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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    East Ballina
    Posts
    195

    Default Feed direction- plung router

    Hey all, up until now I have been using a table and all has been well.

    However found the need to do some flush trimming recently in plunge mode.

    So back to the age old feed direction question.

    Here is what I don't understand: everyone says to feed the router in the opposite direction to the bit direction.

    They also say work left to right

    Well In my mind, the bit spins clockwise (which is left to right), therefore you are working in the same
    Direction as the bit??

    Where am I going wrong.

    Cheers guys.

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Perth WA (Carine)
    Age
    64
    Posts
    1,325

    Default

    Think of it this way. In the table you feed the timber from right to left. So effectively the router (although stationary) moves on the timber from left to right. You want the spinning cutter to dig into the timber drawing the router into the timber and not pushing back as with a climb cut (moving the router right to left).
    Hope this helps. I do it all the time when using the router(s).
    Les

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Location
    Perth Western Australia
    Age
    90
    Posts
    783

    Default

    Once you have the router out of the table will depend on what attachments you might be using. For example 'The side fence attachment' or maybe a cutter with a bearing. And you wish to make a cut on the outside edge of the material. Then feed the router in an 'Anti-clockwise' Direction. This also is the situation when using a 'Male Template' and using Template Guides. Anti Clockwise direction'
    When using a 'Female' Template with the template guide in position then you work in a 'Clock-wise' direction'
    Learn new Routing skills with the use of the template guides

    Log on to You Tube for a collection of videos 'Routing with Tom O'Donnell'

  5. #4
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Bundaberg
    Age
    82
    Posts
    377

    Default

    This may help you.

    Harold

    The "Right" Way to Rout

    A week or so ago, we had a little discussion in our shop about the right way to feed a hand-held router across a workpiece. When it comes to routing along the edge of a workpiece, everyone agrees it's best to feed the router from left to right. This way, the bit cuts cleanly into the wood and won't bounce along the edge. But what about when routing a groove or dado? With wood on both sides of the bit, is there a wrong direction to push the router?

    After trying both directions, we found out that yes, there is a correct way to rout a groove. Like any hand-held router operation, the router should move left to right (assuming the fence isn't between you and the router). If the router is moved in the wrong direction, the rotation of the bit can cause the router base to drift away from the fence. When fed the correct way, left to right, the rotation of the bit keeps the base of the router pulled tight against the fence. (Or if you're using an edge guide, the guide is held tight against the workpiece.)

    This reminded me of a little trick I learned a while back. Whenever I have to stop and think about the right direction to feed the router, all I do is look down at my right hand. I simply hold my right hand with the knuckles up and my thumb extended out, see drawing. Then I orient my hand so my thumb is pointing to the edge of the workpiece or the edge of the fence. My index finger will automatically be pointing in the direction I need to move the router.

    By the way, this also works with a router table, as well. But since the router is suspended upside-down, I simply flip my hand over, so it's also upside-down. This time, when my thumb points to the router bit, my finger points in the direction I need to feed the workpiece, which is usually right
    Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.

    Albert Einstein

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Leopold, Victoria
    Age
    65
    Posts
    4,677

    Default

    Very simple but effective pal

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    East Ballina
    Posts
    195

    Default

    Thanks all,

    Yet left to right is n easy enough rule to follow,
    it just interesting that it goes against the move the router anticlockwise in comparison to the bit.

    One of the replies above said when using a flush trim bit to go anti clockwise ?

    Now what about when cutting that hardwood edging for example... I cut the top flush with the table, however when doing the ends the router has to move vertically up or down- which way is left to right in this case?

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    East Ballina
    Posts
    195

    Default

    For that matter, when holding the router on its side and doing the top edge flush against the table, will the feed direction change right to left?

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