{"id":8920,"date":"2025-01-23T12:05:25","date_gmt":"2025-01-23T17:05:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/blog\/uncategorized\/why-router-tables-dangerous-injuries-dewalt-bosch-misuse\/"},"modified":"2025-01-23T12:05:25","modified_gmt":"2025-01-23T17:05:25","slug":"why-router-tables-dangerous-injuries-dewalt-bosch-misuse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/blog\/life\/crafts\/woodworking\/why-router-tables-dangerous-injuries-dewalt-bosch-misuse\/","title":{"rendered":"Why router tables are dangerous and can cause injuries if misused"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re a woodworker, you know how important it is to keep your fingers safe while working with power tools. The router table, often overlooked, can be just as dangerous as the table saw. Enter Stumpy Nubs (James Hamilton)<\/a>, the Canadian woodworking guru who designed and built a jig so versatile and safe, it\u2019s a must-have for any workshop. This isn\u2019t just another jig; it\u2019s a game-changer that improves accuracy, enhances safety, and saves you time. Best of all, you can build it yourself in just one afternoon!<\/p>\n

Why You Need This Jig in Your Workshop<\/h2>\n

Let\u2019s face it\u2014the router table doesn\u2019t get the attention it deserves when it comes to safety discussions. While the table saw is often labeled the \u201cfinger eater,\u201d the router can do even more damage. Unlike a saw, a router doesn\u2019t just cut\u2014it shreds. And there\u2019s no stitching back fingers that get too close to those spinning bits. Stumpy Nubs saw this problem and created a solution that\u2019s both practical and innovative. This jig isn\u2019t just about safety; it\u2019s about versatility. It\u2019s a multi-functional tool that can hold small parts securely, double as a coping sled, and even cut perfect circles. Yes, you read that right\u2014it does it all!<\/p>\n

What Makes This Jig So Special?<\/h2>\n

Most commercially made parts holders only work with bearing-guided router bits. Stumpy Nubs\u2019 design, however, is different. It features tabs on the base plate that run along a router table's fence, making it compatible with any bit\u2014no guide bearing required. This alone makes it far more versatile than anything you\u2019ll find on the market. But that\u2019s just the beginning.<\/p>\n

The jig also includes multiple ways to hold your workpiece. Sliding blocks prevent side-to-side shifting, while toggle clamps apply downward force, ensuring your piece stays put. Even the smallest workpieces are held securely, thanks to a piece of grip tape added to the base. This combination of features not only enhances safety but also improves cutting accuracy\u2014something any woodworker can appreciate.<\/p>\n

Three Functions in One Jig<\/h2>\n

Here\u2019s where things get really exciting. This jig isn\u2019t just a one-trick pony. It has three primary functions, each as useful as the next.<\/p>\n

1. Small Parts Holder<\/h3>\n

When you\u2019re working with small pieces, keeping them secure while routing is a challenge. This jig solves that problem with its sliding blocks and toggle clamps. Your fingers stay far away from the spinning bit, and your workpiece stays exactly where it should be.<\/p>\n

2. Coping Sled<\/h3>\n

Rotate the clamping bar 180\u00b0, and suddenly, you\u2019ve got a coping sled. This is perfect for cutting tenons or making cabinet doors. Unlike most coping sleds that require a router table with a miter track, this one works with the fence alone. Add a simple stop block, and you can make your cuts in two passes\u2014one to remove the bulk of the material and a second to achieve a crisp, clean profile.<\/p>\n

3. Circle Cutting Jig<\/h3>\n

Rotate the sled another 90\u00b0, and it becomes a circle-cutting jig. With a series of holes for your center pin, you can attach a rough-cut blank and use the fence to fine-tune its size. This works for circles up to 10 inches in diameter. However, Stumpy Nubs advises against using it for very small circles (less than 4-5 inches) on a router table for safety reasons.<\/p>\n

Easy to Build, Even Easier to Use<\/h2>\n

The best part? You can build this jig yourself in just one afternoon. All you need are a few scraps of wood, a couple of toggle clamps, and Stumpy Nubs\u2019 detailed plans. Yes, he\u2019s even generously provided step-by-step instructions to make the process as easy as possible. You can find the plans linked below the video, both in the description and pinned to the top of the comment section.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re ready to take your woodworking to the next level, this jig is a must-have. It\u2019s versatile, safe, and accurate\u2014everything a woodworker could ask for. Don\u2019t wait; grab the plans and build one this weekend. Your fingers (and your projects) will thank you.<\/p>\n

Bonus Tip: Upgrade Your Sandpaper Game<\/h2>\n

While you\u2019re upgrading your workshop, why not take your sanding game to the next level? Stumpy Nubs also swears by 3M Cubitron 2 Sandpaper<\/a>. This isn\u2019t your average sandpaper. It\u2019s made with ceramic pyramids that slice through wood fibers rather than plowing through them. The result? Sandpaper that works faster, stays cooler, and lasts significantly longer. In fact, it lasts five to six times longer than cheap sandpaper and twice as long as other premium brands. If you\u2019re serious about woodworking, this is a game-changer. Try it once, and you\u2019ll see the difference for yourself.<\/p>\n

How to Get Started<\/h3>\n

Ready to build this incredible jig? Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll need:<\/p>\n