Cleaning router bits with bearings.

[CW]

[Jay Pique]

I looked on the Freud website and it says their bearings are "shielded". Rockler sells some replacement bearings that they list as "sealed".

My bit was a Freud, and when I roll the bearing it just feels different.

Further bulletins as events warrant.

JP

[bridger]

I think the term is "shielded"...

[Leon]

Actually router bearings are simply shielded. If they were actually sealed you would not have to worry about a cleaner getting inside or having to reoil.

[CW]

Bingo, Bridger wins the prize.

[CW]

Yes.

[Tom]

As you indicated in a subsequent post you found that this is not a good idea. CW has indicated that these bearings are shielded not sealed and there seems to be some confusion. Shielded bearings have a metal shield which seals in the lubricant and seals out contaminants but it does not contact the inner race so they are suitable for larger particulate matter but virtually worthless for liquids. Sealed bearings are available in contact and non-contact versions. The non-contact version has a "rubber" ( I'll use "rubber" as seals are made from a variety of materials depending on the application) seal which normally rides inside a groove in the inner race and provides better sealing than a shield but is still not effective for liquids. The most common version of a sealed bearing has a "rubber" seal that rides in contact with the inner race and provides the best protection against contaminates - including liquids. The drawback to this seal design is that the seal generates friction which increases torque but most importantly generates heat which limits its operating speed. For this reason (as well as cost) you will find these bearings to be shielded and I would question any supplier who identifies them as sealed (it's possible but unlikely). Also, bearings which are sealed or shielded are lubed for life which means the lubricant is intended to outlast the reasonable life of the bearing and they are not designed to be relubricated. Hope this helps a little.

[J T]

Thu, Oct 6, 2005, 8:29am (EDT-3) [e-mail] (Jay=A0Pique) plaintively asks: Is it ok to just soak your bearing guided router bits in Simple Green do you think? I just don't want to ruin the bearings.

I've read the responses. I haven't had any need to clean my router bits. BUT, I have found that a drop or two of Marvel Mystery Oil on the bearing before use seems to extend bearing life indefinitely.

JOAT The Truth Shall Set Ye Frea

[CC]

We use CRL general purpose solvent and adhevise cleaner to clean the bearings on flush trim bits when trimming laminate. After wiping the bearing surface with a clean rag, spray on a good router bit bearing lubricant. It is also a great contact and adhevise cleaner. If you are not a business, you may have to contact them to find a local distribitor of their products, or someone that can order for you. Or, fill out their information and tell them you are jay's cabinet shop and order anyway. Chuck

[CC]

Guess it would be a help if I included the link. Sorry

the link does not take you there.. search on crl2032 from their site Chuck