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Explains double insulation, eliminating 3-wire cords, using two sets of insulation for protection.
Describes the router as a versatile tool for professionals and amateurs alike.
Advises wearing safety glasses or eye shields to protect eyes from flying objects.
Details the process of installing and removing router bits and collets.
Explains the purpose and installation of the chip shield for protection.
Provides guidance on holding the router and maintaining control during operation.
Describes the technique for performing internal routing cuts safely and effectively.
Explains the procedure for edge routing, emphasizing grip and control.
Details how to adjust the router's depth of cut using the depth indicator and adjusting rings.
Advises on centering bits with guide bushings and tightening screws to prevent injury.
Discusses selecting the proper feed rate for clean cuts and avoiding motor overload.
Explains the importance of depth of cut for feed rate, cut quality, and potential damage.
Describes the negative effects of feeding the router too slowly, such as scraping and heat buildup.
Explains how to manage thrust to counteract kickback and ensure proper bit engagement.
Guides on routing grooves, positioning guides, and direction of travel.
Details using pilot bits for edge shaping, including proper contact and guide use.
Advice on cleaning, sharpening, and maintaining router cutters for optimal performance.
Discusses servicing, parts, and cleaning plastic components with warnings about solvents.
States that bearings are pre-lubricated for the life of the unit.
Provides guidance on selecting and using extension cords, including safety warnings.
Instructions on how to order replacement parts, including required information.
This document is an owner's manual for a Craftsman 1 Horsepower Double Insulated Router, Model No. 315.17551. It provides comprehensive instructions for safe operation, maintenance, and repair, designed for both professional and amateur woodworkers.
The router is a versatile woodworking tool engineered to produce beautiful and precise results. Its primary function is to cut grooves, shape edges, and perform other routing tasks on various workpieces. The device features a spindle lock for secure bit changes, an on-off switch for control, and two handles for firm, two-handed operation, ensuring stability and control during use. A chip shield is included to protect the user from flying dust and chips, and it must be properly in place during operation for safety. The router also incorporates a depth adjusting ring and a depth indicator ring, allowing for precise control over the depth of cut.
For safe and effective use, the manual emphasizes several key operational aspects. Before any adjustments or assembly, the router should always be unplugged. Users are instructed to wear safety glasses or eye shields at all times. When installing or removing cutters, the spindle lock must be engaged, and the collet nut tightened securely with the provided wrench. It's crucial to avoid touching hot bits immediately after use. The manual warns against using undersized shanks, as they can lead to improper tightening and potential injury.
The manual details two main routing techniques: internal routing and edge routing. For both, users are advised to turn the router on and allow the motor to reach full speed before gradually feeding the cutter into the workpiece. A firm, two-handed grip is essential to maintain control and prevent serious injury. After completing a cut, the cutter should be removed from the workpiece, the motor turned off, and allowed to stop completely before placing the router down.
Depth of cut adjustments are critical for quality results. The manual recommends making cuts at a depth not exceeding 1/8 inch, suggesting multiple passes for deeper cuts. The depth adjusting ring, with its 1/64 inch increment notches, allows for precise depth settings. When using template guide bushings, the bit must be visually centered with the bushing, and the subbase screws tightened firmly to prevent the bit from contacting the bushing, which could cause serious injury.
The manual also provides guidance on the proper rate-of-feed, which is crucial for achieving clean, smooth cuts and preventing motor overload or damage to the bit. Force-feeding (moving too fast) can lead to rough finishes, splintering, and gouging, while too-slow feeding can cause scraping, heat buildup, and potential burning or glazing of the workpiece. The ideal feed rate produces a continuous spiral of uniform chips. Users are encouraged to listen to the motor's sound and feel the tool's progress to determine the correct feed. Testing cuts on scrap wood is highly recommended.
For edge shaping, the manual explains the importance of feeding direction: clockwise for outside (convex) edges and counterclockwise for inside (concave) edges. This ensures a "chopping action" that is less likely to rip out chips compared to a "gouging action." When routing grooves, the tool's travel direction should be planned to keep the guide on the right-hand side, ensuring the bit continuously bites into new wood.
Maintenance features focus on keeping the router in optimal condition. Cutters should be kept clean and sharp, with accumulated pitch and gum removed after each use. Sharpening should only be done on the inside of the cutting edge, maintaining the original clearance angle. The collet and collet nut also require periodic cleaning to remove dust and chips. The manual explicitly states that all bearings are lubricated for the life of the unit, requiring no further lubrication.
For cleaning plastic parts, users are warned against using brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based products, or strong solvents, as these can damage, weaken, or destroy the plastic. Clean cloths are recommended for removing dirt and carbon dust. The manual also advises against using the router for extended work on fiberglass materials due to their abrasive nature, which can cause accelerated wear. If used on fiberglass, frequent cleaning with an air jet is necessary.
The manual includes a list of recommended accessories, such as various templates, a carrying case, a router-crafter, and different types of bits (e.g., dovetail, veining, core box, straight, ogee, cove, bead quarter round, arbor). It also provides a chart for selecting the appropriate extension cord size to prevent power loss and tool overheating.
Servicing of the double insulated system requires a qualified service technician, and users are advised to return the tool to a Sears Store for repair, using only original factory replacement parts. The manual emphasizes the importance of inspecting tool and extension cords periodically and replacing them if damaged to prevent electrical shock.
Overall, the Craftsman Router is presented as a robust and precise tool, with the manual providing detailed instructions and safety warnings to ensure its longevity and the user's safety and satisfaction.
General| Tool Type | Circular Saw |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 120V |
| No Load Speed | 5000 RPM |
| Blade Diameter | 7-1/4 inches |
| Depth of Cut at 45 degrees | 1-3/4 inches |
| Weight | 11 lbs |
| Cord Length | 6 ft |
