The SCARIEST router bit I've ever used! (How I survived...) 

▼EXPAND THIS SECTION FOR MORE RELATED TO THIS VIDEO▼ *Tools used in this video:* -Whiteside large panel raising bit: amzn.to/3n2zmaR -More Whiteside router bits: amzn.to/3tNqM3d *Links promised in this video:* -Video and plans for router bit rack: stumpynubs.com/product/adjustable-router-bit-rack/ -More videos on our website: stumpynubs.com/ -Subscribe to our e-Magazine: stumpynubs.com/browse-and-subscribe/ -Check out our project plans: stumpynubs.com/product-category/plans/ -Instagram: instagram.com/stumpynubs/ -Twitter: twitter.com/StumpyNubs ★THIS VIDEO WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY★ Whiteside Router Bits: amzn.to/3436Tvz *Please help support us by using the link above for a quick look around!* (If you use one of these affiliate links, we may receive a small commission) ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE CHEAP TOOLS★ -123 Blocks: lddy.no/vpij -Mechanical Pencils: amzn.to/2PA7bwK -Lumber pencil: amzn.to/2QtwZjv -Pocket Measuring Tape: amzn.to/2kNTlI9 -Irwin Drill Bit Gauge: amzn.to/2AwTkQg -Nut/Bolt/Screw Gauge: amzn.to/2CuvxSK -Self-Centering Punch: amzn.to/2QvbcrC -Self-Centering Bits: amzn.to/2xs71UW -Angle Cube: lddy.no/10nam -Steel Ruler: lddy.no/10mv7 -Utility knife: amzn.to/3nfhIiv -Center-Finding Ruler: lddy.no/10nak -Bit & Blade Cleaner: amzn.to/2TfvEOI -Digital depth gauge: amzn.to/3mwRf2x -Wood Glue: amzn.to/3mqek6M -Spade Bits: amzn.to/3j8XPtD ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE HAND TOOLS★ -Digital Caliper: amzn.to/384H1Or -Marking Gauge: lddy.no/10muz -Marking knife: lddy.no/10mv0 -Narex Chisels: lddy.no/sqm3 -Stanley Sweetheart Chisels: amzn.to/3y5HDOc -Mini Pull Saw: amzn.to/2UEHBz6 -Gent Saw: lddy.no/ss2x -Coping saw: amzn.to/2W7ZiUS -Shinwa Rulers: lddy.no/zl13 ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE POWER TOOLS★ -Miter Saw: amzn.to/3gqIlQ8 -Jointer: amzn.to/3yc3gfZ -Planer: amzn.to/3mn6BGF -Router: amzn.to/3grD22S -Sander: amzn.to/3DdvD0Y -Cordless drill: amzn.to/3D9ZiIm -Brad nailer: amzn.to/3gsRkjH -Mini Compressor: amzn.to/3mvrmQr -Bladerunner: amzn.to/2Wl0TtJ -Jig Saw: amzn.to/3zetTBY -Scroll Saw: amzn.to/3gq9qDc -Multi-Tool: amzn.to/3muZuMi ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE OTHER TOOLS★ -Drill Bits: amzn.to/3B8Ckzh -Forstner Bits: amzn.to/3kk3wEI -Shop Vacuum: amzn.to/2Wkqnbl -Machine Setup Blocks: amzn.to/3gq7kDh -Counter-Sink Bit: amzn.to/37ZukUo -Featherboard: amzn.to/3DeqHsq -ISOtunes Hearing Protection (Save $10): bit.ly/3BHYdH7 (If you use one of the affiliate links above, we may receive a small commission)

As a novice woodworker, my family asks why I watch a guy named "Stumpy Nubs".....of course I tell them that he helps me not have stumpy nubs.

The conversion to miles per hour was a real eye opener. Thank you. All your safety videos should be required watching.

I see that wall of bits and think, "cha-ching, cha-ching"! There is many thousands of dollar bills hanging there. Impressive. As always such great safety content here. Thank you, James, for helping us to stay safe and still make great products.

i've always loved stumpy's attention to detail, and deep dives into stuff, but i'd be lying if i said i didn't shutter a little when he rounded pi up to 4 when discussing the smaller circumference

As a retired metal machinist I relate your comments about rpm & miles per hour to what is called cutting speed / surface speed. It is an equation that is drummed into you during your first weeks as an apprentice. Although metal machining requires much more variable rpm the basic princibles are the same.

