Craftsman IB-28140 - User Manual

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

This document describes the Craftsman Router Table, Model/Modelo/Modèle: 171.28140, an accessory designed to enhance the functionality and safety of various routers for woodworking, wood-like products, plastic, or laminates. It is not intended for cutting or shaping metals. The router table provides a stable platform for routing operations, allowing for greater control and precision compared to handheld routing.

Function Description:

The Craftsman Router Table serves as a stationary workstation for a router, transforming it into a more versatile tool for various routing applications such as edge cutting, jointing, grooving, fluting, and veining, as well as working with curved workpieces. It features a tabletop with an insert plate for mounting the router, a fence assembly for guiding workpieces, and a switch box for convenient power control. The quick-clamp router mounting system allows for easy installation and removal of compatible routers. The table's foldable legs provide portability and storage convenience.

Important Technical Specifications:

Model Number: 171.28140
Router Tabletop: 1 inch thick
Insert Ring Set: Includes three rings with 1-inch, 2-inch, and 2 3/4-inch diameter holes for bits up to 7/8-inch, 1 7/8-inch, and 2 5/8-inch respectively. No insert ring is required for bits with diameters between 2 5/8 inches and 3 1/2 inches. Bits larger than 3 1/2 inches are not to be used.
Switch Box: Equipped with a lockout key for unauthorized use prevention and an internal, resettable circuit breaker for overload protection. It has a total combined rating of 15 amps for connecting the router and any accessories.
Miter Gauge Slot: T-slot design, accommodating most stationary table saw miter gauges that measure 3/4 inch wide x 3/8 inch deep.
Extension Cord Compatibility: Requires a 3-wire extension cord (14-gauge or heavier) with a 3-prong plug and receptacle. Recommended cord sizes are provided based on ampere rating and cord length.

Usage Features:

Unfolding and Locking Legs: The table features folding steel legs (8 and 10) that can be pulled inward to unlock, rotated to a fully upright and extended position, and then pressed down to secure and lock. This ensures a stable and level work surface.
Quick-Clamp Router Mounting System: This system facilitates easy attachment of compatible routers to the table. The router mounting plate (4) is secured to the router base, and then the router with the plate is clamped into the router table's base plate (5) using a clamp handle. The mounting plate has predrilled holes to match most standard routers (refer to Chart 1 in the manual for compatibility).
Fence Assembly (C): The fence is adjustable for various routing operations, including edge cutting and jointing. It can be moved forward or backward to set the depth of cut and features faceplates (19) that can be adjusted to provide proper clearance for different-sized bits.
Overhead Guard Assembly (18): Preinstalled on the fence assembly, this guard helps keep hands away from the rotating bit. It can be removed for specific routing applications and should be reinstalled afterward.
Featherboards (22): Two featherboards are included, one for the fence and one for the tabletop. They aid in holding the workpiece flat against the table and fence, improving control and accuracy during routing.
Miter Gauge (23, 24, 25): The miter gauge, consisting of a miter bar and protractor head, slides into the T-slot miter channel (3) on the tabletop. It allows for precise angle cuts and can be adjusted up to 60 degrees in either direction.
Starter Pin (26) and Starter Pin Guard (27): Used for routing curved workpieces with piloted router bits, providing an alternative to the fence for guiding the material. The guard ensures safety by keeping fingers clear of the spinning bit.
Dust Extraction Port: The fence assembly includes a 2 1/2-inch port for connecting a wet/dry vacuum hose, helping to keep the work area clean and reduce sawdust buildup.
Switch Box Operation (14): Located at the front of the table, the switch box provides convenient ON/OFF control for the router and an optional accessory (like a light or vacuum). The lockout key (15) prevents unauthorized use, and a circuit reset button protects against overloads.

Maintenance Features:

Periodic Maintenance Schedule: The manual emphasizes the importance of developing a periodic maintenance schedule for the tool to prevent accidents caused by poorly maintained tools.
Cleaning: Regularly remove sawdust and wood chips from under the fence assembly, guard, and the entire work area to maintain performance and prevent buildup.
Fastener Tightness Checks: Periodically check the clamping tightness of the router base fasteners and other assembly fasteners, as vibrations can loosen them during use.
Replacement Parts: Use only recommended CRAFTSMAN replacement parts when servicing the tool. Unauthorized parts or failure to follow maintenance instructions can lead to electric shock or injury.
Cord Inspection: Immediately replace damaged or worn extension cords to reduce the risk of electric shock.
Insert Ring Care: Ensure insert rings fit completely into the tabletop hole. Use a fine file or emery board to remove excess plastic or rough edges that may cause the ring to protrude above the table surface. Store unused insert rings in the tool boxes.
Lockout Key Replacement: If the lockout key (15) is lost or damaged, replacements are available from Sears stores or www.craftsman.com.