99% of Beginners Don't Know the Basics of Router Bits

For a beginner woodworker, router bits can be one of the most confusing and sometimes scariest tools in the shop. In this video I'll show you some beginner tips on how to select and use router bits for woodworking.

*Video To Watch Next*

Tools in this Video:

📲 Text DEALS to 1 [phone] I send out regular texts to let you know about great tool deals.

Other Tools/Equipment I Use and Recommend:

You can also join via channel memberships to get access to the perks:

Some product links are Amazon and other affiliate links, meaning if you buy something, we'll receive a small commission. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel so I can continue to make content like this.

#woodworking #woodworkingtools #woodworkingtips

0:00 Router Bits for Woodworking
0:25 Router Bits for Beginner Woodworkers
1:42 1/2 vs 1/4 inch router bits
2:32 How to Install a Router Bit Properly
3:30 Cutting Direction of Router Bits
4:38 Router Bits Every Woodworker Should Own
5:54 Roundover Bit Trick
6:40 Setting the Height of Roundover Bits
7:22 Chamfer Bits for Woodworking
8:06 Straight Bits for Woodworking
8:50 Don't Do This
10:37 Uncut vs Downcut vs Compression Bits
11:55 Flush Trim Bits for Patterns
12:42 How to Use a Router Pattern Safely
13:21 Dovetail Router Bits for Woodworking
14:20 Best Router Bits for Beginners
15:10 How to Use Variable Speed Routers
16:30 Which Direction Do You Move the Router?
17:19 What Router is Best for Woodworking?
18:00 Bosch vs DeWALT 2.25 HP Router
19:09 Best Cordless Router for Woodworking
19:23 DIY Router Table for Woodworking
20:11 Best Accessories for Routers

[Woodworks]

▼EXPAND FOR TOOL LINKS and INFO▼
Tools in this video:

If you use one of these Amazon and other affiliate links, I will receive a commission on qualifying purchases.

📲 Text DEALS to 1 [phone] to sign up for my Tool Deals SMS Alerts




Some other useful links:

[ninthny]

One MAJOR THING that you should be aware of and mistakenly said in this video. When putting the bit into the router, DO NOT put the bit in all the way until it bottoms out. When you do that and then tighten the collet, the collet does not have room to fully tighten on bit. Bottom the bit out and then back it out about an eight of an inch. I SPEAK FROM EXPERIENCE OF HAVING A BIT FLY OUT WHILE USING MY PALM ROUTER!! Luckily the bit came out and flew across the garage, putting a couple gouges into a garbage can before bouncing off the garage door and landing on the floor. The only warning was that the router had a slight vibration for only about a second before it spit the bit out. I was VERY LUCKY that it did not come back at me.

[nagamendo]

8:30 Rather use the round side of the router base than flat side. When using the flat side any rotation of the router will push the router bit away from the guide line. In your case, your slot/hole will not be straight. On the other hand, when using the round side of the router base, it does not matter if you rotate the router as long as the round side of the router base stays at the guide. The cutting line will stay straight anyway.

Great video!

Greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭

[bb]

As a beginner, I don't know what you may have missed but I now know more than I knew before watching your video. You don't know what you don't know, thank you for a good start.

[edblough]

1/2 inch shank tends to vibrate less than 1/4 inch reducing chatter. Also I never set a bit against the stop, on some routers when you do this you cannot tighten as tight as possible. I always seat the bit and lift it about an 1/8 inch or so so when tightening so the collet can clinch down all the way.

[robertnewell]

So true. This is a great video. A router is actually a very dangerous tool which usually comes with minimal instructions. Some of them (including high end ones) have pour design for such basic activities as changing the bits or collets. Dust extraction is always hopeless. I've been using them for about 40 years, but when I started I didn't know a thing and there was really no help out there. I consider myself very lucky. Finally, safety glasses and respirator always the top tips.

[barryirby]

Thanks, very good. Two little things to add... Don't insert a bit all the way to the bottom and tighten the collet. The bit can get locked in and be very difficult to remove. And some collets need to be loosened and then unscrewed even further to turn the bit loose.

[AndyZE]

Very useful, especially outside=anticlockwise - inside=clockwise.

Thanks for taking the time to make this

[pbjae]

3:28 1) if you bottom out, lift the bit about 1/8". 2) most router bits over 1/4" cutting area, usually have a curve at the shaft to cutterhead. You have to make sure that curve is completely exposed.

[thefirsted]

Bench cookies - $40-$60 for a four pack. Hockey pucks - $40 for a twelve pack. It was an easy choice for me as the hockey pucks fulfill my Canadian mandate to have something related to hockey in the workshop.

[margueritewhite]

Awesome video as always! One thing I’d love to see addressed in beginner router videos is the proper way to set up the plunge feature. Everyone seems to gloss over the set up or go through it quickly. Even the directions that come with the router aren’t thorough. When I got my Triton it was so frustrating as I understood the basics but had so much trouble dialing it in! I know new plunge users would appreciate a clear tutorial on the setup!

[dsigetich]

Wow - GREAT video. Thanks. This is really a woodworking video, not just a tool shuck. I’ve been using a router in a table (Bosch) and a trim router (DeWalt cordless) for years — I’m fairly accomplished. But you have definitely added to my woodworking knowledge and skill — Thank you! You have taken the mystery out of router bits. You talked about feed direction — knew about that, but many newbies don’t. All in all an excellent video. Thanks again!

[ezzaster]

Been wanting to get more into a router table I built - make some furniture or bookshelves. I have been watching router vids for years. Yours is the best I have ever seen, giving such a full re-cap ot bits and uses, with examples for everything. Thanks, you've inspired me.

[MorrMedia]

The close up shots are really helpful in this video, appreciate you taking the time to add those in.

[danhealy]

Good informative video for beginners. I’ve been using routers for nearly 50 years as a boatbuilder and have found that beginners are not comfortable using routers and shapers. Good instruction and practice is what is needed. By the way, it is break, not brake.

[danielaggeler]

Thank you. This is a very complete and easy to understand video on routers. I've seen a lot of videos here. This is a bright spot in "How-To" videos. To the point, simple, done.

[peterjones]

Mate, in spite of the sheer amount of bits you covered in this video, it’s the clearest, most informative video I’ve seen on routers. And no irritating background music either.
Nice one!

[brendasmith]

I really liked this video and would love to see more videos like this for beginners, please and thank you. I've seen pictures showing bits with up/down cut bits. I couldn't seem to remember which ones made the up or down cuts until I realized they were showing the bits laying down on a table. I appreciate you showing it vertically so we can see the direction a little easier. Great job!

[johnhuggins]

TY for sharing this video. I've been woodworking for quite a number of years. However, because I'm not always using my large variety of router bits everyday, it's great to watch videos such as your's that refresh my brain on a variety of bit types and how each bit is properly used. Also, I was surprised that there are router bits that I have never heard of much less used that may help me on future projects.

[noneofyourbusiness]

Well done. Wood working 23 years and still picked up some good tips. Thanks