Would love a series or a few videos on uses for uncommon router bits. i.e. box core bits and joinery bits. In addition to some rare known applications for router bits. I watch ever video I can of your channel. Thanks for your content.!

Thank you so much for all your videos, I've learned so much and am always entertained and enjoy them. But thank you especially for these safety ones. I've used your videos multiple times to convince people of dangers, and you have definitely prevented at least one serious injury.

Stumpy Nubs delivers great tips and tricks every time he posts! Even though it's about a topic I don't think I'd venture into, it's still informative and entertaining to watch! If anyone asks about a woodworking channel I would recommend, I've got this one lined up! Clear, concise and to the point with examples and experience that ties everything together. Heck, even the sponsorships are relevant and hits home better than most other things done on a marketing budget. Quality from start to finish, marvelous!

A thought occurred to me when you were talking about routers where the determination of actual RPMs is guesswork. I'm a musician, and there is another piece of information a person could use, which is the pitch of the hum of the motor. If the hum goes up one octave, the RPMs have doubled. That may help give some kind of general indication, anyway. For instance if you know the range is 9,000 to 22,000, an octave up from the lowest would be 18,000, and an octave down from the highest would be 11,000.

Wow !!! You nailed it on this subject, so glad I watched it. Great work helping people understand and use this information. I also like the comment below about motor speed sound and using a music tuner and realizing the full octave difference with a bit speed. Thanks for your effort to put this together.

great coverage, on an important topic...SAFETY. I have a handheld router, and have used it enough to be afraid of it. I am a Surgical Technician, with 49 years experience. I have images burned into my memory of hand injuries suffered by "woodworkers " due to power tools. some of them resulting in the removal of digits, to include a hand. I have also seen the result of people NOT wearing eye protection. Polycarbonate Is worth taking the time to put them on. The violence associated with power tools, like violence in general, happens blindingly fast. pun intended. I find your channel a great place to learn. God bless

This is a great video. I find it amazing that with just about every tool you buy , along with the accessories, you get instructions on safe usage , except router bits! I've never seen an instruction sheet on proper set up or at what speed to use no matter what company you buy them from.

GREAT stuff, James. Appreciate the massive amount of time you have invested in getting us novice (and sometimes 'experienced' guys like me) up to speed with these router tips. A table mounted router seems "safe" enough, that is until you have a work piece kick back and go upside your head RAPIDLY, because you got complacent. The edge speed of the larger bits is also easily overlooked. The point on really tightening the bigger bits cannot be overstated, either. I had a 1/4 shank, 3/4"- ish bit come out while using my trusty PC 690 (handheld), as I have done countless times. That thing ricochet all around inside the router base before coming flying out sideways, while spinning fast. It took a few chunks out of my left hand before going 30 feet across the room (still spinning), and the entire deal took less than one second. I then took the collets out and did thorough cleaning and slight de-rusting to make sure I did not see that movie again.

Good information there James, thanks for reminding us of the dangers of routers. We forget when we use them regularly. About fifteen or more years back I was victim to an airborne router bit. I was in my small shed, 12 X10 feet; working on some oak for a fire surround and using a small sized bit. Suddenly the load came off the router. I had the intuition to realise what had happened and threw the router on to the bench and went into a crouch with my hands over my head and face till the ricocheting stopped. No impact on the body but I could see a few spots on the walls where the bit had bounced off. No sign of the bit ; I never found it till I cleared the shed when I moved house. It was lodged in the small gap between the floor and wall. I have no idea why it came loose. Knowing the rotation speed I made it tight and the collet was fine. The only thing I could think of was that some wood chips may have got in there and it wasn't as tight as it appeared. The vibration shook them enough to let the bit loose. Who knows. I always make sure its nice and clean up there ever since.

When I worked at Albright's Cabinet Shop, I had to use what they called a 'shaper', to make these raised panel cabinet doors. This huge machine was a massive table model and completely open. It took considerable force just to push the panel thru to make the raised panels. That was my job. Had I slipped, my right hand would have gone right into the blade, destroying my hand permanently. So I agree with you in using this. It's authentically SCARY!

