In this Saturday's class Mark Barr talked about using routers and fixtures for routers. Mark uses a very simple router table as well as a simple fence. His router table is a piece of laminated MDF with a drop-in insert. The table is just supported by a couple of saw horses. For a fence Mark uses a straight piece of hardwood which is held to the table by a couple of clamps. He typically adjusts his fence settings by trail and error. That is he sets it close to what he wants then runs a test piece through.If that is not right, he then moves one end of the fence by loosening one of the clamps and uses a block of wood to tap the fence in the direction that he wants. He will draw a pencil line on the table top as a reference to help judge how far the fence was moved.

Mark also showed to class how to construct table legs by bandsawing a rough form and then using a template and a trim bit to get the final shape. He then showed how to form the dovetails in a table pedestal and how to cut the matching tendon on all of the legs. This is again done without using any type of measuring device.

Finally Mark showed his finger joint jig and how to set it up on the router table. He then cut some finger joints in some scrap pieces and showed how to adjust that device.

Gerald Jones, President GWA (but not much longer!)