• Clearance Required: Woodshop Basics
• Model: Porter Cable 690LR Router mounted on router table
• Manufacturer: Link
• Manual: Download

A router table is a handy woodworking tool that helps you shape and cut wood with precision and ease. It consists of a flat surface with a hole where a handheld router is mounted upside down. This setup allows you to guide the wood over the router bit, creating intricate edges, grooves, and patterns. Through this page you will learn the router table's anatomy, learn the essential care routines, and explore workspace requirements.

The Tool Safety, Tool Care, Operation, section of this guide are what instructors use to ensure that you can use the equipment according to community expectations.

• Woodshop Basics clearance or class equivalent is required before use.

• See front desk for Table Top Router Kit and Router Bits.

• ⚠️ Always wear safety goggles and hearing protection when operating the router table.
• ⚠️ Keep loose clothing, jewelry, and long hair away from the router bit and moving parts.
• ⚠️ Ensure that the router bit is securely fastened before starting the machine.
• ⚠️ Keep the workspace well-lit to enhance visibility and reduce the risk of accidents.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the router table from power before changing router bits or performing maintenance.

• ⚠️ Maintain a firm grip on the workpiece and use push blocks or sticks to keep your hands safe from the router bit.
• 🚫 Avoid distractions while using the router table to maintain focus on the task.
• 🚫 Do not remove debris or adjust the router table while it is in motion.
• 🚫 Do not overload the router with excessive feed pressure; let the tool work at its own pace.
• ⚠️ Use a router table fence or guide to ensure consistent and controlled cuts.
• 🚫 Avoid freehand routing without proper guides or jigs, as it increases the risk of slips and injuries.

• ⚠️ Double-check the depth settings before making a cut to prevent the router bit from cutting too deep.
• ⚠️ Work in a clutter-free environment to avoid tripping hazards and ensure freedom of movement.
• 🚫 Never reach over or behind the router table while it's running; turn off the power and wait for all moving parts to stop.

• ⚠️ Read and understand the router table's manual and safety guidelines before operation.
• ⚠️ In case of any unfamiliar noises, vibrations, or irregularities, turn off the router table and inspect the issue before continuing.
• 🚫 Do not rush tasks; take your time to ensure accurate cuts and reduce the risk of accidents.

See the Safety Section for more information.

1. Router Opening : This opening is designed to accommodate the router and its base, allowing the router bit to extend through the surface of the table for woodworking operations. Use wrenches from Table Top Router Kit to swap Router Bits for specific tasks. Remember to include faceplate once router bit is added.

2. Fence : A fence on a router table is a vital component that serves as a guide and support for the workpiece during routing operations. As an adjustable barrier, it is positioned vertically on the router table's surface and runs parallel to the direction of the router bit's movement. The fence ensures consistent and controlled cuts by helping to maintain the workpiece's position and alignment as it is guided past the rotating router bit. It's a crucial safety feature as well, as it helps to keep the operator's hands at a safe distance from the spinning bit. Fences often have additional features like dust collection ports and micro-adjustment mechanisms to fine-tune the position for precise routing.

3. Key Hole : Use the key from the Table Top Router Kit to lock the router height in place. While locked, minor adjustments can still be made.

4. Height Adjustment Control : Controls height of the router bit. Each revolution corresponds to 1/32 of an inch.

5. ON / OFF Switch : Push for OFF and Pull for On

7. Power Cord : ensure this is off while performing maintenance or adjustments.

For more visit the manufacturers website and user manual both linked at the top of this document.

• Always wear safety goggles and hearing protection.
• Keep loose clothing, jewelry, and hair away from moving parts.

• Ensure the router bit is securely fastened before starting the machine.
• Use push blocks or sticks to keep hands away from the router bit.
• Never adjust the router table or remove debris while it's in motion.

• Use a router table fence or guide for controlled cuts.
• Double-check depth settings before making cuts.
• Disconnect power when changing router bits or performing maintenance.

• Do not reach over the router table while it's running.
• Read and understand the router table's manual and safety guidelines.
• In case of unfamiliar noises or vibrations, turn off the machine and inspect the issue.

• Never rush tasks; prioritize accuracy and safety.
• Keep the router table surface clean and clutter-free.
• Avoid freehand routing without proper guides or jigs.

• Turn off power and wait for all moving parts to stop before servicing.
• Keep hands and body positioned to the side of the router bit's path.
• Use appropriate push blocks, featherboards, and other accessories for added safety and control.

• Ensure that router bit is pushed all the way down in the collet before operating.
• Regularly inspect the router table for any signs of wear, damage, or loose components.
• Keep the router table surface clean and free from debris after each use.
• Clean surrounding area of debris after each use
• Check and tighten all fasteners, screws, and bolts to ensure stability.
• Clean and replace the router table insert as needed to prevent build-up that could affect the accuracy of cuts.
• Regularly clean the router bit and collet to prevent build-up that could affect cutting performance.
• Periodically check and adjust the router fence for squareness and alignment.
• If the router table has adjustable legs or leveling feet, ensure that the table is stable and level for safe operation.

If you encounter any of the issues listed in the Inspection area or have any other issues with the printer not working properly

• Update the physical Maintenance Tag at the machine
  • 🟢Green can be used without issue
  • 🟡Yellow can be used withcaution
  • ⛔Red cannot be used without hazard to either the user or the equipment
• Record issues at Protohaven Maintenance. This notifies our staff and volunteer maintenance crew of any issues.

If you are part of the maintenance group please log on to the #maintenance channel of our Discord server to:

• Perform a Maintenance Action
• Request a Maintenance Purchase
• Review complete Maintenance Logs for each machine
• Generally chit-chat about maintenance

The following should be in a Maintenance tool kit for the router table:

• Table Top Router Kit
• Router Bits