Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 23 minutes ago
Knowing how fast your router bit should spin is one of the most important (and misunderstood) parts of using a router safely. In this video, I’ll walk you through what actually determines proper router bit speed — and how to avoid costly mistakes like burning, chatter, or worse.
We’ll cover:
Why RPM isn’t the full story
What rim speed means and why it matters
How bit diameter changes everything
Where to find reliable speed settings for your router
Whether you're using a trim router or a full-size plunge router, this is something every woodworker should understand.
▶️ Download a router bit speed chart for your sho: bit.ly/40yXfel
📚 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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🔹 STANLEY FATMAX Tape Measure: amzn.to/4iBPqKM
Hand Tools
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🔹 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
0:22 RPM vs Rim Speed
1:13 Bit Diameter Affects Speed
2:20 Use a Speed Chart or Manufacturer’s Info
3:02 Real Example: Large Bit at Lower RPM
3:44 Real Example: Small Bit at Higher RPM
4:02 Not All Charts Are the Same
4:23 Review
4:37 Final Thoughts + Safety Reminder
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.
Knowing how fast your router bit should spin is one of the most important (and misunderstood) parts of using a router safely. In this video, I’ll walk you through what actually determines proper router bit speed — and how to avoid costly mistakes like burning, chatter, or worse.
We’ll cover:
Why RPM isn’t the full story
What rim speed means and why it matters
How bit diameter changes everything
Where to find reliable speed settings for your router
Whether you're using a trim router or a full-size plunge router, this is something every woodworker should understand.
▶️ Download a router bit speed chart for your sho: bit.ly/40yXfel
📚 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
0:22 RPM vs Rim Speed
1:13 Bit Diameter Affects Speed
2:20 Use a Speed Chart or Manufacturer’s Info
3:02 Real Example: Large Bit at Lower RPM
3:44 Real Example: Small Bit at Higher RPM
4:02 Not All Charts Are the Same
4:23 Review
4:37 Final Thoughts + Safety Reminder
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.
