Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
If your router is burning wood, tearing out edges, or just feels hard to control—you’re not alone. In this video, I’ll walk through the most common router mistakes beginners make and how to fix each one. Whether you're using a trim router or a full-size router, these tips will help you get cleaner, safer, and more accurate cuts every time.
🧰 Covered in this video:
• Correct router direction (so it doesn’t take off on you)
• How deep to cut (without burning or chatter)
• Supporting your router base
• Choosing the right router bit
• Workpiece clamping and setup
• The best cut order for clean results
• Feed speed, sound, and feel
📚 Learn to Use Your Router with Confidence
If you're new to woodworking or carpentry and want clear, beginner-friendly router training, check out my full Router Basics Course.
→ bit.ly/4u0LaLE
🌟 Join Our Free Woodworking & Carpentry Community
Want beginner tips, tool advice, and project support?
I run a free community where you can ask questions, get answers, and learn alongside others.
→ bit.ly/41ouySk
📋 Affiliate Links — Tools I Personally Use and Recommend
(If you use these links, I earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel!)
Adhesives
🔹 Starbond CA Glue (10% OFF) bit.ly/3h0wWUz
Get 10% off with code THA10 at checkout
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🔹 Best Straight Edge Guide: amzn.to/3omQdX6
🔹 Combination Square: amzn.to/2X79Cgb
🔹 Speed Square: amzn.to/31fv02z
🔹 SOLA Carpenter’s Pencil: amzn.to/3GvTP4H
🔹 STANLEY FATMAX Tape Measure: amzn.to/4iBPqKM
Hand Tools
🔹 Estwing Hammer: amzn.to/2VVnHMr
🔹 Wood Chisel Set: amzn.to/2BjHH1H
🔹 Pry Bar Scraper (Improved Model): amzn.to/2oGhKXu
🔹 15" Utility Pry Bar: amzn.to/437utTq
🔹 Klein Tools 11-in-1 Screwdriver: amzn.to/3YSB8yp
Power Tools
🔹 Makita 7-1/4" Circular Saw: amzn.to/3GdBML9
🔹 Makita 6 1/2 Cordless Circular Saw: amzn.to/3REAnVW
🔹 Drill Combo Set: amzn.to/3lzu32c
🔹 Jigsaw: amzn.to/2AGpGua
🔹 5" Random Orbit Sander: amzn.to/3DASm6d
🔹 Best Beginner Compact Router: amzn.to/2nEjDUe
🔹 Advanced Plunge Router: amzn.to/3rvxXNo
Workspace Essentials
🔹 DEWALT Stanley Sawhorse (Set of 2): amzn.to/42S4CO6
🔹 IRWIN QUICK-GRIP Clamps: amzn.to/42GXNic
Safety Gear
🔹 3M 6503QL Respirator: amzn.to/3vVSGcA
🔹 P100 Filters (I use with the mask above): amzn.to/4jSmhvU
🔹 MicroClimate: bit.ly/microair3
---------------------------------------------------
Follow/Contact Me:
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/traininghandsacademy
FACEBOOK : facebook.com/traininghandsacademy
EMAIL: josh@traininghandsacademy.com
--------------------------------------------------
0:00 Intro
0:12 – Beginner context
0:38 – Mistake #1: Router moving in the wrong direction
1:34 – Mistake #2: Taking too deep of a cut
2:33 – Mistake #3: Not supporting the router or workpiece properly
3:35 – Mistake #4: Using the wrong bit for the job
5:01 – Mistake #5: Not securing the workpiece
5:43 – Mistake #6: Routing in the wrong order
6:11 – Mistake #7: Ignoring feed rate and sound
6:55 – Recap and explanation of bit chatter
9:19 – Final thoughts and close
My name is Josh Fedorka, and I’m the founder of Training Hands Academy™. I have been a carpenter and woodworker for over 25 years. I have also held certifications in home energy auditing and have built several LEED certified homes in New England.
God has gifted me with many “hands on” skills and it is my calling and purpose to share those skills by teaching others. Whether it is to seek a career in carpentry, become a general contractor or improve one’s DIY skills and knowledge, the motivation behind THA is to help others successfully learn how to work with their hands.
