Abstract: A transparent shield is attached to a template and workpiece and used to move the workpiece against an inverted router blade. The transparent shield prevents inadvertent contact of fingers or hands with the router blade, yet allows visual observation of the workpiece proximate to the router blade. A router table may support the workpiece being cut by the router blade. Handles may be attached to the transparent shield for holding thereof. Sensors in the router table may determine the position of the transparent shield in relation to the router blade and the router blade may be stopped if the transparent shield is not covering the router blade. A video camera may be positioned over the router table. The router table, router blade and transparent shield images may be tracked in relation to one another such that if the transparent shield is not covering the router blade, then the router blade may be stopped.

Abstract: A transparent shield is attached to a template and workpiece and used to move the workpiece against an inverted router blade. The transparent shield prevents inadvertent contact of fingers or hands with the router blade, yet allows visual observation of the workpiece proximate to the router blade. A router table may support the workpiece being cut by the router blade. Handles may be attached to the transparent shield for holding thereof. Sensors in the router table may determine the position of the transparent shield in relation to the router blade and the router blade may be stopped if the transparent shield is not covering the router blade. A video camera may be positioned over the router table. The router table, router blade and transparent shield images may be tracked in relation to one another such that if the transparent shield is not covering the router blade, then the router blade may be stopped.