ER11: This is the piece that fits onto the end of the spindle
and holds the bit.
Collet: The piece inside the tool holder (ER11) which as it is
tightened into a tapered hole contracts around the bit so
holding it.
Bit (or Tool): The sharp blade which rotates and cuts bits out
of the stock.
Shank: The part that goes into the collet of the tool holder.
Flute: A cutting edge at the end of the bit.
Limit Switches or End Stops: Switches which trigger at the
limits of movement for each axis. During the operation, they
will stop the router from trying to move past its physical
limits by generating an alarm.
Toolpath: The path that the tool is moved along in
order to do the job. Your software will provide a
toolpath simulation so you can see on your
computer what is going to happen before you send
it to the router.
Passes: This is the number of times you tell the
router to retrace the same path. If you want to cut a
groove or pocket in a piece of wood 5mm deep you
are not going to do it in one single, go down 5mm
then cut! If the wood is very soft and the bit is very
sharp, maybe, but you take the risk of overloading
the router, wearing out or breaking the bit by trying
to make it do too much work in one go. You can get
around this by telling Easel to make multiple passes
cutting out a little each time. As a general rule, the
less material you take out the better the finish
quality but the longer it takes.
Terminology
Part 8