When my Dad passed he left me his tools. I have a B&D 1.5 HP Router and a B&D Router Table (more like a small stand. I believe it of the table, but the bolts are long lost.
I tried edging a piece of pine to make a shelf (holding the router by hand) and the results aren't pretty.
If you are doing freehand routing, you need bits with a ball bearing on the end to track the un-machined edge of the work. Other complicated designs require some form of 'jig' or fence that controls the position of the bit. If you didn't receive an owner's manual with your bequest, it would be helpful to find some good how-to manuals at specialty wood-working stores which also give you ideas for projects, making jigs, using a router table, and other useful information. Use a decent respirator and safety glasses when routing as they produce prodigious amounts of fine wood dust. Don't smoke while using the router as the dust in the air is quite explosive if ignited. The pictures in these manuals show how the router is mounted in the table and how to use it properly. The bits that you use must be very sharp to make clean cuts without also making smoke. Hope you find this useful!
Testimonial: "Very helpful. Thank you. I was wondering what the heck the ball bearings were for so I didn't use them. So many chances to learn from him and now..."
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