How To Use A Router | Ultimate Beginners Tutorial

Woodworking lessons with master carpenter Jaime Perkins of the Perkins Builder Brothers. This video is all about how to use a router... It includes setting up the router bit and base, choosing and using the most common types of router bits, and also some common beginner mistakes to avoid! The router used in this video is a Porter-Cable brand, one of the most widely available and used models ever. If you are new to woodworking, this is a must-see video series!
***A few safety notes: Always use I and ear protection when using a router; never wear loose clothing when using a Router; always use two hands to control the router; always make sure the router is turned off before plugging it into a power source; always unplug the router when changing bits; and it’s always a good idea to let the router come to a complete stop before letting go of it.
For those of you wondering about using a router table… that will be another video.
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Porter-Cable Router used in this video:
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Frued 6 piece router bit starter set (1/2" Shank)
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[@donnohel2625]

As a shop teacher of over 30 years, I'm pretty particular about what I share with my students. Your video not only made me laugh it is filled with alot of very good information. I rarely comment, but I appreciate good work when I see it. Nice job!

[@theptownpunk]

@SilentDiablo Your comment is why it makes me think they should bring it back to schools across America. Its buy far my favorite subject. While maybe life is number one. Great stuff you guys,makes me think their is hope for us all yet....

[@bellaqwacksandfredy767]

I did a little woodwork at school and I hated it, the teacher clearly didn’t like his job and was very specific about what everyone was to do, there was no creativity involved at all. I discovered woodwork a few years ago at 33 years old and absolutely fell in love with it! So much scope for creativity and fun. I work with a remanufacturing company now to remake items from old furniture and I love it. I wish my woodwork teacher was more like you!

[@JanineMKartist]

Way back about a century ago (lol) when I was in grade 7 my shop teacher had us make wood clocks. We learned how to glue lengths of wood together (laminate?), cut them into shape, learned the band saw and also how to use the router . I did round overs around the edges of my clock and made it to have a pendulum . I remember I loved the router but can’t remember what sort of router it was. I just hope I don’t find it hard to start using my new dewalt compact router to use with an elliptical jig. I’m watching loads of you tube videos. What sort of routers were shop teachers using with kids in 1989? I just can’t remember other than it wasn’t huge I don’t think .

[@idunno3302]

You taught for 30 years and don't know it's a lot, not alot? Ok kid.

[@dougquinn86]

@@idunno3302 He'd a shop teacher not spelling teacher. Now get off the internet and go work on your reading comprehension skills.

[@DCS026]

Perfectly timed video. I haven't messed with routers in years and am just about ready to start using it again. Thank you.

[@T.E.P.]

great job Jaime .... absolute natural at this with just the right amount of humor. BRAVO PERKINS BRO

[@eliska8597]

*I absolutely love this tool!!! The first one was defective and Dewalt replaced **MyBest.Tools** More bulky than the Bosch and Makita corded palm routers I have but worth it. Nice solid base*

[@brandyromano]

This was hilarious and educational. Thank you. It's been almost 20 years since I've done woodworking and I needed a refresher. Thanks for making it fun.

[@COEYRN]

Literally just started watching this, and I already like you. Subscribed

[@sheariley1910]

Loved the reference to climbing cuts in machining. Before I started to dip my toes in woodworking recently, I did the same with machining. Very well made video. You addressed many things I needed to know very succinctly; something I find rare on YT these days.

[@kimsteele2691]

I'm starting a project this weekend that's going to require the use of a router. It's my first time and I feel so much more confident after watching your video!

[@carawestgate]

Love your sense of humor! I really struggle with securing my project and getting that huge base around clamps. Appreciate all the info.

[@harrymann15]

You could try something like bench paws to secure your workpiece.

[@macmacmacmac1305]

You guys are great. Thank you Jaime and Eric. You provide inspiration. God bless

[@helenburgess8839]

Great video we are (husband and I) are making 2 cabinets. We are those people that are dangerous you know with a bit of knowledge. This VIDEO was so helpful we are going to be less dangerous now. Thanks so much. Loved the opening.

