Craftsman 315.26921 User Manual

CRAFTSMAN

I_"° _ '°"_'1

Double Insulated

Model No.

315.269210

18/32 7/16 13132

Save this manual for
future reference

CAU'nON: Read and

follow aH Safety RuUes and

Operating Rnstructions before

first use of this product.

Customer HeUp Line: 1-800-932-3188

Sears, Roebuck and Co., 3333 Bevedy Rd., Hoffman Estates, RL60179 USA
Visit the Craftsman Web page: www.sears.com/craftsman

oSafety
oFeatures

oOperation
oMaintenance

oParts List

983000-028

1-03

US

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN PROFESSIONAL ROUTER

If this rRRFTSMRN router fails due to a defect in material or workmanship within one year from the date of

purchase, Sears wiii replace it, free of charge.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY SIMPLY RETURNING THE TOOL TO THE NEAREST SEARS

STORE OR SEARS SERVICE CENTER IN THE UNITED STATES.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Dept. 817WA, Noffman Estates, IL 60179

Your router has many features for making routing
operations more pleasant and enjoyable. Safety,
performance and dependability have been given top
priority in the design of this router making it easy to
maintain and operate.

,_ Look for this symboU to point out important safety precautions. It means attention!!!

Your safety is involved.

WARNmNG: The operation of any router can result in foreign objects being thrown into your
eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Before beginning power tool operation,

always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields and a full face shield when
needed. We recommend Wide Vision Safety Mask for use over eyeglasses or standard

safety glasses with side shields, available at Sears Retail Stores. Always wear eye
protection which is marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.

,_ WARNING: Do not attempt to use this tool until

you have read thoroughly and understand
completely the operator's manual. Pay close
attention to the safety rubs, including Dangers,
Warnings, and Cautions. If you use your tool

properly and only for what it is intended, you wiii

enjoy years of safe, reliable service.

2

WARNING:ReadandunderstandaH
instructions.FailuretofollowaHinstructions

HstedbeUow,mayresuUtineUectricshock,fire
and/orseriouspersonalinjury.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTmONS
WORK AREA

[] Keep your work area ctean and well Jit. CUuttered

benches and dark areas invite accidents.

[] Do not operate power tooJs in expJosive atmo-

spheres, such as in the presence of flammable

tiquids, gases, or dust. Power tooUsmay create

sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.

[] Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away

while operating a power tool. Distractions can

cause you to lose control.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
[] DoubJe insuJated tools are equipped with a

polarized pJug (one blade is wider than the

other). This plug will fit in a polarized outlet onty

one way. If the pJug does not fit fully in the

outlet, reverse the ptug. mfit still does not fit,

contact a qualified electrician to install a poJar-

ized outtet. Do not change the plug in any way.
Double insulation [] eliminates the need for the

three-wire grounded power cord and grounded

power supply system.

[] Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces, such

as pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerators.

There is an increased risk of electric shock if your

body is grounded.

[] Don't expose power tools to rain or wet condi-

tions. Water entering a power tool will increase the

risk of electric shock.

[] Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord to carry

the tooJs or pull the pJugfrom an outlet. Keep cord

away from heat, oH, sharp edges, or moving parts.

Replace damaged cords immediately. Damaged

cords increase the risk of electric shock.
[] When operating a power tool outside, use an out-

door extension cord marked "W-A" or "W". These

cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of

electric shock.

PERSONAL SAFETY
[] Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use

common sense when operating a power toot.

Do not use tooJ while tired or under the infJu-

ence of drugs, alcohoJ, or medication. A moment

of inattention while operating power tools may

result in serious personal injury.

[] Dress property. Do not wear Joose clothing or

jewelry. Contain tong hair. Keep your hair,

clothing, and gloves away from moving parts.

Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in
moving parts.

Avoid accidentaJ starting. Be sure switch is off
before plugging in. Carrying tools with your finger

on the switch or plugging in tools that have the
switch on, invites accidents.

Remove adjusting keys or wrenches before
turning the tooJ on. A wrench or a key that is left
attached to a rotating part of the tool may result in

[] Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and

baJance at aH times. Proper footing and balance

enables better control of the tool in unexpected
situations. Do not use on a ladder or unstable

support.

[] Use safety equipment. AJways wear eye protec-

tion. Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat,
or hearing protection must be used for appropriate

conditions.

TOOL USE AND CARE
[] Use cJamps or other practical way to secure

and support the workpiece to a stabJe platform.

Holding the work by hand or against your body is

unstable and may lead to loss of control.

[] Do not force toot. Use the correct toot for your

application. The correct tool will do the job better
and safer at the rate for which it is designed.

[] Do not use tool if switch does not turn it on or

off. Any tool that cannot be controlled with the
switch is dangerous and must be repaired.

[] Disconnect the ptug from power source before

making any adjustments, changing accesso-

ries, or storing the tool Such preventive safety

measures reduce the risk of starting the tool

[] Store idle tools out of the reach of children and

other untrained persons. Tools are dangerous in
the hands of untrained users.

