4 Things to know when routering out mortises !!

These 4 tips will save you from personal injury

1. Take your time !! (especially if you do not have a plunge router !!)

When cutting out mortises, don't rush and try to cut a mortise in one cut. The proper way to cut out a mortise is to cut no deeper than 3/4 of an inch at a time. If you need a deeper cut, then lower the router bit to 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch in depth. don't exceed 3/4 of an inch for every depth adjustment. following this advice will make sure that your router bit doesn't rust or wear down fast.

2. Never start up a router when it's in the mortise !!

You don't want to do this because when you start up a router, it tends to jump to the right a bit, and if it's in the mortise, it could jump to the right and chip or cut part of the mortise out. If you need to make the mortise wider, then just start the router when the bit isn't between the mortise walls and then put the router into the mortise.

3. Always router out a mortise with TWO hands !!

Trying to router out a mortise with one hand is just dumb !! This WILL result in serious personal injury to yourself or even someone else !! Just remember that stupid hurts !

4. Make sure you have the depth of your router set or locked instead of unlocked !!

If you don't have your depth level locked, your router will plunge deeper than you would like it to !! It's a frustrating thing to deal with !! Remember to take your time and don't overlook things. Most injuries happen when people rush !!