Check the front of your router to make sure the chip shield is securely in place. It fits over the front of the router base and clips into two small holes on both sides.
Set the router on its back side on your work bench. Slip a wrench over the spindle lock's collet nut and then turn it counterclockwise until it snaps into place.
Flip your router right side up on your workbench and pull the locking clamp on the front of the router to the "Unlock" position.
Move the depth adjustment ring to the right until the cutter's edge touches the flat surface. Tilt the router some and then turn the adjustment ring again to the depth you will cut at. Lock the locking clamp back in place.
Plug your router into an electrical outlet.
Grasp the handles on each side of the router and then squeeze the trigger to make your cut.