[] Maintain tools with care. Keep cutting tools

sharp and cJean. Properly maintained tools with
sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are

easier to control.

[] Check for misalignment or binding of moving

parts, breakage of parts, and any other condi-
tion that may affect the tooJ's operation. If
damaged, have the tool serviced before using.

Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained
tools.

[] Use only accessories that are recommended by

the manufacturer for your model. Accessories
that may be suitable for one tool, may become

hazardous when used on another tool.

SERVICE
[] TooJservicemustbeperformed only by qualio

fied repair personnel. Service or maintenance

performed by unqualified personnel could result in

a risk of injury.

NoJd tooJ by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an operation where the cutting tool may
contact hidden wiring or its cord. Contact with a "live" wire will make exposed metal parts of the tool "live" and

[] When servicing a tooJ, use only identicaJ reo

pJacement parts. Follow instructions in the
Maintenance section of this manual Use of

unauthorized parts or failure to follow Maintenance

hstructions may create a risk of eUectricshock or
injury.

ADDITIONAL RULES FOR SAFE OPERATmON
[] Know your power tool Read operator's manuaJ

carefully. Learn its appJications and limitations,
as wen as the specific potentiaJ hazards related

to this tool Following this rule will reduce the risk
of electric shock, fire, or serious injury.

[] AJways wear safety glasses. Everyday eye°

glasses have onJy impact-resistant tenses; they
are NOT safety gJasses. Following this rule wiii
reduce the risk of serious personal injury.

[] Protect your lungs. Wear a face or dust mask if

the operation is dusty. Following this rule wiii
reduce the risk of serious personal injury.

[] Protect your hearing. Wear hearing protection

during extended periods of operation. Following
this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal

injury.

[] inspect toot cords periodically and, if damaged,

have repaired at your nearest authorized sero
vice center. Constantly stay aware of cord
location. Following this rule will reduce the risk of

electric shock or fire.

[] Check damaged parts. Before further use of the

tool, a guard or other part that is damaged
should be carefully checked to determine that it

wilt operate properly and perform its intended
function. Check for aJignment of moving parts,

binding of moving parts, breakage of parts,
mounting, and any other conditions that may

affect its operation. A guard or other part that is
damaged shouJd be property repaired or reo

placed by an authorized service center. Follow-
ing this rule will reduce the risk of shock, fire, or
serious injury.

[] Do not abuse cord. Never carry the tool by the

cord or yank it to disconnect it from the recepo
tac[e. Keep cord away from heat, oiJ, and sharp
edges. Following this rule wiii reduce the risk of

electric shock or fire.

[] Make sure your extension cord is in good

condition. When using an extension cord, be
sure to use one heavy enough to carry the

current your product wilt draw. A wire gage size
(A.W.G.) of at Jeast 16 is recommended for an

extension cord 100 feet or tess in bngth. A cord
exceeding 100 feet is not recommended, if in

doubt, use the next heavier gage. The smaller
the gage number, the heavier the cord. An
undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage

resulting in loss of power and overheating.

[] inspect for and remove aH nails from tumber

before routing. Following this rule wiii reduce the
risk of serious personal injury.

[] Drugs, aJcohoJ, medication. Do not operate tool

while under the influence of drugs, aJcohot, or
any medication. Following this rule wiii reduce the

risk of electric shock, fire, or serious personal injury.

[] Save these instructions. Refer to them freo

quentJy and use them to instruct others who
may use this tool ff you Joan someone this toot,

toan them these instructions also.

WARNING: Some dust created by power

,&

sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other
construction activities contains chemicals known

to cause cancer, birth defects or other

reproductive harm. Some examples of these

chemicals are:

o lead from bad-based paints,
o crystalline silica from bricks and cement and

other masonry products, and

o arsenic and chromium from chemically-

treated lumber.

Your risk from these exposures varies,
depending on how often you do this type of work.

To reduce your exposure to these chemicals:
work in a well ventilated area, and work with

approved safety equipment, such as those dust

masks that are specially designed to filter out
microscopic particles.

important: Some of the following symbols may be used on your tool. Please study them and barn their meaning.

Proper interpretation of these symbols wiii allow you to operate the tool better and safer.

SYMBOL NAME DESmGNATmON/EXPLANATmON

V

A

Hz

W

min

n o

._/min Revolutions or Reciprocation Per Minute Revolutions, strokes, surface speed,

Volts

Amperes

Hertz

Watt

Minutes

Alternating Current

No Load Speed

Class HConstruction

Safety Alert

Voltage

Current

Frequency (cycles per second)

Power

Time

Type or a characteristic of current

Rotational speed, at no load

Designates double-insulated

construction tools

orbits etc. per minute

Undicates danger, warning or caution.
Utmeans attention!!! Your safety is

involved.

Wet Conditions Alert

The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols, and the
explanations with them, deserve your careful attention and understanding. The safety warnings do not by

themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they give are not substitutes for proper accident
prevention measures.

SYMBOL MEANmNG

DANGER: Failure to obey a safety warning will result in serious injury to yourself or toothers. Always

follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.

