Router Table Starter Pin Makes Routing Smoother

 

Once your workpiece is firmly in
contact with the roller bearing, ease
away from the pin for greater freedom
of movement.

Brace yourself

Start your router and brace the workpiece against the pin. Pivot the starting corner of it firmly and smoothly toward the cutter. Keep your work pressed against the starter pin as the edge of your workpiece comes to rest against the bit's bearing, as shown above. Ease your workpiece away from the starter pin as the bearing takes over, feeding the raw edge into the bit in a counterclockwise motion, as shown right.

Instantly, you'll notice that a starting pin gives you added control of your workpiece during the critical point when the stock first touches the spinning bit. For safety's sake, use a push pad for small workpieces.

Complete Guide to Mastering Your Router