Router Bit Lubrication

[Geo]

Can anyone recommend a product to keep a router bit with a ball bearing guide lubricated?

Thanks.

[Prostheta]

Would you need to? I thought the race was sealed. Most lubricants would probably attract dust and make bearings more likely to seize.

[ryanb]

Bostik Dri-Cote

[CrazyManAndy]

http://woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=...de=details#tabs

CMA

[MiKro]

I prefer to clean my bits and bearings in mineral spirits and that seems to lubricate as well.

MK

[Geo]

Interesting. Thanks for the replies. I think I'll wait for a few more, as there are several very different suggestions. For some reason I am just wondering how long my bit will last, as I use it for a lot of things (all templates, pickup cavities, neck tenon, neck pocket, body outline after rough jigsawing, etc.) I'm probably just paranoid.

Thanks again. More replies appreciated.

Edited February 27, 2008 by Geo

[Mattia]

Just keep it CLEAN, that's the most important thing. As someone already mentioned, the bearing's sealed, in principle. Do that, and it's more likely to get dell before the bearing gives you any problems. Lacquer thinner, mineral spirits, WD 40, all works (just make sure you get stuff that doesn't have silicone in it!)

[killemall8]

mattia is right. i have had my same bit for over a year, and you know how many projects ive done. all with the same bit. everything wears out before the bearing. my bit has multiple chips in it, and the set screw that holds the sleeve on to hold the bearing on even stripped and fell out.

[Prostheta]

Just keep it CLEAN, that's the most important thing. As someone already mentioned, the bearing's sealed, in principle. Do that, and it's more likely to get dell before the bearing gives you any problems. Lacquer thinner, mineral spirits, WD 40, all works (just make sure you get stuff that doesn't have silicone in it!)

+1 Mattia

WD40 is great for cleaning bits after use for storage. Wipe the bits and bearings down with a cloth dampened with WD40 as opposed to spraying it directly onto the bit however as excess can just cause dust to collect back where you don't want it to!

[Geo]

Thanks for the informative replies. I'll use mineral spirits since I have some.

[JohnRossitter]

Yeah, I don't see a need to lubricate a router bit bearing.

I have one where the bearing seal broke off, and collected a lof of dust in it.

I just threw it away, as you dont want a ball bearing flying at you at 7000 RPMs

[Nicko_Lps]

Would you need to? I thought the race was sealed. Most lubricants would probably attract dust and make bearings more likely to seize.

That guy above is 100% correct,also the lubricant will probably sink to the wood and if you apply a water dye that is a total menace...

Except those above,ball bearings are sealed and they have lubricant closed under the seal,im a carpenter and i have several router bits with ball bearings and i have them for many years and they dont seem to have a problem.

After 10 years if you change one its not a big deal after all...

[j. pierce]

The only bearing I've had to replace was the one that I tried to lube. . . something didn't agree and it gummed up.

[Woodenspoke]

I am not sure I believe all the hype people place on these bearings being fully sealed. If there is any chance that the bearing is not sealed mineral spirits will remove lubrication and not help prolong the life of the bearing, I mean don't dip it in any degreaser.

If anyone has ever done any lamination work then you know how bad bearings can get. I would say WD-40 is a good choice but wipe down the bit or use a cloth to apply as recommemded. Many companies make a specialty lubes which bonds to the surface, which may be just hype. I cant see how WD-40 is going to ruin a piece unless you don't wipe it off or use it right before cutting.

Remember when you first received the bit it was lubed heavily in oil and most people seem to have over come the dust issues, seems like a moot point in my opinion. If you feel any roughness in the bearing then its has to be replaced. The better the bit the better the bearing will be, cheap bit lube heavily.

Rockler router bit lube Link