Router Problem

[Froggy]

Hi again, I checked the router manual (bought in the UK not France) and it is indeed imperial. I also checked the router bits and they are also imperial. So, more by luck than management, I am using the right bits and collets. The problem is obviously something else. I checked the collets for dirt and other abnormalities, but found non. I also checked the collet nut which appears fine. I then put a collet in the router and then a bit in the collet and without even putting the nut on I just forced, by hand, the collet in to place and had a real stuggle to get it back out again!! No spanners involved and without even starting the machine. Does this mean I have a faulty router? Could I fix the problem, or should I send it back to the suppliers?

 

[Hobbyshop]

Hi

I am pretty new to all this too.

Suggest you might want to check this link for some advice for beginners
http://www.wealdentool.com/acatalog/routing_hints_and_tips.html

And in particular for information about collets try this link
http://www.wealdentool.com/acatalog/tips_1.html

 

[chippy mark]

with ELU routers the collet clips into the nut so when you loosen the nut it pulls the collet out of the router shaft it may be the same with your dewalt

 

[Sportique]

what happened to "Titmantiptools" - after all the fuss they made trying to get onto this forum last month - surely they have some advice :?

Where are they :?: :x

Dave

 

[Froggy]

You might be new to this Kevin but I think you solved the problem. I am not clicking the collet in to the collet nut!! Thanks for the links, that's made my day...I'm easily pleased :lol:

Froggy

 

[Hobbyshop]

Hi again, I checked the router manual (bought in the UK not France) and it is indeed imperial. I also checked the router bits and they are also imperial. So, more by luck than management, I am using the right bits and collets. The problem is obviously something else. I checked the collets for dirt and other abnormalities, but found non. I also checked the collet nut which appears fine. I then put a collet in the router and then a bit in the collet and without even putting the nut on I just forced, by hand, the collet in to place and had a real stuggle to get it back out again!! No spanners involved and without even starting the machine. Does this mean I have a faulty router? Could I fix the problem, or should I send it back to the suppliers?

I think the second link I gave in my reply above probably has your answer.

You mention that you fitted the collet without the nut.

In the linked tips you will see Ron fox mentions that the collet ( Iassume that is what he means by "thimble") should be "snapped" into the nut. He particularly mentions De-walt routers.

It sounds like you have the nut and collet separated and need to snap the two of them together.

Ooooooooops - posted that a bit too quick - just as you were posting your reply. :lol:

 

[Mike Wingate]

I found that the fit of the collet to the nut was really stiff. Rather than struggle, I bought an extra nut to fit to my smaller collet, less hassle, less wear and tear.

 

[jasonB]

I am not clicking the collet in to the collet nut!!

If thats the case then you have not been undoing the collet correctly like I suggested early on. If the collet is not clicked into the nut you won't get that second stage when the nut pulls the collet free.

Jason

 

[Froggy]

undoing what you said about the collet is exactly what I was doing, but what I wasn't doing was snapping the collet in to the nut to start with. I have just tried it and for the first time since I bought the router I have managed to fit and remove the collet without any force at all

Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions especially Kevin who pointed me to Ron and the answer.

Froggy

 

[Froggy]

iYou may notice that my last post seems to start mid sentence! Somehow I deleted the first part of my post. Which was to Jason.. I was undoing the collet nut as you said with 2 goes with the spanner but still the collet and bit were sticking. I did have to use the spanner twice even though I wasn't snapping the collet into the nut.

Froggy

 

[Titmantiptoolsltd]

Happy new year all back to the old grind stone

The answer here is exactly what has been told by the members. Collets are the most important forgotten link in routing and choosing the correct shank for the collet is critical. over tightening a collet to grip a smaller shank distorts the gripping area and can result in tool breakage.

Titman

 

[Froggy]

Erm... I don't like to contradict Titman, but the answer here wasn't anything to do with the collet or bit size in the end. Although, I now agree, having been enlightened by the experts, that even 0.35mm makes a difference, my problem turned out to be caused because I wasn't snapping the collet into the nut. I've used it a few times in the last 24 hours without problem now that I'm aware of this little procedure.

Froggy

 

[Titmantiptoolsltd]

No problems Froggy,

Your not contradicting but highlighting that incorrect collets or ill fitted can cause many problems.

Happy that things are running fine now.

 

[Argee]

Froggy, check your PMs.

Ray