Which Direction Do You Run Wood Through a Router?
Feed the router against the rotation of the bit, not with it. For a handheld router, that usually means moving left to right when you face the edge you are cutting. On a router table, you push the wood from right to left, so the bit's cutting edge meets the wood head on.
Skil RT1324-00
Bosch 1617EVSPKPlunge and fixed kit
Metabo HPT M3612DAQ4The short rule: feed against the bit's rotation
Router bits spin clockwise when you look down at the router from above. The cutting edges move in a set direction, and your job is to push the router or the wood so those edges bite into fresh wood as they come toward it. This is called a conventional cut.
Feeding the opposite way is called a climb cut. The bit tries to pull itself along the wood faster than you intend, which can make the router jump and grab. That is where most feed-direction accidents come from.
Handheld router: left to right
A simple way to remember it: stand facing the edge you are shaping, and move the router from left to right. This works for the outside edge of a board, a tabletop, or a picture frame, whether the wood is clamped to a bench or not.
For inside edges, such as a cutout or a recessed opening, the direction flips. Move the router counterclockwise around the opening. Think of it as keeping the bit pushing into the wood in the same way as on the outside edge.
If you use a straightedge guide, you can check your direction another way. When the guide is on the left side of the router, push the router away from you. When the guide is on the right, pull the router toward you. Both come from the same rule, so pick whichever is easier to remember.
Router table: right to left
On a router table, the bit is fixed and you move the wood. The bit still spins the same way, so the feed direction reverses compared with a handheld router. Stand at the front of the table, with the fence in front of the bit, and push the wood from right to left.
The wood should travel between the bit and the fence. If you feed from the wrong side, the bit will try to throw the board forward, and the wood will not stay against the fence.
Quick reference table
Use this table to check your direction before you switch the router on.
| Setup | Feed direction | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Handheld, outside edge | Left to right as you face the edge | Bit cuts into the wood, not along it |
| Handheld, inside edge or opening | Counterclockwise around the opening | Keeps the same cutting action |
| Handheld with guide on left | Push away from you | Guide stays against the work |
| Handheld with guide on right | Pull toward you | Guide stays against the work |
| Router table with fence | Right to left, wood against the fence | Bit rotation pushes wood into the fence |
When a climb cut is used, and why to be careful
Some woodworkers make a very light climb cut on the first pass to prevent tear-out on tricky grain or the end of a board. It can leave a cleaner edge, but it gives you far less control. A beginner should skip it.
If you do try it, take a very shallow pass, hold the router with both hands, and never attempt it on a router table with a large bit. For almost everything else, stay with the conventional direction.
Tips for a clean, controlled cut
Direction is only part of a good result. These habits help with both safety and finish quality:
- Take several shallow passes instead of one deep one, especially with larger bits.
- Keep a steady, even feed speed. Stopping in one spot can burn the wood.
- Rout end grain first, then the long edges, so any tear-out at the end gets cleaned up by the next pass.
- Make sure the bit is tightened fully in the collet before every cut.
- Clamp small pieces down firmly. Do not hold tiny parts by hand near the bit.
- Check the wood for nails, screws, and loose knots before you start.
Safety and choosing gear
Wear safety glasses or a face shield, and use hearing protection, because routers are loud and throw chips. A dust mask is a good idea too, since fine dust builds up quickly. Unplug the router before changing a bit or adjusting the depth. Keep the cord behind you and away from the cutting path.
If you are choosing equipment, it helps to look at how routers differ in features such as speed control and base type. Our best router comparison lays out published specifications side by side.
The wood itself matters as well. Straight, dry boards with tight grain tend to rout more cleanly than boards that chip easily. Our best router wood page can help you pick a material that suits the type of edge you plan to shape.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I feed the router in the wrong direction?
The bit can grab the wood and pull the router forward faster than you intend. You lose control, and the router can skip along the edge, damage the board, or cause an injury.
Does the direction change if I use a bigger bit?
No, the rule stays the same. Larger bits do remove more wood per pass, so a wrong direction is more dangerous, and you should make shallower passes.
Why does my router leave burn marks?
Burning usually comes from moving too slowly, taking too deep a cut, or using a dull bit. Speed up your feed slightly, reduce the depth, and check the bit's sharpness.
Should I rout all four sides of a board in the same order?
Start with the end grain sides, then do the long grain sides. This way, any chipping at the board's ends is removed by the following passes.