5 essential tips for teaching safe routing

Although basic router safety procedures may be second nature to you, they're likely to be new to a beginning woodworker. Review these precautions with the novice, and be sure he or she understands them before routing the parts' edges.

1. Make sure the router bit, cutting-depth lock, and router-table fence are secure.
2. Position split fences as close as possible to the bit to reduce exposure, and keep hands safely away from the bit.
3. Wear safety glasses or goggles and hearing protection.
4. Remove all jewelry and loose clothing. Wear a short-sleeve shirt or roll up long shirtsleeves.
5. Hold the workpiece securely against the fence, and feed it slowly and steadily from right to left against the bit's rotation.