Flush trim bits, the washer cutting into template
Jack759
| Posted in General Discussion on
Hello, recently I was making some table saw inserts. I used double sided tape to hold the MDF onto the table saw insert and went to the router table. The template bit I have is a Freud and it has a thin washer right below the bearing, it’s very sharp and it cuts into the template. The lip of the metal table saw insert is very thin, like 3/16 and so when I route it either leaves a thin cut or cuts into the metal template (the washer that is.). It would be nice if I had a template but without that washer. Anyone ever see this and what to do about it? I hope my description isn’t too confusing. Many thanks for any advice.
Jack
Replies
The washer is normally the same diameter or smaller than the bearing. It must be that the height of the bit is set so that the bearing is not riding on the template so it’s hitting the washer.
Correct. The problem is if the bearing is riding again the very thin metal of the insert then it doesn't cut correctly. The washer will cut leaving a very thin, maybe 1/16 lip.
Use the existing insert as a pattern to trace onto a thicker piece of wood or mdf. Cut it out and then use it as a router template.
Is the washer absolutely necessary? Meaning, will the bit do the job without it?
Mikaol
Thanks, I'll try this.
I don't know, I don't know if I can even remove it, I'm away from my shop so I'll have to look at the bit later.
You can remove the bearing and the washer, all you need is a Allen key. I understand that the problem is the gap between the bearing and the cutter, by removing the washer it may improve that situation but bring other issues, you could raise the steel template so the bearing rides on the steel and the gap (washer) falls in the space between the template and stock.
Yes sir, I removed the bearing and the washer. Easy. But that begs the question, why this almost razor sharp washer in the first place?
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