Using router for first time

[Wipedout]

OP Posted "1/4 inch roundover bit to give a nice edge" Wouldn't matter if the total edge was 6' tall, he's talking about just dusting off the edge. He'll find out how deep he can go on the particular wood he has at hand. Pine, that's a full on cut, Ironwood, many passes. but those are the things harder to teach. As long as he does it safely he'll be fine. Worst case is he will gouge an edge, less likely with a router base giving him greater control.

Your bit about router direction is spot on though, good thought.

Think he was talking about the template for the cutout not the nice edge when he mentioned the thickness...

[ez-duzit]

...shallow passes are the way to go with the round over...

Shallow passes are usually only necessary on large radii. On a 1/4" round-over you should be able to do it easily in one pass, unless wood/grain is particularly squirrely and produces tear-out.