SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/wood-router-inside

When routing an inside cut such as a cutout, which way do you move a handheld router?

Clockwise on inside cuts.

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  1. Counterclockwise
  2. Clockwise ✔
  3. Straight in one line

Why: On an inside cut the geometry is reversed. Moving clockwise still feeds the router against the bit's rotation. Feeding the wrong way (a climb cut) can grab and pull the router out of control.

Huh, didn't know that: Woodcraft uses the same rule: counterclockwise for outside edges, clockwise for inside edges.

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What tree produces fruit that tastes like chicken? Poultree.
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References

Answer: Clockwise. On an inside cut the geometry is reversed. Moving clockwise still feeds the router against the bit's rotation. Feeding the wrong way (a climb cut) can grab and pull the router out of control.

  1. DeWalt DW616 Router Instruction Manual assets.dewalt.com/GLOBALBOM/QU/DW616PK/1/Instruction_Manual/EN/N384518_DW616.pdf
    clockwise direction on an inside cut
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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Trades & ShopWhen routing an outside edge by hand, which way do you move the router around the work?Trades & ShopWhat is the danger of climb cutting with a router?Trades & ShopOn a router table, which way should the workpiece be fed relative to the bit's rotation?

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