rabbeting bit set vs. dedicated bits

Michael Press asks:

>I notice I can buy either:
>
>1) A flush-trim bit and a dedicated rabetting bit
>or
>2) A rabetting bit set that has multiple bearings so it can vary the
>depth of cut from 0 (flush) to 1/2".
>
>It's probably a little cheaper, and more versatile, to get the bit
>set. I've seen them by Freud and Woodcraft for about $45.
>
>Are the sets as accurate as the dedicated bits? Is it a huge pain to
>have to swap bearings to change the depth of cut, or is it no harder
>than adjusting a fence? Will it flush-cut as accurately as a
>dedicated flush-trim bit?

Some will. My biggest bitch about ANY router bit set with extra bearings in
different sizes is the need to keep track of another bunch of small bits and
pieces. I sometimes think that's a major part of my workshop time, arranging
bits and pieces...which I then can't find the next time I want them.

Charlie Self
"If you want to know what God thinks of money, just look at the people he gave
it to. " Dorothy Parker

http://hometown.aol.com/charliediy/myhomepage/business.html

On Fri, 02 Jan 2004 13:41:58 -0500, Michael Press
<[email protected]> wrote:

>Are the sets as accurate as the dedicated bits?

The good ones are, as well as some cheap ones.

> Is it a huge pain to
>have to swap bearings to change the depth of cut, or is it no harder
>than adjusting a fence?

Not really. One allen screw. Leave the wrench with the bit, and it
will take less than 30 seconds.

> Will it flush-cut as accurately as a
>dedicated flush-trim bit?

See the first answer.

FWIW, I have a few flush trim bits, a rabbetting set, and a few
dedicated rabbet bits. For example, the most common rabbet I seem to
cut is 3/8", so I bought a dedicated version of that size.

Over time, I've needed different length flush trimmers, so I've bought
them as required.

Barry