27
Feeding the Router (Fig . 22)
The secrets to professional routing are a
careful set-up for the cut, selecting the proper
depth of cut, knowing how the cutter bit reacts
in your workpiece, and the rate and direction of
feed of the router.
The cutter bit rotates clockwise.
NOTICE: When installed in a router table, the
direction of rotation will be counterclockwise
and other planning is required.
Direction of Feed-External Cuts
Feeding the bit from left to right will cause the
bit to pull the router towards the workpiece
(Fig. 22).
If the router is fed in the opposite direction (right to left), the rotating force of the cutter bit will
tend to throw the bit away from the workpiece. This is called “Climb-Cutting.” “Climb-Cutting”
may cause loss of control, possibly resulting in personal injury. When “Climb-Cutting” is
required (e.g., backing around a corner), exercise extreme caution to maintain control of the
router.
The high speed of the cutter bit during a proper feeding operation (left to right), results in very
little kickback under normal conditions. However, if the cutter bit strikes a knot, an area of hard
grain, or a foreign object, “Kickback” may result. Kickback may damage your workpiece and
could cause you to lose control of the router, possibly causing personal injury. Kickback is
always in the opposite direction of the clockwise cutter bit rotation, or counterclockwise.
To guard against and help prevent Kickback, plan your set-up and direction of feed so that
you’re always keeping the sharp edges of the cutter bit biting straight into uncut wood. Always
inspect your workpiece for knots, hard grain, and foreign objects.
WARNING
Kickback causes the power tool to jerk back toward the user, causing
possible loss of control and serious injury. Always take precautions against
kickback as described in the operator’s manual.
-
Fig. 22
External Cuts
Internal
cuts
BIT RO-
TATION ROUTER FEED
DIRECTION
ROUTER FEED DIRECTION
ROUTE END GRAINS FIRST
