How do I use a round-over bit without burning the wood?

🔍 Burns usually happen from lingering or a dull bit. To avoid burn marks: make sure your round-over bit is sharp (carbide tipped bits like SpeTool’s typically are and stay sharp for a long time). Next, set your router to an appropriate speed – too fast RPM on a big diameter bit can scorch (if your router is variable speed, dialing it down for large profile bits is wise). Also, **keep the router moving** along the wood – don’t pause in one spot. Many people do a light final pass: after the initial cut, raise the bit a hair (or use the bearing and take a tiny bite more) and go again to essentially “kiss” the wood clean – this often removes slight burn marks from the first pass. Lastly, routing **downhill with the grain** helps (going against grain can cause burnishing). If you do see slight burns, they’re usually shallow and can be sanded off. But with a good bit and steady feed, you can often avoid burns entirely. SpeTool’s bits have polished carbide that also helps reduce friction (less burning).

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