I subscribe to numerous wood working channels. I have learned far more from this channel than any other. Thank you for the great content.

That’s a scary router bit perhaps but you’re right on the verge of moving to a shaper. Your straight bit and featured bit are best thought of in the shaper world. The right tool for the job.

James, you absolutely nailed it again! I gutted an old junk Delta 43-505 shaper table that I bought off of Craigslist and gave it a second chance in life by re-engineering it into a router table with a lift. The router I used was a Porter Cable 3-1/2HP model. No speed adjustment (yet). There is no way I would put a large bit into it. After I made my own lift mechanism and turned it on, just listening to the power of that router earned my respect. Some day I want to convert it to multiple speed but it has a soft-start circuit which has to go first. Variable speed on that model does coexist with soft start circuitry. For right now, all of my smaller bits run fantastic in it. When I hit the Start button, it has my respectful undivided attention.

I personally prefer the vertical raised panel router bits. They are half the price of the horizontal raised panel bits. When using a tall fence and a feather board they result in a cleaner cut, especially in hardwood like cherry that is prone to burning. They are especially suited to a horizontal or pantorouter table if you have one.

Another good video combining practical advice for best results and safety for all our important parts. Thanks again.

Your honesty and knowledge is refreshing thank you for all the great info

You are a true teacher... kudos from Brazil!

So glad to hear there are still people in the USA making quality router bits. I will check out whiteside, thanks for the tip!

I enjoy your sensible delivery and helpful insight. helping people keep their fingers if possible.

Excellently thought through and explained. Very useful. Thank you.

I don’t do woodwork and I don’t plan on it any time soon but I love your videos. Great channel.

I’ve been woodworking for now more than 50 years still in the shop every day. My Father helped me make “our” first router table. It was a piece of birch plywood screwed to a 2x4 and held in a bench vise. The reason was larger bits….for safety…we didn’t have money for a shaper in the ‘60’s so we made it work. My Dad taught me the speed math for bit diameter. With his craftsman router & 1 1/2” bit was as big as we could go. Thank James for “a teaching moment”. Nice job & Thank you Today I have aPC 7518 (yup it still works with all the big stuff 20 yrs) in a Woodpecker table & an Incra LS fence when needed. SAFETY FIRST!!

I never thought about the actual speed of the outer blades! Man that is some really good advice I appreciate you showing the difference

THANK YOU! I recently bought a 2 1/2" profile/table-edge bit for a shaping job and was concerned about using it safely. As you point out, a bit like this would PROBABLY be okay if I hand-helf the router, but after watching your tutorial, I'm not going to take the chance. Into the table it goes! Your information is ALWAYS solid and very useful. I truly appreciate your contributions to the trade. Best, Chris (in Maine)

Another excellent overview. The Jessem Stock Guides (6:38) are also a big help in maintaining control and adding some safety to your cuts. I recently bought a set and really like them. Well worth the cost.

Great timing in this video I just received the Bosch 1617EVS to go into my Bosch RA1181 router table for Father’s Day.

Nice to have this info all out there for us, and thank you !!

Great tips as always SN! However, one thing that I did notice is that you really do need more router bits! 😉😂

Great video! The fact that you said that shouldn’t be used handheld is chilling. I just assumed that was taken for granted, excellent point. That bit is really something better suited to a shaper operation rather than a router. Vertical raised panel bits are much less susceptible to the effect of centrifugal force.

Good info. Thanks for your efforts to bring this to your viewers.

I just used one of these for the first time last week. I have a router table that uses cast iron table from a table saw that a friend milled a hole for a router lift. I took several passes raising the height each pass and used blocks to hold the work piece. It worked very well and was much easier than i expected.

AWESOME video James! Thank you!

Great video, just the information i was looking for. Great channel!

Excellent discussion. Thanks a lot for that.

Thanks for sharing with us James, lots of great information in the video . Fred.

Good subject, SAFETY. Thanks for sharing.

Excellent video again James. Thanks for the coherent discussion. That bit makes me pucker, and I don’t even have it!

