FEED RATE
The rate at which the router is moved through the material also has a significant effect on the quality of the cut and
the lifetime of your router and bits. Moving the router through the cut too fast or overloading the tool will cause the
bit to take larger pieces of material with each rotation, resulting in a rough, uneven cut. Moving the router through
the workpiece too slowly tends to burn the workpiece and possibly overheat the bit.
The proper feed rate to use depends on the bit size, the material being cut, the depth of cut and the speed selected.
Use the chart below (Fig. 5 - Router Speed and Feed Rate Settings Chart) as a reference for how fast your router
should be moved along the workpiece. The best way to ensure that you get a quality cut is to practice on a scrap
piece of the same material to get a feel for what feed rate to use. This will also show you exactly how the cut will
look and allow you to check your cutting depth.
CAUTION!
The fan does not cool the motor effectively at lower speeds and may cause the motor to
overheat. Do not run the tool at low speeds for extended periods. Occasionally run the router at high speed
with no load to allow the motor to cool down.
Material
Bit Diameter (inches)
Feed Rate
≤1/2
3/4
1
1-1/4
≥1-1/2
Router Speed Setting
Pine
5-max
5-6
4-6
3-5
3-5
Fast
Oak
5-max
4-6
4-5
3-5
2-4
Moderate
Cherry
3-5
3-5
3-4
2-4
2-3
Moderate
Maple
3-5
3-5
3-4
2-4
2-3
Slow
Particleboard and MDF
5-max
5-max
4-max
3-5
3-5
Fast
Soft Plastics
3-5
3-5
3-4
2-4
1-3
Slow
Hard Plastics
2-4
1-4
1-3
1-2
1-2
Slow
Aluminum
3-4
3-4
2-3
2-3
1-3
Slow
12
ASSEMBLY & ADJUSTMENTS
SETTING THE ROUTER SPEED (CONT.)
Please refer to the chart below for speed dial settings.
NOTE:
These are general guidelines and not hard-and-fast
numbers.
Fig. 5 - Router Speed and Feed Rate Settings Chart
Dial Setting
Speed (RPM)
Speed 1
12,000
Speed 2
16,000
Speed 3
21,500
Speed 4
25,000
Speed 5
28,500
Speed 6
30,000
