Good Morning Friends,

What is meant by the term of "climb cutting" when using a router? How often should it be used while working on a project?

Remember "Wrong way Corrigan"?

At least for the novice router user, climb cutting (moving in the direction of the cutter rotation), is a no-no.

Those familiar with their router's speed and power often use a climb cut to reduce tear out on pieces where the grain changes direction. Or, with no changes in the depth of cut, to clean up a previous cut.

How often should it be used? For me, on the router table, as rarely as possible. And with a hand held, even less often. 

It makes me nervous. I don't like that feeling.

 

Climb cutting is a very dangerous technique. Most likely the only time I would consider climb cutting is with multiple push pads and a table router with very sharp bits.  Never would I consider using a hand held router during the process.  The wood must remain in control at all times.  slip up and its like the kick back of the table saw. 

Running the bit too slow and you compound the issue.

 I'll use it at least once on every project that a router is used on.    I'll hog out a profile, reset and climb cut to get a smooth finish to a profile.     As on the handles for those Stove Sitter Trays.   Once around the "right" way, then right back the climb cut way to get rid of any "fuzz".  Note:  I use climb cut on a hand-held router only.    Don't ask about it on the router table.

 

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'and may the road raise up to meet ye'

Good Morning Fellows,

Personally I use a climb cut whether I am using the hand held router or even on the router table and when it is done on the table place the pin in the table or a stop block on the fence and ease the workpiece to the bit and move it to the left as it engages the bit. Then when one cuts across the end grain end of the workpiece you will not get any tear out and not need a backer board.

Arlin, A climb cut is one that the hand held router is used with the bit turning clockwise and you gently ease it into the edge of your work piece and climb to the corner in several light passes till the full profile is completed. This method is used to avoid tear out when moving across the end grain of a door or panel from the right to the left and the corner will not tear out and ruin your piece. Note you want to get a firm grip on the router and gently take little bites for it will climb up the side  very rapidly and to learn how to make this cut takes a little practice to get it down pat.