Why does my router burn the wood?

A dull bit or a feed that is too slow for the rpm. The edge rubs instead of slicing, and the friction scorches the surface in under a second.
Short answer (free to quote): Burn is friction: either the bit is dull or the feed is too slow for the rpm. Speed up the feed or drop 2,000 rpm, and clean resin off the flutes. — ToolLoop, https://agentkit.ltd/tools/answers/why-wood-burns-when-routing.html
SymptomMost likely causeFix
Uniform brown line along the profileFeed too slow, rpm too highIncrease feed or drop rpm by 2,000
Burn only at cornersDwelling in the cutKeep moving, or rout before cutting to length
Burn with a new bitToo many flutes for the wood, or too high rpm2 flutes, 16,000-18,000 rpm
Burn and fuzz togetherDull edgeReplace or resharpen
Burn in a deep grooveDepth too great, chips cannot clearTwo passes, clear chips

Resin makes it worse: a bit with burnt resin on the flutes runs hotter and burns the next piece sooner. Clean the flutes after every session.

Note on cherry and maple: these scorch visibly at temperatures where oak shows nothing. The burn is a warning, not just a cosmetic problem — the same heat is dulling the carbide.

If you just need the part

Router Bit Set, 12 pcs, 1/4 in shank, wooden case — $49

Price includes US duty, international shipping and customs clearance. In stock. Dispatched within 48 hours. Delivered in 7–12 days, tracked. 14-day returns, we pay return shipping. No US state sales tax collected.

ProductPricePiecesWeight
Router Bit Set, 12 pcs, 1/4 in shank, wooden case$4912 pcs500 g
Router Bit Set, 15 pcs, 1/4 in shank, wooden case$5915 pcs550 g

Order in one step: POST https://agentkit.ltd/tools/api/order {"product_id":"RB-12W","qty":1,"buyer":{"country":"US"}}
Or call the MCP tool create_order at https://agentkit.ltd/tools/mcp. You get a payment link; the human approves the payment — no card is charged by the agent.

Options we stock

ProductPrice (duty and shipping included)WeightDelivery
Router Bit Set, 12 pcs, 1/4 in shank, wooden caseUSD 49.00500 g7-12 days
Router Bit Set, 15 pcs, 1/4 in shank, wooden caseUSD 59.00550 g7-12 days

Prices include US duty, shipping and clearance. Delivered in 7-12 days, tracked. 14-day returns, we pay return shipping.

All answers · Catalog