WARNmNG: Failure to obey a safety warning can result in serious injury to yourself or to others.

Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.

CAU'NON: Failure to obey a safety warning may result in property damage or personal injury to

yourself or to others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and
personal injury.

NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the equipment.

Do not expose to rain or use in damp

locations.

SAVE THESE iNSTRUCTiONS

Depth of Cut
CoHet

0 - 1-1/2 in. No Load Speed 15,000 - 25,000/min

1/2 in. and 1/4 in. Power Cord 10 ft.

Horsepower

input

Your router has been shipped completely assembled.

Unspectit carefully to make sure no breakage or
damage has occurred during shipping. Rfany parts are
damaged or missing, contact your nearest Sears

Retail Store to obtain replacement parts before
attempting to operate router. A wrench, a 1/4 in. collet

assembly, and this operator's manual are also
included=

120 volts, 60 Hz, AC only, 9.5 amps

2 Net Weight 7 Ibs=6 oz=

,_ WARNING: Rfany parts are missing, do not

operate this tool until the missing parts are

replaced. Failure to do so could result in possible

serious personal injury.

DOUBLEiNSULATION

DEPTH ADJUSTmNG RING

DouMe insulation is a concept in safety in eUectric
power tooUs,which eliminates the need for the usuaU

three-wire grounded power cord. AHexposed metaU
parts are isoUatedfrom the internaU metaUmotor

components with protecting insuUafion. DouMe
insuUated tooUsdo not need to be grounded.

Important: Servicing of a tooUwith douMe insuUafion
requires extreme care and knowUedge of the system
and shouUdbe performed onUyby a qualified service
technician. For service, we suggest you return the tooU
to your nearest authorized service center for repair.
AUways use original factory replacement parts when
servicing.

_ WARNmNG: The double insulated system is

intended to protect the user from shock resulting
from a break in the tool's internal wiring. Observe
all normal safety precautions to avoid electrical

shock.

ELECTRICAL CONNECTmON
Your router has a precision built electric motor, mt

should be connected to a power suppJy that is 120
voJts, 60 Hz, AC onJy (normal househoJd current).
Do not operate this toot on direct current (DO}. A
substantial voltage drop will cause a loss of power
and the motor will overheat. If your tool does not
operate when plugged into an outlet, double-check
the power supply.

SWmTCH
To turn the router ON, toggle the switch to the l

position. To turn the router OFF, toggle the switch to
the O position.

SPINDLE LOCK
The spindle lock secures the spindle while you make

adjustments and acts as a retainer to keep the router
body from coming out of the base.

The depth adjusting ring allows you to adjust the
depth of cut.

LOCKING ARM
The locking arm secures the motor housing in the

base.

CHIP SHIELD
A clear plastic chip shield is installed on the front of

your router for protection against flying dust and
chips. The shield is designed to fit the opening of the
router base. If necessary to remove chip shield,
squeeze the tabs on each end and pull outward. To
replace, squeeze the tabs at each end, fit into
opening, then release. For your protection, do not
use router without chip shietd properly in pJace.
Peel the horsepower label from chip shield and

discard.
VARIABLE SPEED

Your router has advanced electronic features,
designed to assist you in getting the maximum use

from your router. By making proper speed selections,
your router can be adjusted to specific routing needs.

This eliminates much of the guess work previously
needed to perform a given job. Both the experienced

and inexperienced router users benefit, obtaining
professional like results with fewer job errors.

The variable speed control allows the router speed to
be adjusted from 15,000 to 25,000 RPM. The

variable speed control selector is conveniently located
on the top of the motor housing.

Speed can be set according to the approximate cutter
diameter you will be using and to the hardness of the

material being cut. The best cuts are made when the
cutter is fed through material at the proper rate of
feed.

VACUUM ATTACHMENT
The vacuum attachment allows you to attach a

standard shop vacuum to the router for easy clean up.

HANDLE

POWER

HANDLE

1/4in.COLLET

ASSEMBLY

LOCKINGARM

WRENCH

DEPTH

ADJUSTING

SPINDLELOCK

COLLETNUT Fig:1

,_ WARNmNG: Do not allow familiarity with your router to make you careUess, Remember that a careUess fraction

of a second is sufficient to inflict severe injury,

8

_ WARNING:YourroutershouUdneverbe

connectedtopowersuppUywhenyouare
assembfingparts,makingadjustments,installing
orremovingcutters,cbaning,orwhennotin
use.DisconnectingrouterwHUpreventaccidentaU
startingthatcouUdcauseseriouspersonaUinjury.

INSTALUNG/RE_OVmNGCUTTERS

See Figure 2.

[] Unplug your router.

[] Lay router down on table to gain easy access to

collet nut.

[] Place wrench provided onto collet nut and turn

couterclockwise to loosen.

_l WARNING: Rfyou are changing a cutter

immediately after use, be careful not to touch the

cutter or collet with your hands or fingers. They
will get burned because of the heat buildup from

cutting. Always use the wrench provided.

,_ WARNING: Failure to unplug your router could

result in accidental starting causing serious

[] Depress spindle lock.

