Lewin Router Compass

The Lewin Router Compass

is made of clear polycarbonate. This allows you to see all of your markings and measurements while routing. It is virtually indestructable. It will not crack or chip. Assembly is simple. Just drill 3 or 4 holes depending on your router, using the baseplate of your router, as a template.(Instructions are included or see below.) It will fit most standard routers and plunge routers. The sliding trammel point gives you infinite choice as to circle size, up to 48,"no matter what diameter of router bit you choose.The extension will add an additional 12" allowing perfect circles of up to 72."

$29.00

Lewin Router Compass If you wish to purchase any of these items directly Click Here for price list and order blank to pay by check. Click on shopping cart to pay using Pay Pal. Orders usually ship the next business day. Scroll down a bit further to purchase them from WoodCraft Supply or Rockler

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$19.00

Router Compass Extension

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Router Compass Extension Attached

Router Compass Straight Edge Attached

Router Compass Straight Edge

Attached For Inside Edge Detail

$29.00

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Router Compass,

Straight Edge and Extension

If you lose your knob, arrow or nut, order a replacement.

Knob Set $5.00. Free Shipping In The Contentinental U.S.

Uncle Bill's Sliver Gripper

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The Lewin Router Compass may also be purchased from

WoodCraft Supply Corp or The Woodworker's Store/Rockler

The Lewin Router Compass is simple and easy to use.

Instructions for Mounting the Lewin Router Compass

Step One: Remove the base plate of the router and set aside the screws. Center the base plate on the Lewin Router Compass. Mark the attachment holes on the compass. Drill the holes slightly oversized and counter-sink them. Make sure that you countersink the holes from the unprinted side. Now attach the compass to the router base.

Cutting a Circle or Arc

Step Two: Making a circle or arc with the Lewin Router Compass is comprised of these basic steps:

1. Locate the center of the circle or are you wish to cut.

2. Adjust the trammel point so that the INSIDE CUTTING EDGE of your router bit cuts the workpiece at the correct radius. An approximate scale is provided on the Lewin Router Compass to help you set the trammel point. Remember to subtract the radus of the bit from the scale on the Lewin Router Compass when setting the trammel point.

Example:

Suppose you are using a 1/4" straight fluted bit and you wish to cut a 20" diameter circle. Half of the diameter of the desired circle is the radius, or 10 inches. Set the trammel point at 10 inches, PLUS half the diameter of the router bit (in this case, 1/8"), or 10 1/8". With this setting, the INSIDE CUTTING EDGE of the router bit will cut 10 inches from the trammel point.ALWAYS TEST FIRST. Much care has been taken to ensure that the measuring scale on your Lewin Router Compass is accurate. However, minor errors can enter the manufacturing process in both the Lewin Router Compass and your own router. As with any tool, some time and experimentation is required to familiarize you with the exact characteristics of your Lewin Router Compass with your own router attached to it.

3. Seat the trammel point into the center of the circle or arc with a sharp, sound blow onto the trammel point knob with your fist. Make sure the trammel point is well seated in the workpiece before continuing. Do not use a hammer or heavy instrument to set the trammel point, otherwise damage to the workpiece or the trammel point may result.

4. Lower the router bit into the workpiece and slowly rotate the guide around to cut the circle or arc. SAFETY NOTE: Always rotate the router in a counter-clockwise direction. This way, the inside cutting edge of the bit is always being fed into the work, instead of away from it. This will not only provide a cleaner cut, but will help prevent the router from escaping your control.

5. DO NOT FORCE THE ROUTER. The cut should be smooth and clean. If you feel excess vibration, stop cutting and reduce the router depth. Take as many cuts as necessary to get a clean, accurate edge on your workpiece. A small router will require more cuts than a more powerful machine. Adjust your depth of cut to the machine you are using.

6. To Clean up the depression left by the trammel point, use putty and sand flush. In some cases a simple steaming using a damp paper towel under an iron will raise the grain sufficiently to erase the dent left by the trammel point. Try to work from the back or underside of the workpiece.

Additional Notes: The Lewin Router Compass was developed primarily for use with routers whose depth of cut can be adjusted with the tool running.

Porter-Cable and Stanley/Bosch Routers: Follow the above directions, but before starting your cut, adjust the router bit so that it clears the workpiece with the Lewin Router Compass flat on the workpiece. Set the trammel point into the workpiece. Start the router, and gradually rotate the router downwards until the bit is cutting at a safe depth. Then, holding the router body, rotate the router around the cut.

Black and Decker Routers: Follow the above directions, but PRE-SET the bit depth. Set the trammel point into the work piece, and use one hand to steady the trammel point. Using the other hand, BEND the Lewin Router Compass upwards, so the router bit clears the work. Start the machine. GENTLY lower the router into the workpiece until the compass lays flat on the surface and the bit is cutting at the pre-set depth. Now rotate the router around the cut.

COMMENTS or QUESTIONS? We welcome your ideas, comments, and questions regarding the Lewin Router Compass. Please call (310) 679-2485 with your questions or comments.

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