Originally Posted by Mike

Start with our 1/4" rule. Remove no more than 1/4" in a single pass. For the cleanest cut your router should be run at full speed. Inspect the bit for a sharp edge with no nicks and no sticky build up of pitch. If it is a high speed steel bit and has turned blue - black it has been overheated and lost it's cutting value, replace it with a new bit. Moving your router(or wood past the bit if table mounted) too slow will cause burning and smoke. If table mounted move your wood from right to left so the bit pushes the wood against the fence; free hand routing is opposite of this.