I recently had the bearing on a flush trim bit come apart during use. It did not just come off, it came apart! Little hand grenade pieces flying everywhere. Scared the crap out me! And ruined the part of my project. Thanks for the video.

Thank you for keeping me grounded and aware.

This was really helpful. Thanks a lot.

Great lesson on router bits love your teaching videos I have learnt so much

Dude, data rich as always. LOVE your educational content.

Points made very well will definitely follow your advice .

Really valuable info, James! Thanks a lot! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

Thank you Mr. Nubs

Great tips! I have one of those finger joint bits, I've never really been able to set it up right - the most frustrating router bit I've ever used lol

I've been using raised panel bits for years. That first tip, don't use in a handheld router, I would Never have even thought about mentioning that in a tutorial. Never even thought someone would consider it, but I'm sure there are some that might think they could. Excellent video

Great video - I don't use large bits but I deeply respect the power those bits have at high speed. I'm paranoid as it is with my 1/4" straight bit.

Very helpful. Indeed here in Scotland I have some Whiteside router cutters. I also have a large mitre cutter, not as large as the one you showed, but nevertheless raises anxiety levels - especially with old hickory. Started to use a smaller 45 degree cutter to take some of the waste off first….always on a router table.

I've had a small bit slip once in a hand router, thankfully only enough to ruin the project I was trying to rebate, but that was a very scary moment. I didn't even notice it had happened, & it was a flat bottom bit so it only cut a little deeper than it should have, but then when I lifted the router & moved it over for the next cut, the bit fell out. I'm so glad I let the thing come to a stop before moving it.

My scariest experience using a hand held router was with a small roundover bit when the bearing on the bit disintegrated. I now check the machine screw holding the bearing on for tightness when I use any bit.

Nice to see you’re still at it.

Thanks for this excellent reminder about safety when using routers!

I always look forward to your expert advice. 🙏🙏

Good stuff as always!!

I don’t know if I originally bought Whiteside because of your recommendation, but I agree, they are a great experience and product all around.

Thanks again James great video. I rarely use my large hand router, which by the way will easily handle anything I throw at it. Instead 99% of all my routing is done on my table router, and even that scares me sometimes.

My word that’s a very impressive collection of router bits! 😀👏👍

Thanks for sharing those tips!

Nicely Explained!

Thank you. so much. I have a spindle cutter with very large bits but this practical information I was always wondering about; speeds and width of tools in the machine. Very understandable. Thanks again....rr Normandy, France

I have this Whiteside (great bits) bearing guided 1/2" dia solid carbide upcut (I use it inverted in a router table so it's cutting downward) spiral bit that I use for routing guitar bodies to a template. I call it the "murderbit". The LEAST bit of inattention one day and that thing grabbed the guitar body out of my hands, threw it halfway across the garage, and torqued the router right out of the underside of the table, hitting the floor and bending the bearing boss on the bit. Fortunately I was uninjured and the damage to the guitar was repairable. The bit, alas, was a goner. An EXPENSIVE goner. :D

James, I kept waiting for the controversial approach and it never can, so clearly we are on on the same page. I used one of those table edge bits in a router table with a push block to create an edge detail on some 6” and 8” circles and boy, they took a lot of concentration and I still have one they tried to get away from me. Those large bits are serious business, but I sure love the results. BTW, it was a Whiteside bit and it cut perfectly. Great vid. Scott

So timely! My Triton router while very powerful, and my brand new spiral compression flush trim bit seemed an easy job. However it was the end grain of extremely hard wood. Table top is 1 3/4 inch. I took too aggressive cut and the router at speed 3 out of 6 started vibration and I nearly lost control. Damn it was scary. Table top is 240lbs so taking it to the router table was out of the question. The solution was trimming the edge with the circular saw, then taking small cleaning passes with the compression bit to remove the saw marks. The masking tape helped beautifully with securing the exit edge

I’m a novice woodworker and I absolutely get everything you discussed on router bit safety. This machine and the bits command great respect at all times. Even when resting on the bench or mounted. One thing I would like to add, for discussion, is how big a router one should be using for those heavy and large bits. I would never even consider running them on anything less than a fixed base, solid table mounted 3 hp router. Trying to run them on an under-powered set up is inviting disaster and excess strain on the router.

