I was using my router table backwards for a solid year before a guy at the lumberyard pointed it out.

I was picking up some maple in Springfield and mentioned how my dados were always a bit rough on the back edge. This older guy loading my truck just said, 'You're feeding the stock the wrong way, son. The bit spins clockwise, so you push from right to left.' I'd been doing the exact opposite the whole time. My cuts are so much cleaner now. Has anyone else had a basic tool technique they were totally backwards on?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_drew18d ago

Oh man, that's a classic! I did the same thing with a circular saw for ages. Was always confused why the finish side of the plywood would chip out so bad. Turns out I had the good face up instead of down, because the blade cuts upward. Felt like a total genius when I finally figured it out.

uma_nelson18d ago

My table saw taught me the opposite.