Starter pins? - Woodworking Talk

Jason W · 02-08-2009, 02:03 PM

What the heck are these things for? I had one come with my router table that just gets stuck in a hole on the table surface and another came with my shaper that screws into the top.

Nothing tells me what they do or the purpose of them. They aren't adjustable to the fence so I wouldn't think they hold the stock to the fence, I just can't figure it out.

Anyone know?

12penny · 02-08-2009, 03:08 PM

Jason.....They arent used with the fence. You use those when you rout free hand as you would on something that was round or curved in someway. You put your work against it and pivot your work into the bit. Only works with bits that have bearings.

Jason W · 02-08-2009, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 12penny

Jason.....They arent used with the fence. You use those when you rout free hand as you would on something that was round or curved in someway. You put your work against it and pivot your work into the bit. Only works with bits that have bearings.

That make sense, thank you. I can see the use on the router table, but you wont catch me using that on the shaper

Thanks again 12penny

Kenbo · 02-08-2009, 06:52 PM

Just to elaborate on what 12Penny said.....when you are freehand routing on the table, and you bring the workpiece into the bit, the bit has a tendancy to grab your work and chip it. More importantly, when the bit grabs, it is creating a dangerous situation whereby you risk getting your fingers yanked into the bit along with the wood. Not good. By using the starter pin, it provides you with a stable base in which to pivot your work into the bit. It is a much more controlled introduction of bit to wood. Trust me, starter pins are a good thing. Had a few close calls and now I use the pin.
Ken

breakfastchef · 02-08-2009, 07:52 PM

I have ruined numerous pieces of wood using the starter pin. If you have to rout a rounded piece and do not feed the piece properly (in the right direction) into the router bit, it will grab it and shed the edge. Try it. When it happens, you will understand what I am talking about. I tried using a bearing on a bit to cut stock using a template and killed four attempts.

Lilty · 02-08-2009, 11:26 PM

Jason, I agree with what everybody is saying don't ever freehand rout without a starting pin. You only have eight fingers and two thumbs.

Lilty