Slot Cutter Bit With OF 1400

Welshdog

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Dec 1, 2010
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I just got a Freud slot cutter bit that makes a 9/16 depth cut with the supplied bearing. Since I have the edge guide for my OF 1400 is there any reason I couldn't (or shouldn't) use the bit at a depth less than 9/16" on edges?  I don't have a lot of router experience and this is a big mean looking bit so I want to be safe.
 
Buy a different bearing and change it out...similar to a rabeting bit.
 
As ScotF pointed out, it's better to use different size bearings if only because they give you a precise depth of cut.  You can also do it with the edge guide, but with more fiddling to get an exact depth, if that's what you're looking for.

If plunging at full depth the OF1400 will handle the 9/16" just fine.  The slot cutter is thin enough that you won't overtax the router.  Sometimes it helps to make a first past just to do a shallow bite and then go back over at full depth.
 
It's not a plunge type bit, it's a three wing disc on a 1/2" arbor.  Cuts perpendicular to router shaft.

For the task at hand, the depth with bearing should be fine.  Freud doesn't provide specs on the bearings so I'll have to disassemble it and measure shaft width for the bearing before buying different sizes.  I think I will do some experimenting on scrap to see how it performs with the Festool edge guide - just for fun.

Thanks for the tips.
 
Most bearings are standard size, so it is pretty easy to find them.
 
Don't try to adjust it like you are talking about.  You should always ride on the bearing if you can - especially with larger diameter bits.

If your bearing comes off - you can find other bearings.  I know several router bit companies make Rabbet sets that come with a wide variety of bearings for under $100.
 
I finally got fed up with trying to to match cutter width and bearing size [huh] so I bought CMT's set 823.001.11.  This set has four different arbors, including a stub arbor that allows you to make offsetting lip slots.  There are four sizes of cutter and has three 6.4mm/1/4".  Four bearing sizes to adapt depth and their web site gives other sizes that are not included but available.  I buy my CMT's from  routerbitworld.com  all shipping from them is $1.00  [big grin]
 
ShadyMaple said:
Don't try to adjust it like you are talking about.  You should always ride on the bearing if you can - especially with larger diameter bits.

If I were to use it in this manner it would be with my MFT using the guide stop on the rail.  Any particular reason why cutting shallower than the bearing allows is a bad idea?
 
Welshdog said:
ShadyMaple said:
Any particular reason why cutting shallower than the bearing allows is a bad idea?
It is not a bad idea as long as it's not free hand, i.e use a guide of some kind, straight edge, guide rail etc. I do it all the time, but usually on a router table.
 
I have another question.  The bit set was assembled out of the box with the cutter disc seated against the arbor. Then a washer, a bearing, a stack of four washers and the nut.  I assume the disc must always be seated against the lip on the arbor?  I ask because I need the disc to be a little farther out from the router base.  I'm using the table widener base with the whole thing guided on the MFT rail.  I guess the thickness of the widener has eaten up some of the plunge extension. Just wondering if I could put washers between the disc and the arbor? I assume not.
 
Slot cutters should really only be used in a router table, and you should turn down the speed according to the bit diameter. They are dangerous because since the wood is extended between the base and the cutter and the router base is on the edge of the wood, if it tips at all it can grab the wood and really kick. And they are generally large diameter bits too.

I change the bearing size on my Freud bits all the time. The best kit to get is the 1 1/4" rabbeting bit set, which comes with a range of bearings and the necessary hex key.

 
Welshdog said:
Just wondering if I could put washers between the disc and the arbor? I assume not.

Should be OK as you are only moving the cutter down a short distance.

Just check that the width of the cut is not affected by a slight wobble of the cutter caused by the washer stack.
 
Bohdan said:
Welshdog said:
Just wondering if I could put washers between the disc and the arbor? I assume not.

Should be OK as you are only moving the cutter down a short distance.

Just check that the width of the cut is not affected by a slight wobble of the cutter caused by the washer stack.
Yes it's only a small amount.  I'm just putting a slot through a mitered corner for a decorative triangular spline.  Short easy cut.

Thank you.
 
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