[@bethlink9436]

Just got my first router. I've heard of them, NEVER seen one in use. Thank you so much for this quick simple video that didn't go into too much detail but just enough to get me started!!!!!! Here I go!

[@neilstubbs4575]

An excellent video for someone like myself who knows nothing - or next to nothing - about how to use a router, and especially the basic kinds of bits and what they're used for. I inherited an incredibly well-built and designed router table from my father-in-law, but have never used it because I know next to nothing about routers. But this video is the first thing I've seen that gives me a little bit of hope. Thank you.

[@glendawilliams5916]

My good friend bought me a router from Canada I never use a router I see rotor I love router but I can not use a router I'm so happy to see you explain how to use a router I am from Trinidad sir I just want to thank you so much for explaining to me as to how to use a router thank you so much keep up the good work you could be a perfect woodwork teacher

[@reginaldgabel2611]

One of the best vids on routers that I have seen in a long time....

[@lauramarshall6376]

I just found you as I was looking for router info particularly. I have to say that your opening had me hooked already. Thanks for a very understandable video.

[@Jump_Jay]

I bought a router this weekend and this video was for me!! Cheers y’all

[@jimwingate5687]

Thanks for the Router lesson. The first time I use one it did scare the crap out of me. I would suggest for all beginners to use a scrap piece of wood to practice on first. Familiarize yourself with the operation of the router first and feel how it works in your hands before using it on stock wood projects. Also, wearing leather gloves for a better grip is suggested. Thanks again and keep sending videos.

[@IncredibleNickn]

Just orderd a router, this was all i need for when it get's delivered. Thx! I subscribed!

[@PerkinsBuilderBrothers]

Thanks for the sub! We appreciate it.

[@johnnycunnyngham7457]

Excellent Video - One of the best I have ever watched. Thanks

[@safemasteryoh2717]

Thanks for all your vids, it helps me especially since I am apprentice carpenter in school. Well at least I was before this beautiful virus came to town.

[@davidstoleson792]

I'm a beginner router user and this was great, thanks.

[@patriciasummers8881]

Hello. You made the part about the climb cut much clearer to me. Thank you. I have subscribed to see what else I can learn. Y’all are funny too! Great!

[@satyadev101]

The best router education on KZbin. 👍👏

[@drzeus9449]

Absolutely love the intro - Super! I love my baby😉 Ha runaway router! I plunged a hole because i didn't have a drill bit the size I needed. I started well and made it slightly larger but managed to clip the wrong edge. Boompf! round hole became jagged oval. Luckily I managed to shape a good plug then made a good hole using a much finer bit. Live and learn. Looking forward to watching your videos, great job.

[@mitch5077]

I just bought a router... Ummm a year ago😳 and been kind of leary to try, you gave lots of info in a short amount of time... Thank You!

[@smokymtn56]

Way to go guys! I learned how to safely operate one of the most dangerous machines for a carpenter to use, thanks to your video! So neat a little bearing riding on there at 20,000+ rpm that's a mans tool for sure!

[@floyd4311]

Great video and love the attitude of your channel. Easy going on not so damn boring. Just bought my first router and plan on using it tomorrow! Thanks guys.

[@iendoftime8781]

This is the best teaching videos, on how to use a router, I have ever seen great teacher .

[@mgrey9066]

I’m about to pick up a router for the first time in almost 2 decades. This was so helpful. Thanks. I’ve subscribed and need to see more.

[@lilliambaezmakeup]

This is by far the best comprehensive video for beginners. Thank you!!

[@feelingquilty1]

Thank you so much! Your instructions were to the point and gave me exactly what I needed. Yep, I needed the giggle too. I will be using my router for the first time in the morning. With your help, I will do just fine. Thanks!!

[@nickulacia9786]

Recommendations for the first router I should buy? Making furniture, lazy susans, dog bowl stands, etc. Love the video!

[@garymcdonnell]

Great video! I'm in the process of learning the basics about routers so I can buy one and the info here was really helpful. The explanations about bit types was especially useful for me. Thanks!

