Reverse routing tames tear-out

When routing the edges of a round piece, the grain direction changes as you rotate the workpiece. This can result in chip-out at certain points. To prevent this, climb-cut (feed the workpiece in the opposite direction.) To know where to climb-cut, imagine a clock face on the round piece with the 12 and 6 aligned with the grain direction. Rout as shown in the drawing, rotating the piece counterclockwise from 9 o'clock to just past the 12 o'clock position and from 3 o'clock toward 6 o'clock.

To rout the remaining areas, rotate the workpiece clockwise. The clockwise rotation creates a climb-cut, and the bit will want to grab the workpiece. To avoid slippage, hold the workpiece firmly and take very light cuts.
—from the WOOD® shop