tightening or adjusting front wheel bearings

[Custom 68]

I have done this a few times but last year while about half way thru the 2500 plus mile road trip of the power tour I "blew out" a front wheel bearing. I limped it to a shop where after a few hours an older gentlemen cut and ground the spindle down enough to get new bearings on and me back on the road. I finished the trip but got new spindles upon my return home. Needless to say I am now a little gun shy on how to tighten or set these bearings.
I don't know if I over tightened under tightened or if the bearing itself went bad. Or if I didn't have enough grease.
Everything is new again and I have it where I think it should be but wanted how you do these talked about. I will be going on another 3000 mile trip so I don't want to have any issues that could be avoided (or any for that matter.)
Thanks
David