Direction of cut

When using a router to cut materials, it is important that you have a sound knowledge of direction of cut to increase the life of a tool and improve the quality of cut. Direction of cut can be:

• cutting against the feed, or
• cutting with the feed.

Determining the direction of cut also depends on whether you are using:

• right or left hand tools
• sheet material
• solid timber

Cutting against the feed

 
Advantages

• Longer tool life.
• Lower power consumption of the motor.

 
Disadvantages

• Higher risk of chipping when cutting laminated panel materials or cutting across the grain in solid wood.
• Lower quality of cut compared to cutting with the feed.

Cutting with the feed

 
 Advantages

• Higher quality of cut compared to cutting against the feed.
• Reduced risk of chipping when machining laminated panel materials or cutting across the grain in solid wood.

Disadvantages

• Reduced tool life (up to 50% less compared to cutting against the feed).
• Higher power consumption of the motor.