Router Table Tune Up

The Router

I have already touched on the importance of keeping the router clean previously.  I also am an advocate on cleaning the whole unit itself after use.  Again compressed air is a great asset in doing this particular chore.  Reading the manual and keeping up with the recommended maintenance procedures and lubrications is also a pretty good idea.  As much as it pains me to read the manual, it is a good idea.


1.    Router bits.  I have a lot of bits and like the way they look perched and ready in my shop.  I don�t like it when they don�t do a good job of cutting whatever it is that I am working on.  I use to have my bits sharpened on a regular basis and spent a good amount of money doing just that.  I have switched approaches somewhat to that mindset.  I never used to clean my bits.  I just let the sharpener do that.  What a dummy.  An incredible amount of gunk gets built up on the bits that can really hamper performance.  Cleaning them on a regular basis is one of the best things you can do.  I use a blade and bit cleaning fluid out of a can and an old box.  Once in a while I get an old box and spray the heck out of all my bits and use a gentle brush to clean them up.  After that I wipe them clean and give them a few strokes on the diamond hone sharpener and it makes an amazing difference.  I highly recommended doing this since it extends the life of your bits between sharpening. (which will cost you less)

2.    Cleaning    Profile bits have a bearing on them that needs some attention from time to time.  There are several places that sell kits that you can own to maintain or replace them on a regular basis.  These are a good idea to have on hand.  Having a bit gone useless because of a bad bearing is a wasted bit.  Bearings are in the need of replacement and cleaning just like the bits themselves.  If you look closely you can see the gunk that builds up on them as well.  Cleaning them with a blade cleaner or appropriate cleaner is a good insurance policy as well.  

3. The stock

Men are impatient by nature and I am no exception.  I want to get the job done as quickly as possible so that I can enjoy the finished product.  I have learned over the years that the quality comes when you slow down.  Take less of a bite out of the wood by lowering the bit in the table.   This makes it much easier on the router and increases the life of it.  If you�re routing a hardwood, this makes a very big impact.  It also helps prolong the life of your bits as well.

4. Router Speed

The speed of the router is one of the most overlooked items in operation on your table.  Next to direction of feed it ranks right up there with neglect.  Look at the size of the bit.  The bigger it is, the slower it must go.  There are several good guidelines in how fast you should spin a bit.   


5.      Collet

Make sure the collet your using is clean and in good shape.  If your router is older and you have been using the same collet forever, than it might be a good time to replace it.  Think about its work conditions.  Its harshly used, and spinning at a million miles per hour.  Regular inspection is a great idea.

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