20 Router Tips for Beginners

Kind of (maybe) dumb question: if you are gonna a buy a set of cheap bits to experiment with, and your router can take either size collet, which size bit would you buy? Does it really matter? Is there a benefit of using one size over the other?

I finally got a router, so excited! I bought a dewalt DW618B3. It was on a big sale on Amazon. So many fun things I can think to do now!

Another clear, comprehensive video. Thank you.

Bits need to cut into the wood and not kick the wood out of its path

I always buy cheap to play around and learn to see the bit use and get to know and handle the router and also find what uses I need or want to focus on for the router or my main desires and preferences for router use. Then I will save and buy the dearer and better bits or tools when I know I'm ready for improving projects and enhance or advance my learning techniques.

hei, how is that "grey measuring pad with squares" on your table called ?

I recommend a scrap piece at the beginning and end of the router pass. Avoid potential tear-out at the edges.

How about some information about properly setting router heights/depths to get the profile you want. I am new to routers and I thought there was a bit, you cut the wood and moved on. This is the furthest thing from the truth, I have found out. Also, how does material thickness affect router height (again, on a table)? Thanks for taking the time to educate us!

Amazing presentation!
No BS, no fillers ....just great insights right out of the gate!
You're the man and your work is awesome, sir!
Thank you! Thank you!

Absolutely Excellent Video !! Many Thanks.

That's a good one..thanx

Safety first. Having the battery attached while describing the palm router functions, gave me anxieties. I have started a few tools by accidentally hitting the switch on something.

Thank you so much for all this info. I appear to have bought a router that is a normal electric one that does the plunge too. Or is that possible? Do you get a Router that does both?? I am still trying to work out how it works. It came with instructions but no diagrams ??? I am the lazy type that likes pictures!! Probably due to my autism, but if there is no pictures, I am lost!! That is why I am watching your video 🤪

I just wanted to say thank you. Your contact is always clear and concise. Your work is much appreciated!

Show some examples not just talking.

Great channel bud...

Great Advice!!! Wish I Would Have Seen One Of These Before I Royally Screwed Up ☹!!!! I Didn't Think It Would Be That Hard!!!! Everyone Made It Look Easy. I Killed My Insert For My Circular Saw To My First 4 n 1. Which I Still Have Yet To Completely Finish!!! I Still Need To Make The Bottom Cabinet!!! I Have A Trim Router & A Craftsman Router That I Have Not Taken A Good Look At Yet ( Was My G-Pa's). Thank You!!!! 👍😎😃

Oh thank you I've always wanted to use a router, this really helped.

The right hand rule is awesome

Tip #7 is very important... always need to have the right size shaft. (Sorry - couldn't help. ;-) )

Rout the end grain first so tearout is removed by the pass with the grain. Also, you can edge rout boards with imperfections on the side using a fence on the router table. Plus, you can easily build dust collection into a fence.

One tip I use is when routing all 4 sides of a board I do the sides first, then the front & back. This way when you get tear out on the sides, routing the front & back will take care of that.

good points....as for the point on blade rotation....if the router is moving it moves left to right....on the flip side when the router is upside down the project/wood/plank moves left to right....ALWAYS Left >> Right

Thanks for your vids!
I like the spinning-tool docking bay. I will add an outer fence on all four sides just in case the thing vibrates itself out of place and the bit hits the side.
Another one for beginners: many tools have a curved arrow molded into the frame to show which way it spins. Sometimes it’s hard to find, at first. I always hit mine with a sharpie or paint to highlight it to remind me just in case I’m upside-down, or inside-out or whatever.

I lost my soul in a freak router accident.

I have a better handy easier helper guide on direction.
Place your right hand next to your work piece (say you were routing a frame) with your fingers flat and together, place your thumb against the wood and your fingers are pointing in the direction to go Anticlockwise, do the exact same thing inside the frame with your thumb on the wood and your fingers together, and your fingers are pointing in the direction to go Clockwise.
Stay Safe,
Barry (ENG)

OMG... Story time! My first experience with a router was years ago when I was making drawers, first time I ever used a router in a table and I was using a 1/4" straight bit to make a slot for the drawer bottoms. I was making a cut that was too deep (didn't know it at the time) and when I pushed the board into the router bit it disappeared then I heard a loud noise (like a gun shot) about 20 feet away from me... I was puzzled for about 20 seconds what had happened... then I found the board and thought maybe I wasn't holding on to it, so I repeated the cut and it did the same thing... so I stopped and I asked someone; they told me what I was doing wrong... I learned the hard way that I'll never forget that you cannot take a deep cut. Also I think I was feeding the stock in the wrong direction... as I said it was a long time ago so I don't recall. Today I have several routers and a good router table... Take-away: Be respectful and very careful with routers they are spinning frightfully fast! But, don't fear the tool... and If you follow these guidelines you will be rewarded with wonderful results!

For beginners: Whatever router style you buy, ensure it has variable speed. My first router was single-speed, making it very difficult to learn and control. I bought a variable speed palm router and everything became so much easier.

Great advice man!

I hardly use my router. This vid inspired me. Must dig it out and play with it now. Love ur vids!

Product Suggestion: I’m new to Woodworking and got the Dewalt 618PKB and it came with a 1/4 and 1/2 inch collet. It also has changeable Fixed and Plunge base. I think it has a lot versatility. I haven’t tried it in a router table yet. Maybe one day. Lol 😂

Thank you! I really love to watch your tips... always helpful to me.

Appreciate the advice. Missed talking about edge guides. Have a Ryobi palm router and not sure where to get a edge guide and how to attach/use it.

All your videos makes.good tip. Ps good job.👍👍🍻🍺🇨🇦

All great ideas! Thanks!

Perfect timing! I own a new DeWalt router but haven’t used it (or any) yet. Thank you!