The video “Left to Right, or Right to Left? A Practical Way to Remember Router Feed Direction” is by Inspire Woodcraft. In this article, Jodee dives into the often-debated topic of router feed direction, offering practical tips and insights for woodworkers of all levels.
Understanding Router Feed Direction
When it comes to using a router, understanding the feed direction is crucial for safety and achieving clean cuts. Jodee explains that the key to remembering the correct feed direction is to think about how a table saw operates. The saw blade spins towards the operator, and the material is fed into the teeth, creating resistance. This principle applies equally to routers, whether handheld or mounted on a table.
The Right Tools for the Job
Jodee shares some recommendations for routers that can enhance your woodworking experience:
- DeWalt DCW600: A cordless router that operates smoothly, especially with a 4 amp hour battery. It’s easy to handle, making it great for tight spots.
- Festool OF 1400 EQ: Known for superb dust collection and versatility, this router has a bit of a learning curve but is worth the investment for serious woodworkers.
- Bosch 1617: This router comes with both plunge and fixed bases, making it a solid choice for various applications.
Feed Direction Simplified
To help remember the feed direction, Jodee introduces a simple method using a roll of tape to simulate a saw blade. When routing the outside of a workpiece, the material should be fed from left to right, or counterclockwise. Conversely, when routing the inside, the feed should be clockwise. This approach ensures that the router bit is always cutting into the material rather than pulling it away.
Visualizing with the Right Hand Trick
Another helpful trick is the “right hand rule.” By holding out your right hand in a thumbs-up gesture, your thumb represents the router bit, and your fingers indicate the direction of rotation. For handheld routers, the bit spins clockwise, while on a router table, it spins counterclockwise. This visualization can help you remember how to position your material correctly.
Router Table Techniques
When using a router table, the material should always move from right to left, pushing against the bit’s rotation. Jodee emphasizes the importance of understanding this direction to avoid accidents and achieve the best results.
Climb Cuts: A Special Case
In some scenarios, particularly with challenging materials, you may need to perform what’s known as a climb cut, which goes against the standard feed direction. This technique requires more control and should be done with shallow passes to prevent tear-out.
Final Thoughts
Jodee wraps up the discussion by reiterating the importance of understanding feed direction when using a router. By keeping the principles discussed in mind, woodworkers can enhance both their safety and the quality of their work.
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