New Product - "LittleRat - A Great New Machine"

	I consider myself pretty experienced with routers, router tables and the like. But one thing I had a problem with when I was using the WoodRat was installing the bit, no less.    The Hitachi M12V has a shaft lock that helps, but what I like best about this router is that the collet only requires a 1/4 turn or less to release the bit.    I had one other problem. When  installing or removing the bit, it often fell to the floor. I now have a solution for this.    I start by installing a scrap block.
I have moved the block so that it is directly under the router bit (arrow), and I have plunged and locked the router so that it is about a 1/4" above the block. When the bit is released, it will drop only this amount. I can then hold the bit and unplunge the router, or move the router forward and remove the bit.
	With my right hand, I hold the shaft lock in as my left hand turns the wrench. With the quick release collet that the Hitachi M12V has, I can loosen the bit in one sweep even though there is little access room.
Now I "test drive" the router in the LittleRat. My left hand can move the carriage crank so that the router moves right and left  (east/west) and my right hand can move the router in and out (north/south.)
	I did do just as the manual suggested. I moved the router east with the hand crank and then south with my right hand and then back west. This is a very simple task, but it does help to orient a new user (me) to the various movements and what works best.
Next, I marked lines across both ends of this test block and set the plunger depth to 1/2". I wanted to see how difficult it would be to see the lines and stop the routing in making this simple 3/8" mortise. It could not have been easier and more exact.
	The LittleRat manual lists some 25 or so types of joints and tasks that the LittleRat can do. Some will be easy and some difficult, but in the next weeks, I will try them all.