The Whiteside bits are fantastic.

Great information

Old Stumpy Nubs would've made a joke about "I like big bits and I cannot lie." But safety related videos don't have much room for levity. Thanks for the informative video.

Agree completely. And you are right. Whiteside bits are amongst the best available at any price.

Well, I found tech videos that scare me a little are pretty valuable. What a great explanation of angular momentum without the noise... Just great.

nicely done, I learned a few things too.

Thx for the great advice ) 👍

Hey Stump. I wish I could have watched this a couple of weeks ago. I took too deep of a first pass while routing a channel for a power cord. The hand held router started to chatter violently and I lost control of the tool. As it fell out of my hand I tried to catch the router and caught the business end. My wife jokes that I am now Mr 9 1/2 but not in the good way. Great information as always.

great spot James!

I really appreciate the physics you imply as to router safety. F = ma, and routers spin, so they have acceleration

I really like your safety videos. You've been there so there's always a lot more than what's included on the safety sheet. Unless I'm wrong the velocities are directly proportional to the diameter. That means the edge of a 1.5" diameter bit would travel at twice the velocity as a 0.75" one.

I envy your bit collection, it's more than I would ever use since my primary use is car audio fabrication but that is one hell of a collection!

Once again thank you for an informative video. I think all of us have had a rubber bit loosen in the collet not a good thing. And the mass of that large bit that you did the raised panel with, that's some power when it's spinning

I agree about those Whiteside bits. They’re all I buy now.

How in the blue blazes do you keep your videos informative and filled with fresh tidbits? I have trouble remembering if I got out of the chair to go to the restroom or let the dog back in! Thank you for your skills and abilities to present them.

While I'm not a fan of click-bait titles (I understand they increase the click-through rate, making them a neccessary evil) I feel this channel balances that very well with straightfoward presentation and sensible advice.

Very good information, these days I run all my panel raisiing cutters and the like on my 5Hp spindle moulder it will run 120mm cutters, I have just acquired a power feed to go with it

You have a nice collection of wood working tools.

It might be good to mention vertical raised panel bits as an option for those bits with a large diameter. They require a tall fence, but have some advantages. One still needs to be very careful with either design. Thanks for another great video. Excellent bit storage design!

Yip that's pretty close to the one that got me! If the bit has weighted blades - beware! The heavier the weight the greater the gyroscopic effect - the less the router responds to inputs. Definitely use a table mount and appropriate carrier jigs, fences and guards!

That router bit wall is next level, that’s so smart!!

Your respect for these potentially dangerous tools is why you are still a member of the 'Ten On Two' club :) .

The Pentel graphgear 1000 is my favorite mechanical pencil it was a real treat seeing one in your video.

Good to know thanks ! I've always thought of rpm but not mph.

Excellent point on the mass of the bit. I was thinking you want to keep angular momentum to minimum in something you'll be moving around and that is impacted by mass as well as radius (and speed of course). A better rule of thumb might include under X oz as well, which I think you were getting at. All my bits are 1" or under light weight at the moment so never ran into the issue, but good incentive to finish that router table before I even think of getting something bigger (if I ever do; not a big router user).

I have a small bone structure and clicky wrists and other joints. It was the early 2000’s. Spouse wanted a raised panel bit collection ( cabinet panels, certain types of joints) and holidays approaching. I walked into a Woodcraft store we bought from often enough… sashayed up to the router display, picked up a demo 3 1/4 Ho chunk and turned it over. My wrists came forth with an alarming collection of cracks, pops and snaps. The clerk materialized at my elbow and nervously asked if I was thinking of using it as a handheld router. Nope. Holiday gift, table mounted because needed to swing a panel bit was going to take a serious router. I rolled it back over to another collection of those clicks, crunches, cracks and pops and put it back on the display. I left with router, extra plate and four big chunks of sharp metal…

I'm just here to say what an incredible thumbnail. It totally worked on me 👏

I'm with you Stumpy, my rule is if it is possible to use the table I use it no matter the size, one aspect you didn't mention is keeping the spindle and collet ultra clean any dust or oil from wood will tend to let the bit loosen.

I’d love to see a video on any tips or recommendations you have on how to safely breakdown large sheets of ply or MDF and square them up.