Router bit bearing off center

[Jonathan Vigorito]

Just bought my first router and bit set. Looking over the bits, the Cove bit bearing looks to be not perpendicular and off center to the bit. Is there a way to adjust this? Or should I return the whole set and hope for the best.

Newb,
Jon

[Jerry Miner]

Is this bit from one of those "bargain" sets--- 35 bits for $50 or something? Could be a case of "you get what you pay for." (a quality cove bit runs about $30)

You might try pulling the bearing--it might have the wrong i.d. -- or, better, send the whole lot back and get quality bits, one-at-a-time as you need them.

[Wayne Lomman]

Return for refund or replacement with a good one. Any flaw in a cutter that is spinning at 20000+ rpm is cause for rejection. Good work to pick the fault. Cheers

[glenn bradley]

Since it is new, I agree that a return is in order. That looks like an MLCS bit. their bits are good for trying a new profile or for getting you through a project. Not something I would use long term. Check the other bits in the set. If they are OK, call MLCS and tell them about the one bit. My experience with them is that they will happily replace the item but, I have never bought a set so, check it out. The screw looks straight so it could just be the bearing. If you don't mind the fuss, take a like-sized bearing from another bit and try it on this one. Maybe MLCS only needs to send the bearing. Either way, lesson learned on the true cost of "bargian bits". They have their place but, long term use is not one of them.

[Jonathan Vigorito]

You guys are correct. It is an MLCS bit from a set of 15 for $50. I got a $50 gift card from my job and I just needed a set to get me started. I figured I'd use the opportunity to get a small "starter" set to see which ones get used, then replace with better quality as needed. I'll give them a call today and see what they can do.

[Greg R Bradley]

I know quite a bit about the methods that might have been used to make this bit.
- It's unlikely the bearing is made that poorly in that way.
- It's unlikely that the shaft where the bearing mounts is ground at that much of an angle. If the bearing would go on the shaft at that angle, it is more likely the shaft diameter is wrong or the shaft is broken.
- It IS likely that the hole for the cap screw is drilled or threaded poorly and the cap screw is at an angle.
- It is likely that the bit was assembled by a person who is so uneducated that they don't even know the purpose of a router bit. They could have cross threaded the cap screw, used a bent cap screw, etc.

This is a 30 cent router bit after all. They make more profit selling piles of this quality bit than a high end manufacturer makes selling good bits.

I see you confirmed MLCS while I was posting. Calling them and having them replace it or the set sounds like a plan. Sounds like you are off to a great start since you found this before trying to use it.

[Jim Becker]

Get MCLS to replace that obviously defective cutter.

[Tom Walz]

If you like we will send you a really good router bit free.

Tom Walz
Carbide Processors

[Jerry Miner]

If you like we will send you a really good router bit free.

Tom Walz
Carbide Processors

Is that offer open to everyone reading this, or just the OP? (Just kidding)

Jonathan-- I would jump on Tom's offer. His company handles top quality router bits.

[Matthew Curtis]

If you like we will send you a really good router bit free.

Tom Walz
Carbide Processors

Me to please.

[Art Mann]

I use a CNC router and go through a lot of bits. I am always in search of a good value. I bought a group of 5 1/4" shaft, 1/4" diameter 90 degree solid carbide bits from MLCS. This is about the easiest bit to manufacture there is. I found none of these bits even usable. The 2 best ones were quite dull. One of them had an obvious big burr on it that any QC person would have instantly caught. One was ground off center. Based on this experience, I would never buy from them again. They just don't have any quality control.

My favorite brand is Whitside. I believe that is one brand Carbide Processors sells.

[Bill Space]

I have in the past only bought individual bits from MLCS (no more than maybe 20), but can say I have been satisfied with what I received.

I am am only saying this because the tone of this thread NOW seems slightly on the “bash MLCS” side, and this may be unfair.

I am only a customer and other than being in the same state, have no connection to them. I will buy again though, but probably not cheap sets of bits 😀

Bill

[Bruce Wrenn]

I have used many of MLCS's bits. I have one 1/2" straight bit, and pattern trim bit that were used with a trammel to cut ribs for a curves front desk at local "Y." Cut a groove about 1/4" deep with straight bit, and finish cut with jig saw. Then clean up cut with flush trim bit. Made a couple hundred feet of ribs, using 3/4 ply, which kills bits quickly. These bits are still very usable. Toughest bit I have ever used is a $5 (remember them) bit from Woodcraft. 1/4" straight bit in router trammel. Cut half the head off a drywall screw, and bit showed no signs of damage. That was 5+ years ago, and bit is still in router on trammel

[Joe Jensen]

Once you use a Whiteside or other quality bit you will be hard pressed to use a cheapie. Unless you love sanding burn marks and tearout out of profiles !

[Ken Fitzgerald]

I have had good experiences with MLCS router bits, especially their Katana series.