Hoffmann X-18 Operating instructions

© Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. Operating Manual X-18 Dovetail Routing Machine
- 1 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [e-mail]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
Version: 05-2018
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc.
1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690 –USA
Ph: (828) 430 - 4510
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
Operating and Maintenance Manual
HOFFMANN X –18
manual dovetail routing machine
HOFFMANN
Machine
Company, Inc.

© Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. Operating Manual X-18 Dovetail Routing Machine
- 2 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [e-mail]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
Safety and Warning Labels
A number of important warning labels have been attached to this Dovetail Routing Machine for
your information and protection.
For your own safety, please take a moment to locate and read all warning labels before operating
this machine.
If a label has been removed, defaced or is illegible, please contact Hoffmann Machine Company,
Inc. to request a free replacement.
NEVER REMOVE ANY SAFETY OR WARNING LABEL!

© Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. Operating Manual X-18 Dovetail Routing Machine
- 3 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [e-mail]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
2. Safety Rules
Read and understand these safety rules before operating this machine!
1. Always disconnect the machine from the electrical power supply before attempting any
adjustment, repair or maintenance procedure (change of router bit, depth-of-cut adjustment,
removal of wood dust, etc.).
2. Do not allow power cord to lie on the floor, in the way of passing personnel or the machine
operator. They may cause a trip hazard.
3. Always wear eye and ear protection as well as a respirator suitable for wood dust.
4. Remove or confine loose hair, clothing and jewelry to avoid entanglement.
5. Avoid a dangerous environment. Do not expose electrical equipment to rain. Do not use in
presence of flammable liquids or gases.
6. Keep the area around the machine clean and free from scrap, sawdust, wood chips, oil and
grease to avoid the danger of slipping.
7. Always use a suitable dust collection system. Duct must be properly connected to the dust
extraction port at the back of the machine.
8. Use only sharp and flawless original Hoffmann router bits.
9. Check the machine upon receipt as well as before every use for improper functioning and
worn or damaged parts. Make sure the appropriate router bit is securely installed.
10. Broken or defective parts must not be used until replaced or repaired by a qualified
technician.
11. When interrupting work or upon leaving the area, machine must be switched off.
12.Only trained and qualified personnel must be allowed to use machine.
13.Only original Hoffmann replacement parts must be used to rebuild machine.

© Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. Operating Manual X-18 Dovetail Routing Machine
- 4 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [e-mail]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
3. Operator Training
The Hoffmann Dovetail Routing Machine model X-18 is to be operated, maintained and repaired
only by properly trained and qualified personnel. It is imperative that the operator has carefully
read and understood these operating instructions, and that he or she is aware of all potential risks
resulting from operating this machine.
If the operator does not posses sufficient English language skills to completely understand all
sections of this manual, especially the sections on Warning Labels and Safety Rules, it is the
responsibility of the purchaser to retain a qualified translator to translate this entire manual.
All applicable safety procedures and rules, including but not limited to all OSHA Rules and
Regulations, are to be adhered to.
Any unauthorized modification or alteration to this machine by the operator or owner, including
the use of router bits other than Original Hoffmann Dovetail Router Bits, will immediately void the
machine warranty. The manufacturer cannot be held liable if the machine is used for any
operations other than outlined in this manual or if the machine is modified or altered.
Please refer to the complete Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. warranty in the back of this
operating manual.
4. General Machine Description
The Hoffmann Dovetail Routing Machine model X-18 is designed solely to process material for
the Hoffmann Dovetail Joining System.
This machine is to be used only to process material for Hoffmann Dovetail Keys, size W-0, W-1,
W-2 and W-3.
USE OF THIS MACHINE FOR ANY OTHER OPERATION IS DANGEROUS AND WILL VOID THE WARRANTY.
The manufacturer cannot be held liable if the machine is used for any operations other than
outlined in this manual.
The Hoffmann Dovetail Routing Machine model X-18 is designed to rout dovetail shaped
keyways in hard and softwoods as well as wood related sheet goods, such as particleboard,
MDF, plywood, MDO, etc.
The material is placed on the machine table and the proper location is established with either a
steel fence plate for miter joints, or with square stops for butt joints.
Pulling the hand lever downward lowers the hold-down pad onto the workpiece. Further
downward pulling raises the router motor and the router bit up into the material. A height
adjustment rod is used to set the routing height. When the pre-set height is reached, the hand
lever is lowly returned to its resting position and the workpiece is removed.
WARNING:
The machine is equipped with an automatic ON/OFF feature, pulling the lever starts the router
motor immediately and releasing the lever to its home position stops the motor.

© Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. Operating Manual X-18 Dovetail Routing Machine
- 5 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [e-mail]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
5. Potential Risks and Dangers
Even when the machine is used as designed, and when the aforementioned safety rules are
adhered to, the potential risk of injury must always be considered.
It is especially important to be aware of the following:
The risk of pinching between stationary and moveable parts of the machine.
The risk of pinching on the clamping devices of the machine.
The risk of injury from sharp edges when handling, adjusting or changing the tooling.
The risk of injury due to the inhalation of wood dust when operating the machine.
The potential risk of injury on the electrical parts of the machine.
6. Toolkit
The machine is shipped with a Hoffmann toolkit, consisting of:
Hex key 2.5mm
Hex key 3.0mm
Hex key 4.0mm
Hex key 5.0mm
Hex key 6.0mm
Wrench 14mm
Wrench 17mm
One Safety Equipment Starter Kit (safety glasses, ear plugs, dust mask)
This starter kit is included as a courtesy to allow the machinery owner to start using this
machine upon receipt. It is the machine owner’s responsibility to supply additional safety
equipment as needed, and the machine operator’s responsibility to use all safety equipment as
instructed.
7. Technical Data
Number of motors one
Motor type 115 Volt, 60 Hz, 530 watt
Rotation CCW (counter clockwise)
Revolutions per minute 29,000 rpm (idle)
Collet size ¼” = 6.35mm
Air supply none
Max. routing height 2 1/4” – 57mm
Max. material thickness 3 1/2” – 89mm
Dovetail Key sizes W-1, W-2, W-3
Dust collection port 2 3/8” dia. = 60mm
Operating noise 75.3 dB (A)
Machine dimensions 19 3/4” x 21 1/4" x 30 1/4" (handle extended)
Weight: 38 lbs.

© Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. Operating Manual X-18 Dovetail Routing Machine
- 6 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [e-mail]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
8. Machine Installation
8.1 Unpacking –Inspection
Upon receipt, check the machine and shipping container for any damage. Report any
transportation damage to the delivering carrier and indicate it on the bill of lading. Request an
immediate inspection for assessment of damage. Claim should then be entered with the carrier.
The carrier is solely responsible for any loss or damage during transit.
8.2 Placement
After unpacking, select a suitable location with enough room around the machine for safe and
unobstructed workflow, cleaning and maintenance.
It is best to place the machine on a sturdy workbench of comfortable height.
8.3 Cleaning
Clean the machine and remove the applied rust preventive coating with a cotton rag and thin oil
(WD-40 or similar). Be careful when using liquids containing silicones –the finishing process of
your material could later be impaired.
Never use thinner or solvents to clean machine, damage could result.
8.4 Electric Connection
The machine power cord is equipped with a standard 115 Volt plug. Be sure the receptacle is in
good working condition. Also, be sure the power cord does not obstruct any walkways. If
applicable, use only three wire extension cords of the proper size. Replace damaged or worn
power cords immediately. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR A DAMAGED POWER CORD.
8.5 Compressed Air
The Hoffmann X-18 Dovetail Routing Machine is not equipped with pneumatic operation.

© Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. Operating Manual X-18 Dovetail Routing Machine
- 7 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [e-mail]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
9. Machine Operation
9.1 Standard 45-degree miters with one key per joint
The machine is equipped with a routing height tape scale attached to the routing height
adjustment rod. The scale indicates the height the router bit will travel into the material.
To adjust the height, simply loosen the top locking lever and move the bar to the desired height.
Always use the longest key possible to achieve a tight joint on the face side of the workpiece.
The lower locking lever is used to lock the router carriage for transport and to keep the router bit
in a raised position when changing the router bit (see “Changing the router bit”).
(Hoffmann X-20 model shown)
With the routing height and the keyway position set, place the material on the table and pull the hand lever
downward to clamp the material and to raise the router bit.
Pull the handle in a slow and consistent motion.
The motor is switched on automatically and the router bit cuts the keyway. When the pre-set routing height
is reached, return the handle to its home position and remove the workpiece.
Before routing the material make sure the orange handle securing the steel fence plate on the table is
properly tightened, and do not change the setting until booth parts are routed.
Locking lever for routing height
Locking lever to lock router carriage
Height adjustment rod (tape scale on front)

© Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. Operating Manual X-18 Dovetail Routing Machine
- 8 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [e-mail]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
9.2 Step-by-Step Instructions for standard 45-degree miter joints (shown on MU-3D model)
1. Select proper Dovetail Keys for the material being joined
by always using the longest Keys possible.
For example, for 1/2” thick material use 3/8” long Keys, for
3/4” thick material use 5/8” long Keys, for 1” thick material
use 7/8” long Keys, etc.
If correct Key size is not available, it is better to stack
multiple Keys than to use a single, short Key.
2. Set the routing height by adjusting the height adjustment
bar to the desired setting.
TIP: Hold a Dovetail Key against the bar for quick setting.
3. Select the key locations along the mitered end,
depending on the material being joining.
For profiled moulding, try to place Keys in thicker portions
for best results.
Generally, moulding over 1 1/4” (32mm) wide should be
joined with two Dovetail Keys for added strength.
4. Place workpiece on table and adjust Center Fence Plate
by moving it in or out until desired keyway location is set.
Use the Center Line Locator and/or digital display is so
equipped.
5. Lock the Center Fence Plate in place with the locking
lever and place workpiece tightly against fence plate while
pushing mitered end against back fence.
6. Slowly and consistently pull main handle down to press
workpiece on table. Continued pulling will raise router motor
up until preset height is reached.
7. Return main handle to lower motor to its home position
and remove workpiece
Note: Motor will switch on and off automatically.
MU3-D routing machine shown!

© Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. Operating Manual X-18 Dovetail Routing Machine
- 9 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [e-mail]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
9.3 Compound Miter Joints
Moulding joined with a compound miter is machined almost like a standard, flat moulding. To achieve a
tight and correctly aligned joint, the mitered face must be placed tight against the machine back fence and
the moulding edge must rest against the black steel fence plate.
The machine is set for the first Key location and routing height. After all moulding parts are processed the
set-up is changed for the second Key location and routing height.
(Hoffmann X-20 model shown)
Note: Depending on moulding width, use two or more Keys for tight joints.
Use of good quality glue is important.
For best results, use a shop-made jig to hold moulding steady while routing (jig can be mounted to
recessed aluminum fence rail).
Place first Key close to inside corner and second Key close to outside corner - choose thick moulding
sections and use longest Key possible.

© Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. Operating Manual X-18 Dovetail Routing Machine
- 10 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [e-mail]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
10. Change of router bit
ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY SERVICE,
MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR WORK!
Follow proper “Lock-Out / Tag-Out” procedures as specified by the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration “OSHA”.
1. Verify that electrical power has been disconnected.
2. Tighten the upper locking lever and loosen the lower locking lever on the back of the machine.
3. Pull the main lever to raise the carriage until the router bit is approx. 1/4” above the machine table.
4. Tighten the lower locking lever to lock router carriage.
5. Remove the old chip breaker from the table recess and discard.
6. Loosen the hex head screw on the underside of the motor bracket and carefully slide the motor out.
7. Use the included metric wrenches (14mm, 17mm) to open the ¼” collet and remove the old router bit.
8. Install new bit and tighten collet securely.
Distance between tip of router bit and top of collet should be:
For W-1 router bit: 15.5 mm = 0.610”
For W-2 router bit: 17.0 mm = 0.669”
For W-3 router bit: 19.0 mm = 0.749”
9. Slide the motor back into the bracket and use the square stop to set the proper distance. The stop has
three steps in one side (W1, W2, W3) and one large step machined in the opposite for W4 router bits
(W-4 bits can only be used on MU-3 and larger machines, not on the X-18).
Slide the square stop out of the fence rail and remove the locking lever, washer and square nut. Place
the stop upside down on the table to use.
Use the smallest step for W-1, the middle step for W-2 and the deepest step for W-3.
10. Lower the carriage to its home position.
11. Make a test cut and verify proper settings by inserting a Hoffmann key.
12. Raise the carriage again and install a new chip breaker insert. Place a piece of scrap wood over the
insert and slowly lower the running router bit down through the wood. The scrap wood eliminates
tearout on the surface of the chip breaker.
Hold the scrap wood securely in place and be aware of the turning bit at all times. Lower the router
carriage slowly.
SQUARE STOP WITH STEPS FOR W1-W4BITS