Isn't a cove bit without a bearing AKA core box?

YONICO 19103q 3/4-Inch Diameter Core Box Router Bit 1/4-Inch Shank - Amazon.com

YONICO 19103q 3/4-Inch Diameter Core Box Router Bit 1/4-Inch Shank - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

 

I considered the core box bit but I prefer the taper of the cove bit.

 

Just a side note. With only 1/4" shank I would suggest making at least 3 shallow passes. The last one just deep enough to clean up the cut of any burn or other rough spots. Otherwise you risk breaking the bit.

 

That could explain why it only comes in a 1/2” shank.

 

You've got a tricky situation there. The flat presents a problem to me.

If you can find the profile you want that way, try looking at other bits like bowl and tray bits.

Finding that in a 1/4" shank will be an issue. Also a bearing seems to be a must.

Sometimes you get as close as you can.

Whiteside Bowl and Tray Router Bits

Bowl and tray router bits are specialized cutting tools designed for shaping and creating bowls, trays, and similar curved or concave forms in woodworking. These bits are typically used with a router, which is a power tool used for hollowing out or shaping wood. Bowl and tray router bits have a...

www.holbren.com

 

The tray bit comment led me to some wider flat bits so ordered one and I’ll see what that looks like.

 

I also use a core box bits. I bought this Bosch, 85448MC on the fly at Lowes and has worked out great. Cuts very clean and has held up well. I last used to to cut handle grooves for some cutting boards

 

That’s going to be a heavy bit so I’m thinking manufactures would not put that on a 1/4” shank. I could see a bit like that absolutely destroying a small trim router in short order if someone tried it. Liabilities?

 

I removed the bearing and cut the bearing shaft off, ground flush.

 

Sounds like what I would probably try. Maybe behind some safety glass? Not sure if doing that compromises the integrity of the shaft.

 

I use core box router bits to do what @Booker909 wants to do. In the past, I used smaller ones mostly for juice grooves in cutting boards.

I just bought three ultra-cheap core box bits in 3/4, 1-1/14, and 1-5/8 for $12.99 from the big online retailer. Those had 1/2 inch shanks, but that is better for my needs anyway. Allow me to emphasize that they were very low cost. I am confident I got no better than I paid for, but they will do what I need for the current project.

I was originally planning to buy the Bosch 3/4 inch core box bit (1/4 inch shank) but the convenient Lowe's was out of stock, so I ordered the cheap online set described above instead. They arrived on Monday. I tested them out on Tuesday. I will use them to make grip handles (pulls with finger indents).

 

So..what happens when the ONLY Router one has to use...only takes 1/4" shank bits? Hmmm...Do you tell the OP to go out and BUY a new Router that can handle 1/2" shank bits....?

 

If he only wants to use 1/4 he will have to work with something he can control, otherwise a 1/2 shank router may have to be purchased..

 

As much as I’d like to buy a larger more powerful router that accepts 1/2” bits I’ll work with what I have and accept the limitations.
I think a core box bit could work, especially if I have the wood lie on an angle on the router table.
Also stumbled across a 1/2” cove bit at HF today for 9.99 that I wouldn’t mind cutting the bearing off of just to test.

i really appreciate all the helpful responses from you all. I’m pretty new and have some different ideas so I usually expect answers like “what the hell are you trying to do?”

 

You have to dig at it with a 1/4 router. Short passes till you reach the profile..Just more time, but worth the look

 

My "first" router was a mid-size Black and Decker. Despite its size, it took only 1/4 inch router bits. Since then, I replaced it with two mid-size routers (one in a router table) and a compact router. The mid-size routers came with 1/4 and 1/2 inch collets, but the compact router accepts only 1/4 inch router bits.

Whenever I buy router bits, I am faced with the question of whether to buy 1/4 inch bits that fit all of the routers, or a better 1/2 inch that fits only the two larger routers. Tough choice sometimes.

 

I removed the bearing and ground off the portion that held it onto the bit. It worked just like I hoped.

Also, finding that oak smells a lot like the Maker’s Mark distillery when water is added to it.