freud rabbeting bit bearing question

[lawrence munninghoff]

I have a freud 32-102 rabbeting bit which has a 3/8 inch depth of cut. Is it possible to change the bearing to achieve a 1/2 depth of cut? If so what bearing would I need? I emailed freud but have not received a response yet.

[Lee Schierer]

The Freud 32-504 1-3/8" Rabbeting Router Bit with bearing set has different diameter bearings for making different depth cuts.31421-02-1000.jpg I don't know if you can buy the bearing set separately or not. Give the folks at Router Bit World a call. They have always been helpful when I have talked with them. Here is a photo from their website that shows part numbers for the bearings.Capture.JPG

[Greg R Bradley]

Freud show that bit comes with a 1/2" OD bearing. In order to increase cut depth by 1/8" you would need to make the bearing twice that amount smaller: 1/4". That means the bearing would need to be 1/2" minus 1/4", which is 1/4" OD. That seems impossible as there isn't enough room for a bearing in that space.

If you installed a standard 3/8" bearing, you would convert the bit to 7/16" rabbet, if that is enough.

It seems the bit referenced by Lee above is larger overall so it can make a larger rabbet.

[John Lankers]

Your local Big Box might even stock bearings.

[lawrence munninghoff]

I agree. thanks