,_ WARNING: To prevent damage to the spindle

or spindle lock, always allow motor to come to a
complete stop before engaging spindle lock.

CUTTER

WRENCH

COLLET

NUT TO LOOSEN

COLLETNUT

[] To install cutter: Insert shank of cutter into collet.

The shank of the cutter should be close to but not
touching bottom of collet.

[] To remove cutter: Remove cutter from collet.

NOTE: The 1/2 in. collet is machined to precision
tolerances to fit cutters with 1/2 in. diameter

shanks. The 1/4 in. collet is machined to precision
tolerances to fit cutters with 1/4 in. diameter

shanks.

[] Tighten the collet nut securely by turning clockwise

with wrench provided.

[] Release spindle lock.

,_. WARNING: Do not use cutters with undersized

shanks. Undersized shanks wiii not tighten

properly and could be thrown from tool causing
injury.

1/4in. COLLET

ASSEMBLY

1/2in.COLLET

ASSEMBLY

TOTIGHTEN

COLLETNUT

DEPRESS

SPINDLELOCK Fig. 2

CUTTERWiTH1/4in.

SHANKDIAMETER

CUTTERWiTH1/2in.

SHANKDIAMETER

ADJUSTmNGDEPTHOFCUT

See Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6.

We recommend that cuts be made at a depth not
exceeding 1/8 in. and that several passes be made to

reach depths of cut greater than 1/8 in.
[] Unplug your router.

_ WARNING: Failure to unplug your router could

result in accidental starting causing serious

[] Place router on a fiat surface and loosen locking

arm. See Figure 3.

LOCKING LOOSEN

ARM

Fig. 3

[] Turn the depth indicator ring until the zero fines up

with the indicator point on the base. See F_gure 5.

CUTTERAT ZERO

DEPTHOFCUT Fig. 5

[] Position router so that the cutter can extend below

the subbase for desired depth setting. See

Figure 6.

[] Turn depth adjusting ring until cutter is inside

subbase. See Figure 4.

[] Turn depth adjusting ring until tip of cutter touches

fiat surface.

TO RAISE

CUTTER

TO

LOWER

CUTTER

\

DEPTH

ADJUSTING

RiNG

iNDICATOR

POINT

CUTTER

iNSiDESUBBASE SUBBASE

DEPTH

iNDiCATOR

RiNG

Fig. 4

CUTTEREXTENDED

BELOWSUBBASE Fig. 6

[] Turn the depth adjusting ring to obtain the desired

depth of cut. The distance the cutter moves can be

read on the depth adjusting ring. Each mark on the
depth adjusting ring indicates 1/32 inch change in
depth setting, indicator point is located on the

base.

[] Tighten locking arm securely.

10

ADJUSTING DEPTH OF CUT (WroTH ROUTER

See Figure 7.

The indicator point on the base can be used when
using your router mounted to a router tame,

[] Set the cutter at zero depth of cut,
[] Rotate depth indicator ring to desired depth of cut

on the scab, Refer to "ADJUSTING DEPTH OF

CUT" earlier in this manual

[] Tighten Hockingarm secureiy,

FORROUTER TABLE USE ONLY

The speed selecfion chart shown gives suggested
speed settings based on the diameter of the cutter

and the type of materiai being routed,
We suggest that you practice with the variabie speed

feature of your router before instaiHng a cutter and
making cuts in wood,

SPEED SELECTION CHART

CUTTER SIZE

MATERIAL 1/4 3/8 1/2 3/4

INDICATOR

POINT

DEPTH

ADJUSTMENTRING

Fig, 7

ADJUSTING SPEED

See Figure 8.

Your router has a variabHe speed eontroHseHector
designed to aHHowoperator controH of speed and
torque iimits. You can make speed selections best
suited to the type of cut, the materiai being cut, and
the size of bit being used. The variabie speed controi
selector allows you to adjust router speed from 15,000
to 25,000 RPM. There is a six-step scab (A to F) on
the variabHe speed controH seHector. To increase the
speed and torque of your router, turn the variable
speed control selector to a higher setting (F). Turn to
a lower setting to decrease speed and torque.

NOTE: If you do not want to use the variable speed
control selector, turn it to the highest possible setting,

and the feature will not be active.

Fig. 8

iNSTALLiNG THE VACUUM ATTACHMENT
[] Place the vacuum attachment in the area at the

rear of the router under the Hockingarm.

[] Secure the vacuum attachment with the two

screws provided.

11

HELPFUL HINTS
7" AUwaysdamp workpbce secureUy before routing,

V" A safe operator is one who thinks ahead,
V" AUwayswear eye protection when routing,

7" Make setup adjustments carefully, Then doubb

check, Measure twice and cut once,

7" Keep cutters dean and properUy sharpened,
7" Don't bt familiarity make you carebss,
7" Study aHsafety rubs and do the job safeUy,

V" Never pUaceyour hands in jeopardy,
V" Make certain damps can't bosen while in use,

7" Test difficuUtsetups on scrap -- Don't waste

Uumber.

