Cutter and pin alignment
In order to follow the outline precisely,
it is essential that the stylus be aligned
with the cutter axis. This is achieved
by using the centring bush and
alignment pins supplied with the jig.
Positioning the drawing
or template
Centring the router stand
baseplate using the guide bush
and alignment pin provided.
The drawing, pattern or a three
dimensional template is clipped or
otherwise secured to the copy holder
or drawing plate mounted above the
workpiece. A double-ended stylus is
fitted to the support arm - the pointed
end for following two dimensional
designs and the parallel pin for threedimensional templates. The drawing
plate base is securely clamped to the
work surface.
Adjusting the table
height
Clip the drawing or template to
the table plate using drawing
board clips or low tack tape.
Always lay the acetate sheet
over drawings to ensure that
the stylus slides easily.
Initially the table height is adjusted to
suit the height of the router, leaving a
50mm space between the top housing
vents and the underside of the table.
The stylus support arm should be set
about 30mm above the drawing plate
to maintain an unrestricted view over
the drawing/pattern. When following a
template, the arm should be adjusted
to allow the parallel pin to touch the
template edges.
Using the Routasketch
Adjust the table height to leave
clearance above the routers
cooling vents. Fit the O ring to
the stylus and slide it into the
copy arm.
Select and fit the appropriate cutter in
the router collet and adjust the cutting
depth using the router’s depth stop.
Do not attempt to cut too deeply into
the surface of the work, but remember
that it will be difficult to follow the line
precisely a second time to try to
deepen the cut.
Do restrict the cutting depth
when using small diameter
cutters to reduce the risk of
breakage.
Position the stylus on the
drawing or pattern and switch
on. Allow the router to reach full
speed before lowering the cutter
into the work face. To prevent
leaving burn marks on the surface
of the wood, be ready to start
moving the stylus along the
outline as soon as the cutter is at
the full cutting depth. Follow the
outline smoothly starting at the
rear of the drawing plate and
working forwards. Whether you
lock the plunge at the final depth
or whether you rely on holding it
down depends on your
preference, but do ensure that
the depth is constant. If the
design requires several different
cutting depths, reset or use the
router’s turret stop to set the
final depth on each pass.
Attractive effects can also be
achieved by varying the cutting
depth along the length of a line
by smoothly controlling the rise
and fall of the plunge action as
you move the router along.
Check carefully that all lines,
letters and details of a design
have been cut completely, before
moving the workpiece or drawing
plate.
When using the parallel pin to
follow the edge of a template,
ensure that the pin remains in
contact with the template edge
throughout the cutting
process. IP
After checking that the
drawing and cutting
surface are correctly
aligned, position the
stylus at a convenient
point on the drawing.
Start cutting by
smoothly plunging the
router to the cutting
depth and following the
line with the stylus.
Signs, nameboards and
logos can be reproduced,
following a photocopy or
computer print out. For
these applications, use
the parallel pin.
SIGN WRITING
ROUTING KIT
Includes: Routasketch _______£29.95
T3EK Router_______£39.95
C043 Cutter _______£10.50
KIT/T3/RSK
£69.95
Set the cutter depth to give
the required line strength.
Spring 2002
All prices are exclusive of VAT
The parallel pin can also
be used to follow two
dimensional templates.
Allow the pin to run
lightly against the
template edge to avoid
any misalignment when
changing direction.
INProfile
11