing operations, threaded inserts fitted in a regular pattern across the top offer a flexible arrangement. These allow toggle clamps and stops, fitted to clamping boards or chucks to be used for specific applications. Threaded inserts can also be used for securing accessories and jigs or for holding work directly to the bench. Although traditional bench vices can be fitted to the front of the bench, they can cause an obstruction for some routing operations. Temporary vice mountings and alternative methods of clamping long workpieces vertically to the front of the bench are worth considering. IP A stable bench is essential for mounting shop-made and proprietary jigs and ancillary equipment. These can be simply clamped to the bench top or downstand, or bolted through threaded inserts set into the work surface. A tube clamp bolted to the underside of the top, provides a stable mounting for the Trend Routerack overhead system. Various forms of back fence can then be cut from thick board or laminated sheet to suit specific operations, retained and adjusted by locking levers screwed into threaded inserts. Adjustable fence faces can be added to suit. Trend Routerack pillar base clamps can also be fitted for mounting the Trend Routerack inverted table, allowing it to be quickly removed from the bench to be used for other applications. Mounting the table in this way provides easy access for cutter changing and cutting depth adjustment. ! THINK SAFETY Safety First For safety, it is advisable to fit an easily accessible no-volt release switch to the bench for use in all routing operations. The Trend NVRS 230v switch is suitable for use with all 230-240 volt routers up to 1850 watts. Fitted with a large headed emergency knockoff button, the switch will trip the instant the power supply fails. The switch should be fitted where it is easily accessible for routing operations on the bench, as well as for inverted table routing and similar operations where the machine switch is not easily accessible. Winter 1997 Trend No-Volt Release Switch Ref. NVRS/230V Trend Pushstick Ref. PUSHSTICK/1 INProfile 25