7" PUaneach operation before you begin,
7" Provide for smoother operation by cleaning your

router frequendy, Shake router or Mow with an air

jet to remove sawdust buildup,

7" Think safety by thinking ahead.

STARTING/STOPPING ROUTER
[] Grasp handles using both hands, See Figure 9.

[] Tostart muter: Press the switch to the 1position, See

Figure 10.

[] Tostop muter: Press the switch to the O position,

See Figure 10.

HANDLE

POWER

HANDLE

(0 )TO STOP

Fig. 9

(I) TOSTART

SWITCH

Fig. 10

12

PLACINGROUTERONWORKPIECE

FEEDING ROUTER

PUacing your router on a workpbce differs, depending
on the type of routing: edge routing or internaU routing.

_ WARNING: Remain alert and watch what you

are doing. Do not operate router when fatigued.

EDGE ROUTING
[] Place router on edge of workpiece, making sure

the router bit does not contact workpiece.
[] Turn router on and let motor build to its full speed.
[] Begin your cut, gradually feeding cutter into

workpiece.

_ WARNING: Keep a firm grip on router with both

hands at aii times. Failure to do so could result in
loss of control leading to possible serious injury.

[] Upon completion of cut, turn motor off and let it

come to a complete stop before removing router

from work surface.

,_ WARNING: Never pull router out of work and

place upside down on work surface before the
cutter stops.

INTERNAL ROUTING
[] Tilt router and place on workpiece, letting edge of

subbase contact workpiece first.

NOTE: Be careful not to let router bit contact

workpiece.
[] Turn router on and let motor build to its full speed.

[] Feed cutter into workpiece gradually until subbase

is level with workpiece.

,_ WARNING: Keep a firm grip on router with both

hands at all times. Failure to do so could result in
loss of control leading to possible serious injury.

[] Upon completion of cut, turn motor off and let it

come to a complete stop before removing router

from work surface.

_ WARNING: Never pull router out of work and

place upside down on work surface before the
cutter stops.

The "secret" of professional routing and edge shaping
lies in making a careful set-up for the cut and in
selecting the proper rate of feed.

RATE OF FEED

The proper rate of feed depends on several factors:
the hardness and moisture content of the wood, the

depth of cut, and the cutting diameter of the bit. When
cutting shallow grooves in soft woods such as pine, a
faster rate of feed can be used. When making deep

cuts in hardwoods such as oak, a slower rate of feed
should be used.

The best rate of feed is one that does not slow down
the router motor more than one-third of its no-load

speed. Ifthe router is fed too fast, it will take large
chips out of the wood and leave gouge marks, ff the

router is fed too slow, it wiii scorch or burn the wood.

Feeding Too Fast

Clean, smooth routing and edge shaping can be done
only when the bit is revolving at a relatively high
speed and is taking very small bites to produce tiny,
cleanly severed chips. If your router is forced to move

forward too fast, the RPM of the bit becomes slower
than normal in relation to its forward movement. As a

result, the bit must take bigger bites as it revolves.
"Bigger bites" mean bigger chips, and a rougher
finish. Bigger chips also require more power, which
could result in the router motor becoming overloaded.

Under extreme force-feeding conditions the relative
RPM of the bit can become so slow--and the bites it

has to take so large -- that chips will be partially
knocked off (rather than fully cut off), resulting in
splintering and gouging of the workpiece. See

Figure 11.

Your router is an extremely high-speed tool (15,000 -
25,000 RPM no-load speed), and will make clean,

smooth cuts if allowed to run freely without the
overload of a forced (too fast) feed. Three things that
cause "force feeding" are bit size, depth-of-cut, and
workpiece characteristics. The larger the bit or the
deeper the cut, the more slowly the router should be
advanced. Rfthe wood is very hard, knotty, gummy or

damp, the operation must be slowed still more.
You can always detect "force feeding" by the sound of

the motor. Its high-pitched whine will sound lower and
stronger as it loses speed. Also, the strain of holding
the tool will be noticeably increased.

13

Feeding Too Slow

Utis aBo possiMe to spoil a cut by moving the router
forward too sbwUy. When it is advanced into the work
too sbwUy, a revoMng bit does not dig into new wood
fast enough to take a bite; instead, it simpUy scrapes
away sawdust-Hke partbbs. Scraping produces heat,
which can gUaze, burn, or mar the cut and in extreme
cases, can even overheat the bit so as to destroy its

hardness.

Unaddition, it is more difficuUt to controUa router when
the bit is scraping instead of cutting. With practically

no bad on the motor the bit wHUbe revoMng at dose
to top RPM, and wHUhave a much greater than normaU
tendency to bounce off the sides of the cut (especially
if the wood has a pronounced grain with hard and soft
areas). As a result, the cut produced may have
rippled, instead of straight sides. See Figure 11.

"Too-slow feeding" can also cause your router to take
off in a wrong direction from the intended line of cut.
Always grasp and hoJd your router firmly with

both hands when routing.
You can detect "too-slow feeding" by the runaway,

high-pitched sound of the motor; or by feeling the
"wiggle" of the bit in the cut.

