This tip was shared by Jodee from Inspire Woodcraft. It covers a common yet often overlooked router technique: deciding which side of the router base to use and how to center the sub-base for more accurate cuts.
While many woodworkers might not give much thought to the orientation of the router base, Jodee explains why this small detail can make a big difference. His demonstration shows how choosing the right edge—and properly aligning your tool—can improve safety, precision, and overall results in your projects.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Jodee’s channel:
Why Router Base Orientation Matters
The base of a router helps guide the tool and keep it steady along a cut. It usually includes both a flat edge and a rounded edge, and the natural instinct might be to use the flat side for stability.
However, Jodee explains that the rounded edge is actually better suited for most cuts. Not only does it provide smoother movement along your workpiece, but it also keeps your hands and controls in a more ergonomic position.
Safety and Control Advantages
Using the rounded edge of the base helps keep the router stable while making it easier to access the on/off switch and speed controls. This becomes especially important during long sessions when hand fatigue can lead to mistakes.
Holding the router from the rounded side places your hands in a more natural position. It reduces strain and helps you maintain better focus as you guide the tool along edges or through joinery cuts.
Better Accuracy with the Rounded Edge
A key benefit of the rounded edge is its consistent movement along straight edges. Because of its shape, it maintains a more centered track and resists twisting or tilting while in use.
When using the flat edge, even a slight rotation of the router can throw off your alignment. Jodee demonstrates how easy it is to shift the bit away from your cut line if the router base isn’t properly aligned with the workpiece.
Understanding the Design of Router Bases
Router bases come in different shapes depending on the model, but they generally include both a flat and rounded section. The rounded section is designed to serve as a pivot point, letting you glide the router smoothly along a surface.
Jodee points out that even though the flat edge looks easier to register against a board, it creates more opportunities for shifting. The circular movement provided by the rounded edge actually gives you more control and smoother motion.
Why You Should Avoid the Flat Edge
Using the flat edge might seem like a good idea when working along a guide or reference edge. However, as Jodee shows in the video, the flat side makes it harder to stay on track—especially on longer cuts.
Any small twist or pressure on the router can cause it to tilt or veer off course. That can lead to gouges, burn marks, or uneven profiles that are tough to fix without starting over.
How to Center the Sub-Base
Even with proper technique, your router can still give you uneven cuts if the sub-base is not centered around the router bit. This is a common issue that many woodworkers face, and it can lead to imprecise profiles or inconsistent results.
Jodee walks through a simple way to address this using a homemade centering tool. This fix helps ensure your router behaves the same no matter which way you’re moving along the board.
Making a Centering Tool
Jodee’s method for checking sub-base alignment involves using a cone-shaped guide that fits into the router’s collet. It can be made from a scrap of plywood or hardwood with a drilled center hole.
Once shaped, the cone is inserted into the collet where the bit normally goes. The edge of the cone should meet the center of the sub-base opening. By rotating the base and adjusting its position, you can fine-tune the centering.
Steps to Align the Sub-Base
- Remove the router bit from the collet
- Insert the centering cone into the collet
- Adjust the sub-base so it’s evenly spaced around the cone
- Tighten all mounting screws to lock it in place
This simple fix helps your router perform more consistently, especially when using guide bushings or making precise template cuts.
A Simple Tip That Pays Off
Jodee’s video is a reminder that small details in setup and technique can make a noticeable impact on your work. Using the rounded edge of the router base helps with both safety and accuracy, and a centered sub-base ensures your cuts follow the line as intended.
These adjustments take just a few minutes but can save you hours of frustration and sanding later.
Support Jodee by visiting his online store here: https://inspirewoodcraft.com/collections/all.
Matt’s Take
These are my personal thoughts and tips based on my own experience in the shop. This section is not written, reviewed, or endorsed by the original creator of this project.
This is one of those simple tips that can make a real difference in your routing results. I’ve noticed that many woodworkers gravitate toward using the flat side of the router base because it seems more stable, but Jodee’s point about the rounded edge providing smoother tracking is spot-on. The curved design naturally wants to follow a straight line, while the flat edge can catch or pivot unexpectedly during a cut.
The sub-base centering technique is particularly valuable if you do any template work or use guide bushings regularly. Even a small offset can throw off your cuts, especially when you’re routing profiles that need to match exactly. A simple cone jig like this is worth making and keeping in your router kit—it’s one of those shop-made tools that pays for itself quickly.
From a safety standpoint, hand position really matters with routers. They generate significant torque, and having your hands in an awkward position can lead to fatigue or loss of control. The rounded edge orientation does put your hands in a more natural grip, which becomes increasingly important on longer cuts or when working with larger bits that create more resistance.