When using the Router, what is essential for safety?

Securing or clamping your work is essential for safety when using the router because it ensures stability and control throughout the cutting process. A workpiece that is not secured can shift or move unexpectedly, which can lead to inaccurate cuts or dangerous kickback. Properly securing the material allows you to maintain better control of the router and focus on the task at hand, reducing the risk of accidents.

While using both hands on the router is important for maintaining control, it does not address the foundational need for the workpiece to be stable. Similarly, keeping the router unplugged is indeed a safety measure but is relevant primarily during setup or maintenance, not during operation. Wearing protective eyewear is crucial for protecting your eyes from debris but does not directly contribute to the stability or control of the machine itself. Hence, securing your work is the most critical aspect of safety when operating a router.