Router bit usage question............

[Mark Rios]

This is probably pretty basic for most of you but.....

I have the Whiteside 6 bit general router bit set and I'm using the chamfer bit in my table mounted 7518. Is it okay to use the bit without the bearing on top?


Thanks very much.

[Hoa Dinh]

Is it okay to use the bit without the bearing on top?
Yes. In fact, when I have a choice of using either the RT fence or the bit bearing, I'd rather use the RT fence.

You'll put less stress on the bit and on the router. And the cut is smoother that way because you are not following the (uneven) contour of the piece.

[Mark Rios]

Thanks very much Hoa.

[Kent Fitzgerald]

In this situation, rather than remove the bearing, I just set it a whisker behind the fence, so it doesn't touch the workpiece and just "idles."