Hello I am from Schertz, Texas (between San Antonio and Austin). I am very new to woodworking. The last time I touch a shop tool was 32 years ago in Jr. High shop class. Loved it though. I just purchased a 1617 Bosch router after taking the router classes at WoodCraft in San Antonio.

I have yet to use the router because of a few questions. I know I have to play around with scrap wood to get the feel for the router and the bits.

I have purchased a few Freud router bit sets from WoodCraft.

My question is on the rabbet set the set comes with bearings. How tight should my bearings be on the bit? I assume not too loose that you get wobbles but then again too tight and it does not even budge. Other novice question. Is there a top and bottom for the bearing? If so how should it be mounted on the bit?

Finally can't find a way to remove the smallest bearing from the holder. Anybody else had this problem with the Freud rabbet set?

Welcome to the forum, Mark.

The bearing has to be tight to the bit. The way a bearing is made makes it impossible to be too tight to turn unless you distort the bearing. As far as not being able to remove the bearing put the bit in a vice (with a cloth wrapped around the shank to protect it and then use a small wrench to unloosen the nut. Should you need additional bits check out MLCS they have a good selection and offer free shipping.

MLCS Router Bits are useless in hardwoods. You will be lucky to get 5 cuts with one blade. MLCS bits are OK if you are just experimenting to see what you really need and want; THEN buy some good router bits. You buy cheap; you get cheap! TRUE!

can't wait until you find out the MLCS Katana router bits they are good as the whiteside bits if not better and always with free shipping.

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I have several MLCS bits and have no issues at all with them. I do agree with Bob on the Katana bits, just wish they had as many profiles as the inexpensive ones!

I am a great believer in buying the best you can afford and I'm all with you on this if he was talking about a big ticket item. Router bits however are disposable items IMHO. I'm sure that what he paid for a few Freud bits he could have gotten twice as many MLCS bits. It's difficult to to rationalize spending big bucks on say a rounding over bit when you may need four different size ones but only one size on a regular basis.