Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
Climb cutting is one of the most debated router techniques in woodworking. In this video, I’ll go over what climb cutting is, when to use a climb cut, why it can reduce router tear out and when routing backwards can become dangerous.
We’ll compare conventional routing vs. climb cutting, look at grain direction and tearout under a microscope, and cover handheld routers, router tables, bit size, light finishing passes, and how to keep a climb cut under control.
You’ll also see why climb cutting works best as a light cleanup technique rather than a way to remove a lot of material at once.
I’ve made a free Shop Guide for this lesson too. Download it from the link below, keep it in your shop, and scan the QR code anytime you want to come back to the full lesson.
And remember, to keep making things.
Free Workshop Guide → makethingswithrob.com/what-is-climb-cutting
Buy me a beverage! → buymeacoffee.com/makethings ←
Like step by step projects? Check out the second 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
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Richard B.
Ben. K
Bill Patterson
D. Lundman
Make Things
00:00 Intro
00:15 1. What is climb cutting?
01:08 2. What are the benefits
02:20 3. When you shouldn't
03:21 4. When you should
04:14 5. Conclusion
04:47 Credits
#MakeThings
Climb cutting is one of the most debated router techniques in woodworking. In this video, I’ll go over what climb cutting is, when to use a climb cut, why it can reduce router tear out and when routing backwards can become dangerous.
We’ll compare conventional routing vs. climb cutting, look at grain direction and tearout under a microscope, and cover handheld routers, router tables, bit size, light finishing passes, and how to keep a climb cut under control.
You’ll also see why climb cutting works best as a light cleanup technique rather than a way to remove a lot of material at once.
I’ve made a free Shop Guide for this lesson too. Download it from the link below, keep it in your shop, and scan the QR code anytime you want to come back to the full lesson.
And remember, to keep making things.
Free Workshop Guide → makethingswithrob.com/what-is-climb-cutting
Buy me a beverage! → buymeacoffee.com/makethings ←
Like step by step projects? Check out the second 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
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Richard B.
Ben. K
Bill Patterson
D. Lundman
Make Things
00:00 Intro
00:15 1. What is climb cutting?
01:08 2. What are the benefits
02:20 3. When you shouldn't
03:21 4. When you should
04:14 5. Conclusion
04:47 Credits
#MakeThings