[@BurtReynoldstash]

Great video, just what I needed to watch. Thanks for making the video. Very helpful. Especially demonstrating the runaway big

[@else9419]

Think I found my new channel. Definitely not a newbie , but haven’t made anything for babygirl yet to pull the routers out for. 👍🏻 already loving you guys.

[@TheIbi1983]

Thank you so much for showing me enough to make me want to buy one. Really appreciate your time and efforts in making this video.

[@theptownpunk]

Here on Christmas day a year later and still a good time. About to make a table and getting to try and level the top with a router on this build save on sanding. Merry Christmas you guys.

[@lasaterjames366]

I found you guys a few days ago and have learned a lot. Great work and very informative and entertaining!! Keep’m coming!

[@teamsteel85]

The best router video online.. nice work boys you guys are a pleasure to watch..

[@Katz_Can]

Get well soon jamie!! Sending Love and prayers from Boston

[@saintgermain6031]

Great video. I just purchased a router table to do some basic cuts thru some 2x2 pieces. This was very helpful for a novice worker, 👍

[@georgeferlazzo7936]

Thank you for the Great Video. I hope to see more of the both of you and your projects.

[@davidevans9266]

You are both excellent teachers

[@rongarza9488]

Great video. It addressed my concern about directions. Correct me if I'm wrong. The bit rotates clockwise (when viewed from the top). The router should travel counter-clockwise (when viewed from the top) assuming the entire work piece is to be routed. So the bit chisels into the wood, flings the chiseled wood out, and then the router has to be moved to where it can chisel another chunk of wood off (with the bit, of course, rotating at several thousand RPM).

[@davidndahura7437]

You have a nice shop, simple and very productive.

[@dwdw4499]

So Happy to becoming a subscriber!! Having assembled my router table, with that out of the way it’s on to attaching router to the plate. Scary… All new to it yup stone cold newbie. I’m excited to learn all I can from the both of you!! Cheers! Informative Video!!

[@ALLANWEIR-sm8qr]

I love your show I really do. I wish you were around when I was younger and you can teach me a few things since I’m an old man I don’t use to just like you do I love watching you guys. I have some good ideas but they probably outdated for you.

[@mikeology3110]

This was a perfect introduction. Thanks.

[@arturomeza8303]

Very inspiring for me being up in age just getting into the game thank you

[@vickylavender8401]

Great video thank you ! You might want to tell the newbies to make sure there router is unplugged when they change bits though.

[@bethanyjolee]

Thanks! I'm a beginner and had questions about how to install the bit (😂) and this answered my question! Thank you for being so thorough for us beginners.

[@Alienshade]

I am here to fix my wi fi. This is exactly what I was looking for!

[@KwoodKing]

I am as well

[@rickkernell2486]

What bit are you using?

[@terrijoyner4021]

LOL 😆🤣😂

[@sebfield8940]

Lmao

[@diesirae960]

🤣

[@Thathappylifter_]

Great video! I don’t comment on KZbin often, but this was really helpful. Commenting to get more attention to save others the hassle I went through to find basic router answers. Thanks man!

[@scottallen8499]

Thank you, I’m buying my first router soon.

[@jeffpeake4130]

Great video as always guys. Best channel on KZbin!

[@mohamedhalafawy5736]

Hilariuossssssssssss, I am an obstetrician myself 😳😳. wasn't ever expecting such an intro 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 You are amazzzzzzzzing, really made my day ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@richardsilva-spokane3436]

Me, too. But the curious thing was, I was all chuckles until he committed about cutting the cord…then (for a split second) I clenched up😂😅😵‍💫

[@kylecorbett3191]

Thank you for this and the run away router bit example, great video.

[@PerkinsBuilderBrothers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tiffanywilliams194]

New to routers. I was too nervous to buy or try. I appreciate your easy to understand methods...and the humor helps a lot too!

[@sylvesteradim1532]

Exactly the information I need. You got a new subscriber.

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

Great tips guys!! I just bought the new Dewalt cordless router and I absolutely love it!

