Router Fence Safety Tips

If you are a woodworker, then a router fence is an essential tool for your work. It will help you cut dadoes, rabbets and moldings with ease.

It will also help you sand, plan and joint your workpieces without worrying about making mistakes. But, there are some things you should keep in mind before purchasing one.

Safety

The router fence is one of the most important safety features on a router table. It keeps the woodworker’s hand safe from the moving sawdust and wood chips that can cause injury if they hit the woodworker directly.

The fence is made up of a series of parts that work together to keep the router bit from going too far and to guide it along a straight path. There is a plastic insert that goes inside the fence and a guard bar that connects to the backside of the plastic insert.

Regardless of the type of router fence you choose, make sure it’s properly adjusted and aligned to the router bit and that it is securely attached to the table. This will ensure maximum safety.

A good fence will also help you achieve better results from routing and other woodworking tasks. Router fences are available in a variety of shapes and styles, such as T-style and miter gauge.

Stability

The router fence helps us control the workpiece and guide it toward the bit for more accurate results. It also keeps the workpiece steady as we advance it past the router bit.

The type of fence you choose for your router table will depend on your specific needs. Single-piece fences are better for beginners and less demanding projects, while split fences allow more versatility when executing complex joint cuts.

For stability, you want a fence that is solid, but not too stiff. You should also choose a fence that is large enough to accommodate your router bit.

A router fence also must be adjustable to ensure it is positioned correctly for each cut. This is crucial for a wide range of operations.

Dust Collection

Routers can produce large amounts of dust and chips, which can make the entire shop a mess. The dust can cling to hair, clothing, tools and other materials and be difficult to sweep up.

A router fence with a built-in dust collection port is one of the best ways to catch the chips at the source and minimize cleanup. However, it doesn’t work well for cuts like stopped dadoes or grooves where the chips are trapped under the workpiece.

A dependable alternative is to attach a dust collection kit to the underside of your router table. These products capture the chips at the source and pull them down through a hose to a dust collector.

Ergonomics

Getting the right combination of the right materials is an art in and of itself. Choosing the right tabletop to house your latest gizmo is a daunting task. Thankfully, manufacturers such as Woodcraft and Stanley have you covered. Keeping your router in the best condition is a top priority. Luckily, there are a few simple steps to follow in the name of safety. Taking care of yourself means more time for your favorite project. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional woodworker, the following tips and tricks will ensure a smooth and safe operation for everyone involved. The first step is to choose your tool of choice carefully.