Rabbet joinery is used in many different types of woodworking projects. Rabbets can be used to make half-lap or ship-lap joints, install back panels in casework like chests of drawers, or to add details like fillets to complex moldings. Having the ability to make the correct size rabbet quickly and accurately can be a huge time-saver in the shop. This is where the Infinity Mega-Rabbet Router Bit and Bearing Set (00-557) comes into play. The Mega Rabbeting set allows you to make 16 different sized rabbets from 1/16" all the way up to 3/4" wide, and it can cut those rabbets up to 1" deep. This set also includes a 2" diameter bearing, turning the 2" diameter bit into a flush-trim router bit as well.
The heart of the Mega-Rabbet Router Bit set is the Infinity 35-856 rabbeting bit. This router bit puts most other rabbeting bits to shame with its 2"-diameter body capable of making rabbets up to 3/4" wide and 1" deep. The bearing pilot on top of the bit is beefed up, as well to accept bearings with a 1/4" inside diameter instead of the 3/16" I.D. bearing most other bits use.
The 35-856 rabbeting bit features a pair of extra-thick, micro-grain carbide cutters that are set at an aggressive shear angle to produce super clean cuts in even the most difficult materials. The bit body features a full-diameter, anti-kickback geometry that helps the router bit run smoother and cooler. A 1/2" shank and non-stick coating make this bit a real workhorse.
The Mega-Rabbet Router Bit Set also includes a unique set of 16 additional bearings that allow the bit to rout a wide range of rabbet widths including common metric sizes for use with metric plywood. This router bit set cuts rabbets in the following widths: 1/16", 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 9/16", 11/16", 3/4", 6mm, 9mm, 12mm, 15mm, and 18mm.
One unique thing about the bearings included in the Mega-Rabbet Router Bit Set is that they use a standard 1/4" I.D. x 1/2" O.D. bearing housed inside a custom-made aluminum sleeve. This offers a couple of distinct advantages. First, it allows Infinity to create bearings that are simply not available anywhere else. It also allows the inner bearing to be replaced when it becomes worn or damaged. Each sleeve is marked with its outside diameter making them easy to identify.
The inner bearing is held in place by a Circlip. When installing the bearing/sleeve combination on the router bit, this clip needs to be installed facing up on the router bit. This ensures proper clearance between the bearing and the carbide cutters on the router bit body. Make sure when using one of the sleeved bearings to remove the washer from under the retaining screw so that the bearing can spine freely when properly installed.
The Mega-Rabbet Router Bit Set comes in a custom-made wood box that keeps the router bit and all the bearings protected and organized. There is even a spot in the box for storing the instruction sheet which includes a chart making it easy to choose the right size bearing for the job.
If you have been looking for a complete rabbeting solution for your shop, the Infinity Mega Rabbeting Router Bit set is is just what the doctor ordered.
