While I have been working on the cabinet for a week, I have not really used the router, so with Beth's visit, I decided to go through each of the new unit's features and benefits.
   We start with looking at the top. The hole is off center. That can be useful, particularly since the fence is reversible. You can use the "shallow" side with the miter slot and T-track or the "deep" side that is plain.

  This may show the difference better. Which side we will use will depend on what we are doing. For most of what we do, we will probably use the track side. The distances shown are measured from the centerline of the router to the edge of the table.

   For running large panels, the large side (13½") will be a great help. The table is drilled so that the fence can be turned around to work either side.

     We take a close look at how the fence is set-up.

    Like the original design, the fence pivots. One end can move back and forth for depth of cut. The inset shows more clearly the "L" shape of the slot. The short direction is for adjusting the fence for depth of cut; the long direction allows the fence to be moved over the table edge for insert replacement — we will show that in a minute.

  At the other end of the fence, there is the pivot pin. The pin can be retracted and turned to lock it in the up position.

     This is how easy it is to use the "L" shape slot and retractable pin to move the fence so that the insert can be changed — or just to move the fence out of the way.

   First, Beth loosens the ratchet wrench (arrow) on the far end and moves the fence back. With her other hand, she pulls up the retractable pin.

   Second, she swivels the fence until the insert is over the edge of the table.





   Third, she eases the insert from its slot. She can now install a new insert.

   What is nice about this method is that it takes so little time, and the fence can be returned to use without having to reset anything.

     While the use of zero clearance inserts is great, there are many bits that do not need them — or times when you want to make a quick cut and not make, or use, an insert. This new fence, allows the end segments to close the gap, so no insert is needed.

    These two large knobs allow the fence screws to be loosened and the section to be slid to fit the router bit. While "zero clearance" inserts are nice to have for some cutters, many times, adjusting the fence will suffice.

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