Powered Hand Tools - Routers

• Wear safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles), appropriate hearing protection, and respiratory protection, if required.
• Disconnect the power supply before making any adjustments or changing bits. Inspect bits carefully before installing.
• Ensure that the bit is securely mounted in the chuck and the base is tight.
• Put the base of the router on the work, template, or guide. Make sure that the bit can rotate freely before switching on the motor.
• Secure the stock. Never rely on yourself or a second person to support or hold the material. Sudden torque or kickback from the router can cause damage and injury.
• Check the stock thoroughly for staples, nails, screws, or other foreign objects.
• Check the router's speed settings when working with variable-speed routers.
• Keep all cords clear of the cutting area.
• Make sure the work area is clean, well-lit, and free of obstructions. 
• Secure the workpiece to prevent movement during operation. 
• If using a battery-powered router: 
  • Inspect the battery for any damage, cracks, or leaks before use. 
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions for charging and storing the battery. Avoid overcharging or exposing it to extreme temperatures. See the OSH Answers on Battery Charging - Lithium-ion Batteries for more information. 

• Always hold both hands on the router handles until the motor stops. Do not set the router down until the bit stops turning.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance.
• Avoid working in wet or slippery conditions. 
• Make sure there is proper ventilation when working indoors.
• When inside routing, start the motor with the bit above the stock. After the router reaches full speed, lower the bit to the required depth.
• When routing outside edges, guide the router counterclockwise around the work.
• When routing bevels, mouldings, and other edge work, make sure the router bit is in contact with the stock to the left of a starting point and is pointed in the correct cutting direction.

• Feed the router bit into the material at a firm, controlled speed.
• With softwood, you can sometimes move the router as fast as it can go.
• Cutting may be very slow with hardwood, knotty and twisted wood, or with larger bits.
• Listen to the motor sound to determine safe speeds: 
  • High-pitched whine: The router is moving too slowly.
  • Low growling noise: The router is being pushed too hard.
• When the type of wood or size of the bit requires going slow, make two or more passes to prevent the router from burning out or kicking back.
• To decide the depth of cut and how many passes to make, test the router on scrap lumber similar to the work.

If a router is connected to a router table, refer to Woodworking Machines - Shapers for more guidance.

Refer to Powered Hand Tools - Electric Tools - Basic Safety for general electrical safety tips.