How to Control Direction of Feed When Woodworking With a Power Router

In order to prevent kickback and tearout when you're working with a router, you need to use the correct technique. The direction of the feed to the router can help you have a happier ending to your project.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Secure the piece of wood in either a vise or with clamps so that it's stable.

2. Keep the direction of the feed against the movement of the router bit. If the cutting edge of the router is spinning clockwise, then the blade moves easily through the wood when the direction of the feed of the router is from left to right.

3. Apply steady pressure to keep the cut depth even and make certain that you are always cutting new wood. When you're using a router, it's just as important to your project to keep a steady hand as it is to keep the direction of the feed.

4. Move the direction of the feed on the router to a counter clockwise direction when routing an outside edge.

5. Feed the wood in a clockwise direction when you make inside cuts. Always make certain that you position yourself so that you pull the router, rather than push it.

6. Cut first with cuts that are against the grain to prevent tearouts. Position the direction of the feed on the router so that you always pull it rather than push it.

Tips & Warnings

• Add a wood insert when clamping on expensive wood to protect the surface from mars and indents.
• Avoid back routing. Back routing creates ugly cuts and can kick the wood enough to cause danger. Back routing moves the blade through the wood and pushes against the direction of the feed when you use the router.
• Never change bits or repair the router if it is plugged in or has a battery attached.
• Always wear safety glasses when you use a router or any other tool.