The Outboard Fence

Good idea Rob

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

Nice idea, I was given a shaper that I want to start using so looks like I will be using your ideas. Thank you

-- Joanne, New York, www.creationhollow.com

This is a great idea Rob. I don’t have slots on my router table, but maybe a couple of holes and slots in the outer fence would work. Many thanks for this useful tip.

-- Mike, American in Norway

Stefang , a straight edged board simply clamped to your table will work fine.Measure the distance between the cutterhead and your outboard fence and adjust your clamps as necessary. Run a test piece and measure with a micrometer to get it exact.

-- rob

Clamped. Of course, how dumb of me! Thanks for the reply Rob.

-- Mike, American in Norway

I too have a shaper that I do not use may now have a way to make it useful.

-- Drink once, cut twice. New website up.... lazylarrywoodworks.com.au

Because I develop all of my wood from local logs , this machine is indispensable in initial stock preparation .Now introduce a side profile in lieu of straight cutters and you can produce endless trim – work /moulding. Degoose , if you run all of your cutting board stock through a similar set-up prior to gluing , you will be surprised at how little sanding is left to do !

-- rob

I think it should be clarified that the outboard fence is never used in conjunction with the “normal” fence. It’s one or the other. In the photo the “normal” fence is obviously backed off, clear of the cutting side of the bit, but I’m experienced enough to see this.

Also, a light cut is in order if no power feed is used.

I can read the news article now… ;^(

-- - Please help keep Lumberjocks an enjoyable escape by refusing to participate in political discussions. Simply spit out the bait and ignore the thread...

Thanks for that clarification Barry. I think that to Rob who works with these machines every day it is so apparent that he didn’t think to mention it, but I do think it is a very important safety point for those less experienced, like myself for example.

-- Mike, American in Norway

OK… So I’m inexperienced and I have a question…
In the use of my router table, I’ve read many times never to “capture” the wood between the bit and the fence. I even got to experience the reason for that once. Am I missunderstanding the setup here? It looks like the wood is between the bit and a hard place. Please don’t think I’m passing judgement… I don’t know enough about this hobby yet to be doing that. :-) Is it the power feed that makes the difference?
Thank you!

-- David, Portland Oregon

Sandman , Always work safely and within your comfort and experience zone. Yes what you have read is generally true.
Yes the wood is between the cutter and a hard place. Yes a properly used feeder can make a big difference.
I hope I have answered your questions. I have never had wood working as a hobby and most certainly harbor assumptions , like Cessnabarry pointed out.
Always work safely !

-- rob

Thank you Rob!
I’m happy to know that the little red flags I was seeing were appropriate (for me!).
May your power feeder always hold, and if not, may the flight path always be clear! :-)

-- David, Portland Oregon

Sandman , I also see lots of questionable stuff posted. I also do lots of questionable procedures .Good for you to have open eyes !! If there is anything I can do to help you in woodworking feel free to contact me -

-- rob

Thanks again Rob!
Woodworking is a hobby for me. and now with the arrival of our first child, it’s a hobby that I don’t get to very often. :-D That’s OK though – That’s the way it should be. I’ll do a little bit here and there, and keep an eye out for the projects on this site to keep my interest up! I truly hope that I find myself in a situation where I can indeed contact you for advise!

-- David, Portland Oregon

Nice idea!

-- CJIII Future cabinetmaker

Beginning , just be careful , and use common sense with any power tools . Enjoy—

-- rob