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    Ep 2: Router Table Fundamentals- Adjustments

    In this episode, Bob demonstrates tips and tricks to get your fence and bit set exactly where you need it

    Author Headshot By Bob Van Dyke Sep 11, 2018

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    Videos in the Series

    • Ep 1: Router Table Fundamentals – Intro and Safety

      September 4, 2018

      Bob Van Dyke demonstrates the various types of router tables, and the accessories you need to safely use them

    • Ep 2: Router Table Fundamentals- Adjustments

      September 11, 2018

      In this episode, Bob demonstrates tips and tricks to get your fence and bit set exactly where you need it

    • Ep 3: Router Table Fundamentals – Edge Profiles and Rabbets

      September 17, 2018

      In this episode, Bob demonstrates the subtleties of working the edges of a board with a router table

    • Ep 4: Router Table Fundamentals – Mortises

      September 24, 2018

      In this episode, Bob creates accurate and repeatable mortises that will make quick work of any cabinet door

    • Ep 5: Router Table Fundamentals – Tenons

      October 1, 2018

      In the final episode of this series, Bob demonstrates how to cut tenons on the router table, which is a great solution for those who don't have a tablesaw

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    About This Video Workshop

    How to Use a Router Table A router in a table is often simpler and more stable to use than a handheld router. Whether you choose a basic MDF square with a router attached to it or a complex piece of manufactured equipment, in this video workshop, Bob Van Dyke will show you the ins-and-outs of using this workshop workhorse. More from FineWoodworking.com: Build Your Own Router Table The Physics of Machine Safety Tool Test:… More about this Video Workshop

    Comments

    1. User avater
      byoregon | Sep 11, 2018 05:06pm | #1

      Really enjoying this series. I wonder if Bob even realizes he's moistening his fingertip just before pushing something? That looks to be an unconscious habit that I plan to steal. :-)

      1. User avater FWW Editor
        BenStrano | Sep 12, 2018 08:04am | #2

        I noticed that too! I've started working it into my subconscious as well.

    2. FWW Editor
      TomMcKenna | Sep 12, 2018 09:11am | #3

      I do that all the time, too.

    3. ctsailor | Sep 12, 2018 11:07pm | #4

      The last technique - run it all the way through, flip it and run half way to see what is up risks a climb cut. If you intentionally start too far away, probably not. But if you start with the fence too close to the bit the second cut (after flipping) will be a climb cut.

    4. user-5678204 | Sep 20, 2018 09:11am | #5

      So many great tips in this video! I just used the tip about not changing the bit height, but adding a spacer board to the table surface. Saved me a lot of time with my mortise and tenon project.

      Thanks.

    5. DustinDawind | Sep 26, 2018 08:15am | #6

      What is his table top made out of?

    6. User avater
      user-6923126 | Oct 14, 2018 10:19am | #7

      What kind of 1/4" router bit is Bob using? Spiral uncut bit?

    7. TboneTim | Oct 20, 2018 04:48pm | #8

      This series is great example of why I like Bob's teaching so much. So many real life practical tips, based on his years of working things out, always leaning in the direction of getting away from the latest greatest commercial products and methods, and towards simple and practical (his progression from fancy commercial router table fences to simple wooden ones in Episode 2, for example). Another characteristic of Bob's teaching is that he makes mistakes on camera, just like most of us are going to do, but rather than doing a retake, he includes them as part of his lesson. Much appreciated, and many of his teachings end up in my work.

    8. User avater
      ChipSawdust | Nov 08, 2019 12:45pm | #9

      I'm glad to see Bob doing the same things I've learned over the years. It's an experiment to get the cuts just right, and I always always use scrap wood first to check my router depth and location against the fence. Fun to watch.

    9. Darin4867 | Jun 22, 2020 09:39am | #10

      really informative

    10. JWCollier | Jan 23, 2021 11:31am | #11

      How come Bob still has all his fingers? Even Garrett Hack can’t claim that!

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