If your router is burning wood, tearing out edges, or just feels hard to control—you’re not alone. In this video, I’ll walk through the most common router mistakes beginners make and how to fix each one. Whether you're using a trim router or a full-size router, these tips will help you get cleaner, safer, and more accurate cuts every time.
🧰 Covered in this video:
• Correct router direction (so it doesn’t take off on you)
• How deep to cut (without burning or chatter)
• Supporting your router base
• Choosing the right router bit
• Workpiece clamping and setup
• The best cut order for clean results
• Feed speed, sound, and feel
📚 Learn to Use Your Router with Confidence
If you're new to woodworking or carpentry and want clear, beginner-friendly router training, check out my full Router Basics Course.
→ bit.ly/4u0LaLE
🌟 Join Our Free Woodworking & Carpentry Community
Want beginner tips, tool advice, and project support?
I run a free community where you can ask questions, get answers, and learn alongside others.
→ bit.ly/41ouySk
📋 Affiliate Links — Tools I Personally Use and Recommend
(If you use these links, I earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel!)
Adhesives
🔹 Starbond CA Glue (10% OFF) bit.ly/3h0wWUz
Get 10% off with code THA10 at checkout
Measuring & Marking Tools
🔹 Best Straight Edge Guide: amzn.to/3omQdX6
🔹 Combination Square: amzn.to/2X79Cgb
🔹 Speed Square: amzn.to/31fv02z
🔹 SOLA Carpenter’s Pencil: amzn.to/3GvTP4H
🔹 STANLEY FATMAX Tape Measure: amzn.to/4iBPqKM
Hand Tools
🔹 Estwing Hammer: amzn.to/2VVnHMr
🔹 Wood Chisel Set: amzn.to/2BjHH1H
🔹 Pry Bar Scraper (Improved Model): amzn.to/2oGhKXu
🔹 15" Utility Pry Bar: amzn.to/437utTq
🔹 Klein Tools 11-in-1 Screwdriver: amzn.to/3YSB8yp
Power Tools
🔹 Makita 7-1/4" Circular Saw: amzn.to/3GdBML9
🔹 Makita 6 1/2 Cordless Circular Saw: amzn.to/3REAnVW
🔹 Drill Combo Set: amzn.to/3lzu32c
🔹 Jigsaw: amzn.to/2AGpGua
🔹 5" Random Orbit Sander: amzn.to/3DASm6d
🔹 Best Beginner Compact Router: amzn.to/2nEjDUe
🔹 Advanced Plunge Router: amzn.to/3rvxXNo
Workspace Essentials
🔹 DEWALT Stanley Sawhorse (Set of 2): amzn.to/42S4CO6
🔹 IRWIN QUICK-GRIP Clamps: amzn.to/42GXNic
Safety Gear
🔹 3M 6503QL Respirator: amzn.to/3vVSGcA
🔹 P100 Filters (I use with the mask above): amzn.to/4jSmhvU
🔹 MicroClimate: bit.ly/microair3
---------------------------------------------------
Follow/Contact Me:
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/traininghandsacademy
FACEBOOK : facebook.com/traininghandsacademy
EMAIL: josh@traininghandsacademy.com
--------------------------------------------------
0:00 Intro
0:12 – Beginner context
0:38 – Mistake #1: Router moving in the wrong direction
1:34 – Mistake #2: Taking too deep of a cut
2:33 – Mistake #3: Not supporting the router or workpiece properly
3:35 – Mistake #4: Using the wrong bit for the job
5:01 – Mistake #5: Not securing the workpiece
5:43 – Mistake #6: Routing in the wrong order
6:11 – Mistake #7: Ignoring feed rate and sound
6:55 – Recap and explanation of bit chatter
9:19 – Final thoughts and close
My name is Josh Fedorka, and I’m the founder of Training Hands Academy™. I have been a carpenter and woodworker for over 25 years. I have also held certifications in home energy auditing and have built several LEED certified homes in New England.
God has gifted me with many “hands on” skills and it is my calling and purpose to share those skills by teaching others. Whether it is to seek a career in carpentry, become a general contractor or improve one’s DIY skills and knowledge, the motivation behind THA is to help others successfully learn how to work with their hands.
