Router bits?

I just picked up a Ryobi router and the Stew Mac router bits seen here.

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Special_tools_for_Routing/Ball_Bearing_Router_Bits.html?actn=100101&xst=3&xsr=306

I found that the bits aren't long enough to get through the body blank without the router shaft collet digging into the body.

Any ideas?

I just picked up a Ryobi router and the Stew Mac router bits seen here.

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Special_tools_for_Routing/Ball_Bearing_Router_Bits.html?actn=100101&xst=3&xsr=306

I found that the bits aren't long enough to get through the body blank without the router shaft collar digging into the body.

Any ideas?

That's what the little tube they shipped with it is for. So you can mount the router bit without putting it all the way in to the collet and it won't slip back while you're working.

Cut a half-inch of that little plastic sleeve, slip it over the shaft of the router, and then put the bit in only up to the top of the sleeve. You now have an extra half-inch of reach.

Or are you saying that you're using that method and it's STILL not long enough for what you're doing? If that's the case, you'll probably need to buy a longer bit.

You should probably get a 1" long 1/2" diameter cutter with the bearing on the shaft (like what you have, but 1" long instead of 1/2") as well as a 1" long 1/2" diameter cutter with a bearing on the end. Like this:
http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2020477/32016/Freud-Triple-Flute-Flush-Trim-Router-Bit-14-SH-12-D-1-CL-Freud-44100.aspx?ss=4962432b-492d-4507-ae58-26b3b15d38b2

That's what the little tube they shipped with it is for. So you can mount the router bit without putting it all the way in to the collet and it won't slip back while you're working.

Cut a half-inch of that little plastic sleeve, slip it over the shaft of the router, and then put the bit in only up to the top of the sleeve. You now have an extra half-inch of reach.

Or are you saying that you're using that method and it's STILL not long enough for what you're doing? If that's the case, you'll probably need to buy a longer bit.

Yeah, I had tried that and got all the way out to where there was only 1/4" of the shaft held by the collet.

You should probably get a 1" long 1/2" diameter cutter with the bearing on the shaft (like what you have, but 1" long instead of 1/2") as well as a 1" long 1/2" diameter cutter with a bearing on the end. Like this:
http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2020477/32016/Freud-Triple-Flute-Flush-Trim-Router-Bit-14-SH-12-D-1-CL-Freud-44100.aspx?ss=4962432b-492d-4507-ae58-26b3b15d38b2

I think that's exactly what I need. I wonder why it is that Stew Mac doesn't offer a product like that.

Their bits are more intended for routing pickup cavities. I can't think of a single cavity that is too deep for a 1/2" bit...

That's what the little tube they shipped with it is for. So you can mount the router bit without putting it all the way in to the collet and it won't slip back while you're working.

This is excellent advise to follow if you want to make sure that you launch a sharp router bit spinning across your shop at 10,000+ RPM. Wear kevlar, or hope it launches away from you.

That tube is actually to keep the bearing from slipping up the shaft.

You have two choices for bits: get a bit close to the same depth as the body to use with a template, or use a bit 1/2 as deep as your body for the template, and another bit 1/2 as deep with a flush cutting bearing on the top and get half from the back side.

Their bits are more intended for routing pickup cavities. I can't think of a single cavity that is too deep for a 1/2" bit...

+1, they are designed to be used for routing pickup cavities with short pup cavity templates, not guitar building.

This is excellent advise to follow if you want to make sure that you launch a sharp router bit spinning across your shop at 10,000+ RPM. Wear kevlar, or hope it launches away from you.

That tube is actually to keep the bearing from slipping up the shaft.

You have two choices for bits: get a bit close to the same depth as the body to use with a template, or use a bit 1/2 as deep as your body for the template, and another bit 1/2 as deep with a flush cutting bearing on the top and get half from the back side.

+1000


You can purchase a 1/2" x1" top bearing pattern following bit from Lowes or Home depot for about 15-20$.


Always make sure you have enough shank in the router collete.

This is excellent advise to follow if you want to make sure that you launch a sharp router bit spinning across your shop at 10,000+ RPM. Wear kevlar, or hope it launches away from you.

That tube is actually to keep the bearing from slipping up the shaft.


On my router, the bearing can butt up right against the collet if I don't use that tube as a spacer. You were saying?

On my router, the bearing can butt up right against the collet if I don't use that tube as a spacer. You were saying?

To keep it from slipping off during shipping. A lot of times the bearings aren't on their very tight and just fall off.

To keep it from slipping off during shipping. A lot of times the bearings aren't on their very tight and just fall off.

The bearing wasn't on it during shipping. The blade was sealed in a rubber/wax type material to keep it from cutting through packaging, and the bearing was included separately. Along with a couple inches of that tubing and a set of instructions telling you to do exactly what I was talking about.

On my router, the bearing can butt up right against the collet if I don't use that tube as a spacer. You were saying?

:?:

I were saying don't use that tube as a way to extend the shaft of your router bit. I were also saying to use that tube as a spacer.

I had to reread your initial post, and I guess I can tell that you were trying to give bobby instructions on how to use the tubing as a spacer for the bearing, but at the same time you said that was the way to give the bit extra reach, which it won't do.

I think that's exactly what I need. I wonder why it is that Stew Mac doesn't offer a product like that.

The answer to this is simple: StewMac sells products that are unique to luthiery, and they sell items you need to work with their products (usually at a significant markup). The type of template bits you need don't fall into either category, and you're better off shopping at woodworking supply places for better selection and prices.