Review on CMT 852 501 11B Planer - Enhanced Bearing Diameter for Improved Performance by Derek Dolla

I bought this drill bit to cut the first inch or so of several 11.25" x 3.25" slots in the face of a 6x6 lumber using a simple template, a huge base plate to cut. Constructed from .500" thick 12" x 24" clear polycarbonate sheet and MLCS 9464 collet extension, 1/2" shank, accepts 1/2" shank bits. Full depth was achieved by switching to a Frued 50 -118 flush with upper bearing, 3/4" diameter, 1-3/4" carbide cutting length, 1/2" shank reached. Note that "Frued" was supposed to be "Freud" but Revain did Freudian Logerism. The chisel worked as shown, but the relatively shallow depth and diameter made it slow. If I were doing this project again I would try the chisel larger diameter, probably CMT 852.504.11 Dado & Planer Router Bit 1/2" shank, 1-1/2" cutting diameter, 5/8" cutting length. h to match the maximum diameter of the router extension. However, safety requires the use of such a large bit in a variable speed router installed on the router table. I think I should have mastered the use of the Japanese saw and chisel. In comparison to the Freud bit mentioned above, the bearing of the CMT bit appeared to have a loose part on the bearing surface (something vaguely resembling a gasket. ). I don't know if this is normal or if the bit is self-destructing, but it doesn't inspire confidence.I have other CMT bits that are very durable.