I am routering fishing lures that are 7-8 inches in length, 1.5 inches
tall from back to belly and made from 3/4" hard maple. I generally
start along the back of the lure then move the lure to the left against
the blade, then around the tail and stop. Then rotate the lure so the
tail is now on the left and proceed again until the side is done. Once
done I flip the lure over and do the other side. I use no fences or
push guards or anything like that because I could never figure out just
how to make them work.

Please excuse my lack of knowledge when it comes to using a router,
everything I know I have learned by trial and error in my shop with no
guidance. I have done thousands in this way without a mishap but the
router scares me every single time!

II



DJ Delorie wrote:
writes:
I am rounding the corners of some 3/4" hard maple and at times the
wood will split out a small piece where I am turning the corners.
Can someone tell me how to avoid this?

Sometimes masking tape can provide a little extra strength to hold the
bits together (i.e. apply tape before routing, where splintering is
expected). Otherwise, a climb cut (carefully!) may help avoid the
splintering.

Could you be more specific about which part is being rounded?
Changing the technique so that the bit cuts the fibers from a
different direction may help, if possible.