[Steven Owen]

I notice the bits I’ve ordered from Infinity tools come with a clear plastic coating on them for protection in shipping. What is the best method for removing the plastic protective coating from router bits?

 

[DaninVan]

Is this the same rubbery stuff that carbide saw teeth are dipped in? In the case of the saw teeth, I know guys that leave it on, mount the blade, and make a cut in scrap wood. Problem solved...apparently. :0

 

[Cherryville Chuck]

I usually peel off the protective coating with a thumbnail. I don't know if the coating on Infinity bits is any different than anyone elses bits.

 

[JOAT]

Pocketknife does it for me.

 

[Steven Owen]

Is this the same rubbery stuff that carbide saw teeth are dipped in? In the case of the saw teeth, I know guys that leave it on, mount the blade, and make a cut in scrap wood. Problem solved...apparently. :0

It should be. You can’t run a router bit and remove it that way because it can damage the bit. I know some people use a utility knife to gentely remove it. Always thought there would be a liquid or spray you could apply to dissolve the coating.

 

[Cherryville Chuck]

I've heard that you can collect and reheat and reuse it but have never tried it. That would imply that it can be melted off with a heat gun.

 

[sunnybob]

Every one I have ever has been so soft it can be peeled off with a thumbnail in seconds.

 

[honesttjohn]

Yup -- the peeling thing works for me too.

 

[ger21]

Sometimes the rubber can be fairly hard.

I use a small awl, and slide it down the inside of the flute from the shank end. After that, it'll usually pop right off in one piece.

 

[sreilly]

Depending on the cutter I would either peel from the shaft down to the cutter keeping in mind the cutter are sharp. It's the same coating that comes on Forest blades and intended as a protective covering. On my rail and stile set from Whiteside (they also use this coating) it came off is several pieces. Trying to make a cut with it intack is foolish in my opinion. You don't want stuff flying around the shop and that would come off in pieces and be flung at the speed of the router. Seems reckless to me.........but that's just me.

 

[DesertRatTom]

Knife cut from the shaft, up one side (away from the cutter), then peel it off with my fingers.

 

[DaninVan]

What Could Go Wrong?

Depending on the cutter I would either peel from the shaft down to the cutter keeping in mind the cutter are sharp. It's the same coating that comes on Forest blades and intended as a protective covering. On my rail and stile set from Whiteside (they also use this coating) it came off is several pieces. Trying to make a cut with it intack is foolish in my opinion. You don't want stuff flying around the shop and that would come off in pieces and be flung at the speed of the router. Seems reckless to me.........but that's just me.

Steve; I wasn't recommending that 'process', just mentioning it as an unusual solution. I wouldn't do it either, but as a general observation I don't believe there's any risk involved (for router bits); a bit of rubble for sure. What you have is a very soft shreddable material caught between Carbide and hardwood. (Not unlike one's fingers).
I may even try it just to see if it actually works...

 

[hawkeye10]

I am a fingernail guy myself. However, you try and get it off you will not have a problem.

 

[sreilly]

Steve; I wasn't recommending that 'process', just mentioning it as an unusual solution. I wouldn't do it either, but as a general observation I don't believe there's any risk involved (for router bits); a bit of rubble for sure. What you have is a very soft shreddable material caught between Carbide and hardwood. (Not unlike one's fingers).
I may even try it just to see if it actually works...

Video please if you do
:wink:

 

[DaninVan]

Slo-mo?

 

[radios]

I've been reading that a sewing seam ripper works perfectly for this. you definitely don't want to get cut trying to do this with a nail or your fingers!..

 

[DaninVan]

I've been reading that a sewing seam ripper works perfectly for this. you definitely don't want to get cut trying to do this with a nail or your fingers!..

An Exacto knife is worth a try then.

 

[TWheels]

I do not understand why any instrument more sophisticated or less accessible than a fingernail is needed to remove the protective coating.

 

[DaninVan]

Tom; some of us keep our fingernails really short.

 

[TWheels]

Tom; some of us keep our fingernails really short.

Good point Dan, but it has always worked for me, even when my nails are short. I am concerned hat anything metallic could damage the bit, especially the carbide.