[@else9419]

Thanks for this tip. Mama presents later. Few new Milwaukee’s are definite. Haven’t had any of the newer dewalts. Made decent though? Christ, my jigsaw and drill are both solid metal craftsman’s that won’t die 😂

[@brian4334]

Super informative and entertaining to boot. Very appreciated.

[@Jimmolter761]

Thank you. this is just what I needed. my wife just bought me a dewalt router and I haven't a clue as to how to use it.

[@RH-vr7cs]

Finally there is someone who thinks about beginners. Thanks

[@misbehavens]

Excellent tutorial. Thanks for sharing!

[@nicklafave351]

You guys are awesome! Great videos I always learn something and have a laugh. Thanks you and keep up the Great work

[@tyjeaneen3854]

Thanks for making this video!!! Helped me so much.

[@kathrynnewton8721]

Like the tip about the spanner’s!

[@itawad]

Great Demo guys, very useful

[@abbymitchell8516]

This was so helpful and funny! Thanks guys!

[@victoriawilliams3934]

You guys are awesome

[@Chardonbois]

Great video guys! Light-hearted, simple and instructional- very much like yourselves!

[@IGqy]

Very good video! I like woodworking and I watch all of the day to day videos on the build sites, but as the need I am I really enjoy these informative newbie videos! I would probably be considered a newbie even though I have some experience both in building houses, detailed woodworking and the likes... I hope you get the time to make these kind of videos again at some point 🙏

[@MikeJones-dr8os]

Great overview with examples. love the hammer cut out. thanks guys. I am coming back to woodworking and that looks really fun.

[@tC-rq9qc]

Thank you!!! LOVE the comedy with it

[@bbarrett71]

Just bought my first router, have never used one. Thanks for the video.

[@leandroaldana4631]

Bravo! Great video man!

[@chikosergio]

Great video! I’m starting and just got a router and this video was useful. I subscribed! Thanks a lot!

[@rayknightstep9083]

First time viewer, good info shared! Any content involving router table set-up and use??

[@tigi111]

Great video, thanks for all tips and tricks and keep up the good work

[@colbychester7]

Thank you for giving a demonstration of each bit. The four videos I watched before this were people just talking and not showing anything! You’ve gained a new follower!

[@hokieinidaho]

Thank you so much for the starters guide! Never used a router, and I can't remember the last time I didn't know how to do something with a machine, so I was a bit lost before watching your video!

[@sharit7970]

Many thanks...from a total router newbie! ...Oh, and congrats... 0:15

[@henryrodgers3409]

Excellent video . Thanks

[@walter.bellini]

Thank you for the really nice video!

[@ianchalgren]

The hammer sign you made was gorgeous!

[@RohanGL]

Really appreciate the video, good info.

[@w.7194]

Awesome...love the demonstration s after talking about each bit.

[@Kralphrn]

Over 700k! congrats!

[@legartjgart9604]

Excellent instruction skills. This is technical school caliber teaching method

[@rhysbarratt]

Thankyou. Had a router for a while but not had the confidence to try it

[@BrandonSmith-jz3zt]

Thanks! That was informative and funny.

[@PerkinsBuilderBrothers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stianaslaksen5799]

Very useful. Thanks.

[@dreamworkshop6279]

Awesome tips! Thank you

[@azashukri5322]

Thank you this was helpful

[@JB-mf1zc]

That is some very good information to know! Thanks for sharing!

[@jefff6167]

You are a fantastic presenter. Please continue to make similar content. I subscribed.

[@dalepres1]

Thanks for a great intro. I have my first router and bits and wood but haven't yet put them all together. One question, if you can, I need to cut a slot, 1/2 inch wide, 12 inches long, through a piece of 3/4 inch oak about 2 inches from the edge. I don't have a router table or a fancy shop. Try as I might, I can't find help on how to do what seems to be such a common and simple thing for a router.

[@noukhollands]

I have worked at a woodshop, i have used a router back then, but now my brother bought one and im gonna use it way more 😅

[@paulkneale8293]

thank you bro I needed this