DIRECTION (EXTERNAL)

See Figure 12.

The router motor and bit revolve in a clockwise
direction. This gives the tool a slight tendency to twist

(in your hands) in a counterclockwise direction,
especially when the motor revs up (as at starting).

Because of the extremely high speed of bit rotation

during a "proper feeding" operation, there is very little
kickback to contend with under normal conditions.

However, should the bit strike a knot, hard grain,

foreign object, etc. that would affect the normal
progress of the cutting action, there will be a slight

kickback--sufficient to spoil the trueness of your cut if
you are not prepared. Such a kickback is always in

the direction opposite to the direction of bit rotation.
To guard against such a kickback, plan your setup

and direction of feed so that you will always be
thrusting the tool--to hold it against whatever you are

using to guide the cut--in the same direction that the
leading edge of the bit is moving. In short, the thrust

should be in a direction that keeps the sharp edges of
the bit continuously biting straight into new (uncut)

wood.

TOOFAST

TOOSLOW Fig. 11

sT

PROPER CUTTING SEQUENCE

4

Fig. 12

14

DIRECTION(INTERNAL)
Wheneveryouareroutingagroove,yourtravel

shouldbeina directionthatplaceswhateverguide
youareusingat theright-handside.Inshort,when

theguideispositionedasshowninthefirstpartof
Figure13,tooltravelshouldbelefttorightand

counterclockwisearoundcurves.Whentheguideis
positionedasshowninthesecondpartofFigure13,

tooltravelshouldberighttoleftandclockwisearound
curves.Rfthereisachoice,thefirstsetupisgenerally

theeasiesttouse.Ineithercase,thesidewaysthrust
youuseisagainsttheguide.

GUIDEOUTSIDE

ROTATION

THRUST

ROTATION

FEED

GUIDE

DETERMINING DEPTH OF CUT

As previously mentioned, the depth of cut is important
because it affects the rate of feed that, in turn, affects

the quality of the cut (and, also, the possibility of
damage to your router motor and bit). A deep cut

requires a slower feed than a shallow one, and a too
deep cut will cause you to slow the feed so much that

the bit is no longer cutting, it is scraping, instead.

Making a deep cut is never advisable. The smaller
bits -- especially those only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) in
diameter -- are easily broken off when subjected to
too much side thrust. A large enough bit may not be
broken, but if the cut is too deep a rough cut will result

-- and it may be very difficult to guide and control the
bit as desired. For these reasons, we recommend that

you do not exceed 1/8 in. depth of cut in a single
pass, regardless of the bit size or the softness or
condition of the workpiece. See FiXTure14.

To make deeper cuts it is therefore necessary to
make as many successive passes as required,
lowering the bit 1/8 in. for each new pass. In order to
save time, do all the cutting necessary at one depth
setting, before lowering the bit for the next pass. This

will also assure a uniform depth when the final pass is
completed. See FiXTure 15.

GUIDEINSIDE

ROTATIONC_

GUIDE@ ÷

ROTAT OH /

FEED

THRUST

Fig. 13

DEPTH
OFCUT

__ WIDTH

Fig. 14

2ND.PASS

1ST.

2HD. [7 PASS

PASS _U m

Fig. 15

15

ROUTING
Yourrouterisa versatiletooUandcarlbeusedfor

marlydifferentappHcations.Youmayroutgrooves,
carvedesignsusinga tempUate,carvedesignsby
freehand,tapertaNeandchairUegs,mortisedoor

jambs,orcreatejoints.

ROUTINGGROOVES

See Figure 16.

When routing across the face of boards, set router at
desired depth of cut, pUacethe edge of router base
against workpiece, and turn on the router. SbwUy feed
the cutter into the workpiece along desired Hneof cuL

,_ WARNING: If desired depth of cut is greater

than can be safeUycut in one pass, make cuts in
two or more passes,

When routing straight cuts across stock, damp a
straight edge to the workpiece to use as a guide,
Position the straightedge parallel to the line of cut and
offset the distance between the cutting edge of the
cutter and the edge of the router base, Hold the router
base against the straightedge and rout the groove,

When routing a groove wider than the diameter of the
cutter, clamp a straightedge on both sides of the
cutlines, Position both guides parallel to the desired
line of cut and spaced equal distances from the
desired edges of the groove, Rout along one guide;
then, reverse direction and rout along the other guide,
Clean out any remaining waste in the center of the

ROUTING BY FREEHAND

See F_Ture 17.

When used freehand, your router becomes a flexible
and versatile tool. This flexibility makes it possible to
easily rout signs, relief sculptures, etc.

There are two basic techniques for freehand routing:
[] Routing letters, grooves, and patterns into woo&
[] Routing out the background, leaving the letters or

pattern raised above the surface.
When freehand routing, we suggest the following:
[] Draw or layout the pattern on workpiece.
[] Choose the appropriate cutter.

