Router Help

[Rob]

Well, I have just received my first router. I have always wanted one, but never had the need enough to justify the funds. My dad gave me his old one. Now, what the heck do I do with it and prevent the loss of fingers? It is a Sears Craftsman Model 315.17480, 6.5amp, 25,000 rpm, plunge router. There was no owners manual with it. I have contacted Sears/Craftsman and they do not have the manual for it either. I have been able to figure out how to change the bits and raise and lower the bit. Any suggested reference books/magazines?
Thx!

[bobhenry]

CALL DAD ???

He probably misses ya and would love an excuse to talk.

Enjoy him while ya got him ! Mines gone but I'd love to be able to call !

[Dean in Eureka, CA]

1. Wear Eye Protection, Might Want To Consider Ear Protection As Well... Huh???
2. Clamp Or Secure Work Piece.
3. Remove Large Amounts Of Wood In Several Small Passes.
(Your Plunge Router Should Have An Adjustable Depth Gauge With A Dial Which Has 1/8" Increments)
4. Move Router In The Right Direction So The Bit Is Cutting Into The Wood, Not Riding Along The Edge Like A Wheel.
5. Practice On Scrap Wood To Familiarize Yourself With The Tool.

Consider also mounting the router in a shaper table for aditional versatility and check out the miriad of accesories like bit template guides.
And Yes... Ask Your Dad Questions.

[kiacker]

Maybe this link will help you - it's an instruction manual for your router :
http://www.owwm.com/MfgIndex/PubDetail.asp?ID=222&PubID=1624

[Ken A Hood]

You need to sign up here: http://www.routerforums.com/

TONS of helpful info and people.

[Rob]

All--

Thanks for the tips. I rounded the edge of my workbench last night and quickly realized ear protection is a MUST My dad didn't use the router much, if at all, since he had inherited from a neighbor himself.

Lisa, WOW! That is EXACTLY what I was looking for and hoping that Sears/Craftsman could have told me. I have it saved and printed.

Ken, I have to spend some quality time with that forum.

Again, thanks mucho!