Essential Router Skills - Tips, Tricks and Buying Advice

Today we’re talking about essential router skills. In this video I’ll cover tips, tricks, cutting direction, pattern routing, conventional vs climb cutting, and what routers and bits I recommend to buy. I am always learning so I’d love to hear what tips and tricks you have for routing. Please subscribe, comment and like. Thanks for watching!
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Woodworking in SLOW MOTION Playlist:
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Check me out on social media:
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Tools I love:
*MY CNC MACHINES* (I highly recommend both)
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Camera Gear:
#essentialskillsforwoodworking

[katzmosestools]

(P.S. I know I suck at saying collet sizes. What you need to know is the big routers have 1/2 inch collets and the smaller ones have 1/4" collets.)

[odw]

Amazing video!
One more important tip: If you're a new user, practice every cut a few times on pieces of scrap wood.

[tombiggs]

Thanks, I appreciated the high-level view very much. People here complaining about "too much too fast" kinda missed the point. This video introduces a whole lot I might not have known otherwise, and I can deep-dive on any topic when I have a need to use it.

[jjsmama]

I recently bought a Bosch Colt router and I love it. One tip for new users: when using the edge guide, tighten it as hoards as you can, because it will slip as you go if it's not super tight, and ruin your straight cut (I was doing a plunge cut). Make several passes, taking out a small amount of wood each time, then go back over it repeatedly, or go very slow. Routers are powerful and so much fun! Definitely wear eye and ear protection!

[CoachTMAC]

I know I am an old man, but thanks. The last time I had someone talk woodworking that I could actually understand was 1979. Never too old to learn. 👍👍

[tonygore]

I love your no bullshit approach to teaching.❤

[richardslater]

I’ve watched literally hundreds of woodworking videos and I really wish they were all like this one. There is no wasted time, every second counts, it’s full of really useful information with absolutely no filler. He doesn’t fancy himself as a comedian, no wacky stuff, his pets and kids are nowhere to be seen and there is no cheesy music. Most videos would take two hours to give that sort of information. If some part really interested me and it went too fast, no problem, just run it again. The vid wasn’t full of advertising and he didn’t waste half his time begging for likes, subscriptions and notifications. This should be used as a tutorial on how to make an instructional YouTube video. Thanks very much. You certainly got my “subscribe”

[FisherCatProductions]

LOVE your concise, no BS approach to this video (subscribed!). Learned more in 10 minutes than watching 2 hours of other vids! Your philosophy of making your initial bit purchase an inexpensive set is right on. Until you do this for a while you have no idea what bits your will use for your work style. There are soooo many and you'll want to try them all, but you will only use a select few. Once you figure that out, buy good quality replacements. Thanks for getting me interested in learning more about my routers--they are probably the most versitile, most neglected tools in my shop!

[nerfmadeeasy]

Thank you for the pro-tip regarding router bearings & assuring securment.

[HikingWithCooper]

Good demonstration about grain direction. I hadn't considered that aspect.

[TheTimHill]

This is an advanced use video. 3 minutes in and I had no idea what he’s talking about. I need to buy one and use it for a few years before I understand

[talderson]

Really grown to enjoy this channel. Thanks for the great videos. I am looking for a router now and this has helped tremendously.

[bethsmith]

My God the information! Why can’t everyone do like this! Yes I will rewatch but at least not bored!

[dpmakestuff]

Possibly the best router skill videos I’ve ever seen. Great advice and a totally agree about buying cheap bits first!

[renegadewa]

I've been a carpenter and woodworker for about 35 years and by far my favorite tools have been the various routers that I've owned and used over the years. It's limitless as to what you can do with them.


A good piece of advice to first time router users is the same as with any power tool. Let the tool do the work. It's called a power tool for a reason. All you have to do is guide it and let it do what it was meant to do. You will be amazed and very satisfied the first time you create something with your router.

[am]

Sound advice, well presented. This is one of the first videos to say, buy cheap and replace what you use with better bits later on.
I have just subscribed too. Stay safe.🇬🇧

[Steve-drrr]

I would like to say thank you for the videos sir I find them very interesting and helpful. Most of the time I have no idea what you are talking about as I’m a complete novice and don’t know all the terminology you use. Plus I’m disabled and had 2 strokes and lost my short term memory and have trouble saying certain words or even typing them. I tend to have to re watch your videos about 5 times when I can. Sorry I didn’t buy any plans as yet as could only get the free ones but hopefully I might be able to get your stop block but have nothing to put it on as still trying to build my shed which keeps leaking. Hard to do in wheelchair but getting 5here. Sorry for rambling on but keep up the fantastic work and videos you do I have no idea what I’m going to do once I start as you have more talent in your little finger than I do total
Many thanks again 👨🏼‍🦽🇬🇧👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[charlesbennard]

This the best advice about routers on the internet .thanks don't know how it took me so long to get to ur channel .. subscribed

[HowIDoThingsDIY]

I just ordered a new router! I can't wait to try some of this!

[andy]

I am the farthest thing from a Dewalt fan boy but the Dewalt DW621 is one of the best buys in routers. Excellent dust/chip extraction and great ergonomics. I have many routers but I mostly reach for the Dewalt or one of my Festool routers. I hate messes and the chip extraction capabilities on these routers is awesome!