Fig, 16

Rout the pattern in two or more passes, Make the
first pass at 25% of the desired depth of cut, This
will provide better control as well as being a guide
for the next pass,

NOTE: Do not rout deeper than 1/8 in, per pass,

,_ WARNING: Do not use large router bits for

freehand routing. Use of large router bits when
freehand routing could cause loss of control or

create other hazardous conditions that could
cause possible serious personal injury. When

using a router table, large router bits should be
used for edging only. Do not use router bits that

are larger in diameter than the opening in router

base for any purpose.

NOTE: A core box or V-groove bit is often used for
routing letters and engraving objects. Straight bits

and ball mills are often used to make relief
carvings. Veining bits are used to carve small,

intricate detail&

Fig, 17

16

ROUTINGWITHGUIDEBUSHINGS
WhenusingtheTempUateGuideBushingsItemNo.9-

25082withyourrouter,youmustvisuallycenterthe
bitwiththebushingbeforebeginningyourcut.Your

routersubbasemaybeadjustedbyboseningthe
screwshoUdingthesubbasetoyourrouter.Besureto

tightenbcHngarmbeforecenteringbitinbushing.
Aftercenteringbitwithbushing,tightenscrews

secureUy.
EDGINGWITHPILOTBITS

See Figure 18.

Arbor-type bits with pilots are excellent for quick,
easy, edge shapinga They wHUfollow workpbce edges

that are either straight or curved. The pilot prevents
the bit from making too deep a cut; and hoUding the

pilot firmUy in contact with the workpbce edge
throughout prevents the cut from becoming too
shallow.

Whenever the workpiece thickness together with the
desired depth of cut (as adjusted by router depth

setting) are such that only the top part of the edge is
to be shaped (leaving at bast a 1/16 inch thick uncut

portion at bottom), the pilot can ride against the uncut
portion, which wiii serve to guide it. See Figure /8.

However, if the workpiece is too thin or the bit set too
low so that there will be no uncut edge to ride the pilot

against, an extra board to act as a guide must be
placed under the workpiece. This "guide" board must

have exactly the same contour -- straight or curved

-- as the workpiece edge. If it is positioned so that its
edge is flush with the workpiece edge, the bit will

make a fuji cut (in as far as the bit radius). On the
other hand, if the guide is positioned as shown in

Figure 18 (out from the workpiece edge), the bit will
make less than a full cut -- which will alter the shape

of the finished edge.
NOTE: Any of the piloted bits can be used without a

pilot for edge shaping with guides, as preceding. The
size (diameter) of the pilot that is used determines the
maximum cut width that can be made with the pilot
against the workpiece edge - the small pilot exposes

all of the bitl the large one reduces this amount by

1/16 inch.

TOPEDGESHAPING

Go,oE

WHOLE EDGE SHAPING

Fig. 18

17

_ WARNING:Whenservicing,useonUyidenficaU

CraftsmanrepUacementparts.Useofanyother
partmaycreatea hazardorcauseproduct
damage.

GENERAL
OrfiythepartsshownonthepartsHst,areintendedto

berepairedorrepUacedbythecustomer.AHother
partsrepresentanimportantpartofthedouMe
insuUafionsystemandshouUdbeservicedonUybya
qualifiedSearsservicetechnician.

AvoidusingsoUventswhencleaningpUasficparts.
MostpUasticsaresuscepfiMetodamagefromvarious
typesofcommerdaUsoUventsandmaybedamaged
bytheiruse.UsedeancUothstoremovedirt,carbon

dust,etc.
_1_WARNING:Donotat timeUetbrakefluids,

any
gasoline,petroleum-basedproducts,penetrating
oils,etc.comeincontactwithplasticparts.They
containchemicalsthatcandamage,weakenor
destroyplastic.

Ithasbeenfoundthatelectrictoolsaresubjectto
acceleratedwearandpossibleprematurefailurewhen
theyareusedonfiberglassboats,sportscars,
wallboard,spacklingcompounds,orplaster.The
chipsandgrindingsfromthesematerialsarehighly
abrasivetoelectrictoolpartssuchasbearings,
brushes,commutators,etc.Consequently,itisnot

recommendedthatthistoolbeusedforextended
workonanyfiberglassmaterial,wallboard,spackling

compounds,orplaster.Duringanyuseonthese
materialsitisextremelyimportantthatthetoolis
cleanedfrequentlybyblowingwithanairjet.

COLLET
Dustandchipsmaycollectonthecolletfromtimeto

time,makingitnecessarytocleanthecollet.Todo
so,removethecolletassemblyandwipeitwitha
cleandryrag.Cleanthetaperintheshaftinthesame

manner.Neverimmersethecolletorendoftheshaft
inasolventorinwater.Beforereplacingthecollet

assembly,putadropof SAE30motoroilontheinside
ofthenut,onthethreadsoftheshaft,andonthe

taperintheshaft.Replacethecolletassemblyonto
theshaftbyhandonly.Nevertightenthecolletnut

withoutabitinthecollet.Thisactioncould
permanentlydamagethecollet.

