Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
You wouldn’t be wrong in thinking router tables are one of the safer ways to use a router. But they’re only safe if you think about how they work.
One of the worst things you can do with a router table…is trap your material between the bit and the fence.
The fence should act like part of the cutting system...guiding the stock through the bit with support and direction.But the second you put the fence behind the bit, and the bit is fully exposed?You’ve separated the system.This is dangerous because sawdust being cut has no where to go. Dust extraction is usually only done inside of the fence, so separating the fence from the bit takes away that important function. Your cut becomes packed putting strain on your router and creating excess heat for your bits.
Second, you’ve created a pinch zone.
When the bit is exposed and the fence is behind it, the spinning cutter pulls the stock toward the fence. Since there's no where to go, the material binds between the two...and that’s when you lose control.The next big danger is feeding the stock in the wrong direction. Instead of resisting the spin, you move with it. And when that happens, the bit grabs.It can rip the stock right out of your hands...or worse, pull your hands into the bit.
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You wouldn’t be wrong in thinking router tables are one of the safer ways to use a router. But they’re only safe if you think about how they work.
One of the worst things you can do with a router table…is trap your material between the bit and the fence.
The fence should act like part of the cutting system...guiding the stock through the bit with support and direction.But the second you put the fence behind the bit, and the bit is fully exposed?You’ve separated the system.This is dangerous because sawdust being cut has no where to go. Dust extraction is usually only done inside of the fence, so separating the fence from the bit takes away that important function. Your cut becomes packed putting strain on your router and creating excess heat for your bits.
Second, you’ve created a pinch zone.
When the bit is exposed and the fence is behind it, the spinning cutter pulls the stock toward the fence. Since there's no where to go, the material binds between the two...and that’s when you lose control.The next big danger is feeding the stock in the wrong direction. Instead of resisting the spin, you move with it. And when that happens, the bit grabs.It can rip the stock right out of your hands...or worse, pull your hands into the bit.
Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Richard B.
Ben. K
Make Things
#MakeThings #mtbitesize
