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Climb-cutting with Small Diameter Bits
Disclaimer: Even though Festool does not condone the
practice of climb-cutting with a router, the topic is
known to exist in books and other written publications
on router techniques.
Instruction Manual 17
This topic is presented for information only, and is
intended to warn the user of the potential dangers of
climb-cutting. The information below does not explain
how to perform climb-cutting, but instead, what not to
do. Any user attempting climb-cutting, does so at their
own risk.
Climb-cutting is feeding the router in the same direction as
the rotation of the bit. The inherent danger is that the router
bit will tend to self-feed, or "climb" its way down the
workpiece. The sole benefit for climb-cutting is that there
will be less tearout in the cut. This is because the tip of the
cutter enters the edge of the workpiece, instead of exiting the
edge of the workpiece. This shears the wood fibers in a
compressing action, and results in less tearout.
WARNING: Climb-cutting with a router is
inherently dangerous! Read, understand, and
follow all of the warning messages below.
!WARNING: There is no entirely safe method for climb-
cutting. The router bit can grab the workpiece at any
time.
!WARNING: Never attempt climb-cutting with large
diameter bits.
!WARNING: Never, under any circumstances, attempt to
climb-cut with a table-mounted router. The workpiece
will catch and will be propelled off the table.
!WARNING: Never climb-cut around an interior cutout in a
workpiece. The bit can easily catch in the corners.
!WAR place
with
for
NING: The workpiece must be fully secured in
clamping devices. Friction mats are not sufficient
securing a workpiece.
Procedure Notes
► N
router to catch, and think ahead of how you should best
► A er tool, respect the danger, but do not
r
th
► In l the
fi ut
► A
bo le with the router pulling
ody with your arms outstretched.
grain does not improve the cut quality.
lt is
► such as cherry and
ry
►
-cut direction for the following reasons:
ever let your guard down. Always be expecting the
react to the situation before it happens.
s with any pow
operate the tool if you are afraid of the operation. Your
reactions will be diminished if you are afraid of the tool o
e procedure.
stead of relying on your reaction-time to contro
router feed rate, use friction. By holding your forearm
rmly to the workpiece as shown in the "Starting a C
Near a Corner" procedure on page 14, you use friction to
assist in keeping the router under control.
void climb-cutting with the router moving toward your
dy. More control is possib
away from your b
► Climb-cutting end
The wood fibers are torn and compressed, and the resu
a rougher finish.
For materials that are prone to burning (
maple) climb-cutting reduces burning because the prima
cut is shearing the fibers.
For best results, always follow a climb-cut with a clean up
pass in the push
► Climb-cutting will push the router bit away from the
workpiece, making the cut shallower than expected.
Push-cutting pulls the bit into the workpiece.
► Climb-cutting will result in more chatter marks (shown
to the left). Push-cutting will remove these.