LUBRICATION

All of the bearings in this tool are lubricated with a
sufficient amount of high grade lubricant for the life of
the unit under normal operating conditions. Therefore,
no further hJbrication is require&

EXTENSION CORDS
The use of any extension cord will cause some loss of

power. To keep the loss to a minimum and to prevent
tool overheating, use an extension cord that is heavy
enough to carry the current the tool will draw.

A wire gage size (A.W.G.) of at least 14 is
recommended for an extension cord 100 feet or less

in length. When working outdoors, use an extension
cord that is suitable for outdoor use. The cord's jacket

will be marked WA

,_ CAUTION: Keep extension cords away from the

cutting area and position the cord so that it will

not get caught on lumber, tools, etc. during

CUTTERS
Getfastermoreaccuratecuttingresultsbykeeping

cutterscleanandsharp.Removeallaccumulated
pitchandgumfromcuttersaftereachuse.

Whensharpeningcutters,sharpenonlytheinsideof
thecuttingedge.Nevergrindtheoutsidediameter.Be
surewhensharpeningtheendofacutterto grindthe
clearanceanglethesameasoriginallyground.

_ WARNING: Check extension cords before each

use. If damaged replace immediately. Never use
tool with a damaged cord since touching the
damaged area could cause electrical shock

resulting in serious injury.

Extension cords suitable for use with your router are
available at your nearest Sears Retail Store.

,_ WARNING: Always wear safety goggles or

safety glasses with side shields during power
tool operation or when blowing dust. If operation

is dusty, also wear a dust mask.

18

THEFOLLOWINGRECOMMENDEDACCESSORIESARE

CURRENTLYAVAILABLEATSEARSRETAILSTORES

TempJateGuideBushings

DovetailTemplate
BoxJointTemplate

_ WARNING: The use of attachments oFaccessories not listed above might be hazardous,

ButtHingeTemplate
MuitiopurposeRouterGuide

Rout- A - Form Pantograph

ROUTER TABLES

With a router table your router is converted into a

high-speedshaper.

WARNING: Only use router tables with proper
guarding for the cutter and with "on board" switch

controlled receptacles (Part No, 9-25188)=

Failure to use router tables with appropriate

safety features could result in serious personal

GUIDE BUSHINGS
Guide bushings allow for accurate guiding of router

along any workpiece oF template edge and for
grooving oFshaping of curved contours,

19

SEENOTE

12

CRAFTSMAN ROUTER- MODEL NUMBER 315.'269210 -._

2

3

4

22 5

19

2O

11

7 8

11

18 _14

m

i 7

_25 24

NOTE: The assemMy shown represents an important part of the douMe insuUatedsystem, To avoid the possibility

of aUterafion or damage to the system, service shouUdbe performed by your nearest Sears repair center,
Contact your nearest Sears retail store for service center information,

2O

CRAFTSMAN ROUTER - MODEL NUMBER 315.269210

The model number wiii be found on a plate attached to the motor housing. Always mention the model number |

in aii correspondence regarding your ROUTER or when ordering repair parts.

SEE BACK PAGE FOR PARTS ORDEFtING iNSTRUCTiONS

PARTS UST

Key Part
No. No.

1 983014-001
2 982899-014

3 982716-001

4 982959-001
5 703477-057
6 706382-357

7 982972-001
8 982971-002
9 982948-032

10 982990-001
11 982500-131
12 617966-030
13 983060-007
14 982379-001
15 623173-006
16 998586-001
17 612191-004
18 982993-001

19 982966-001
20 982991-001
21 982890-002
22 982890-001
23 982889-001
24 982970-001
25 643115-005

983000-028

J

* Standard Hardware Item -- May Be Purchased Locally

** Available from Div. 98 -- Source 980.00

21

Your Home

For repair-in your home-of all major brand appliances,

lawn and garden equipment, or heating and cooling systems,

no matter who made it, no matter who sold it! ..................

For the replacement parts, accessories and

owner's manuals that you need to do-it-yourself. ....................................

For Sears professional installation of home appliances

and items like garage door openers and water heaters. ..................

1-800-4-MY-H 0 ME® (1-800-469-4663)

oa,,an t, o, o,oht sodOaoada ..................

www.sears.com www.sears.ca

OurHome

For repair of carry-in items like vacuums, lawn equipment,

and electronics, call or go on-line for the location of your nearest

Sears Parts & Repair Center.

1-800-488-1222

Call anytime, day or night (U.S.A. only)

www.sears.com

To purchase a protection agreement (U.S.A.)

or maintenance agreement (Canada) on a product serviced by Sears:

1-800-827-6655 (U.S.A.) 1-800-361-6665 (Canada)

Pard pedir servicio de reparacien Au Canada pour service en frangais:

a domicilio, y para ordenar piezas. 1-800- LE- FOYER Mc

1-8 88-S U- HOGAR sM

(1-888-784-6427) www.sears.ca .............................

(1-800-533-6937)

SEARS

® Registered Trademark / TMTrademark / Service Mark of Sears, Roebuck and Co.

® Marca Registrada / Marca de F_brica / Marca de Servicio de Sears, Roebuck and Co.

MC MD

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TM SM

SM