Router Depth Setting for bits with bottom bearing

[LesBerezowski]

Good morning. Router newbie and Just started back after 15yrs into some wood work. I bought the Festool 1400 router and the depth setting is pretty straight forward and I was successful. My first job with the router is to use a Roundover Bit Freehand on a Greenland Kayak paddle handle section. I got this done but just guessing on the proper way to set the depth for a Roundover bit with a bottom bearing. How am really supposed to set the depth with a bit that has a bottom bearing.? the bit I used is a 1/2" roundover but I used a micrometer to guesstimate the extra depth. But there must be a much more accurate way.

 

[nclemmons]

I just use a straightedge ruler or offcut piece of wood against the bottom of the router plate and index against the edge of the round over bit so that you don’t get an ‘ogee’ type cut but a flush rounded cut.  Once set, drop the index guide on the router and test cut.  Raise or lower as needed.