Well, between the fence and bit, the bit is rotating in such a way as to grab
the material and push it along/into the fence. Yes, it's ill-advised and
dangerous, as it'll either send the workpiece flying, or wedge it twixt the
fence and bit, possibly damaging fence/bit or both. The set-up you're looking
at won't cause that to happen, 'cause you're working on the opposing side of
the bit. It could be safer with small pieces and the proper push block. I think
you _could_ end up taking too much material into the bit in some circumstances,
say a badly crooked hunk 'o material. If you've got one edge straight, and the
workpiece is big enough, why not use the tablesaw for the other? Tom

Subject: Woodhaven's stock sizer
From: (Sean)
Date: 01/16/2004 2:49 PM US Mountain Standard Time
Message-id:

I have a question for everyone about Woodhaven's new "stock sizer" jig
for their router tables. For those that haven't seen it, it appears
to consist of two components. The first is a straight edge that sits
the length of the router table where the miter guage is and acts as a
fence. The wood being sized rides on the straightedge between it and
the router bit. The second set of components are modified
featherboards (called hold-outs) that sit against the normal router
table fence and pushes the wood against the straightedge to keep the
workpiece from pulling into the bit. The purpose of this setup is to
make stock perfectly parallel. It also seems to be useful for
jointing edges, perhaps for stock that is already cut/jointed but
perhaps not perfect.

My question is mostly one of safety. I considered jointing small
stock this way and was advised to never to push wood between the bit
and a fence. Anyone want to confirm this advice and if so, would the
featherboards help to completely eliminate the danger of doing so?

Also, my interpretation of how this works is based solely upon the
photographs in their catalog and website. If anyone knows more or has
used this I would appreciate hearing your thoughts. Here is the link
to the product on their site:

http://www.woodhaven.com/singleprodu.../?fromsearch=1

If the link doesn't work just search on their site for "stock sizer".

Thanks

-Sean

PS
Also a small disclaimer that I own and love many of Woodhaven's
products... I am just worried about how this works.

Someday, it'll all be over....