-Never bottom out a bit. If you put the bit in too far, then the collet cannot pull down on it properly to tighten. It can also score the bit.
-The bit has to be fully through the collet. Make sure the bit passes all the way into the collet, so it can get a solid grip. I personally try to put as much bit into the collet as possible and still accomplish the job. I don't know if it is scientific, but I think the shorter bit extension (or 'lever arm') puts less stress on the router or spindle bearing. I guess you could think of it as a cantilevered load.
The minimum of the shaft I make sure is in the collet is enough to fill the inner tapered plug of the collet.
If your bit is wider than the shaft and has a fillet where the shaft meets the wider sharpened parts make sure you aren't clamping down on that fillet.
As Doug said, use 100% of the collet. Somewhere around 75 or 80% or less and you risk damaging the collet. More than 100% through doesn't gain anything holding wise but as Doug said it causes less shear force on the shank and less stress on the bottom bearing. If you notice, 1/4 shanks are usually fairly short and that's not an accident.
I've gotten into the habit of removing the collet entirely - separate from the router, and then inserting the bit until I can see there is 1/8" of free space within the collet and below the bit shank. Next, I just put the collet together and tighten with the two wrenches provided by Porter-Cable and I'm using P-C 690's.
I am the voice of bad experience, bottomed out a bit and tightened it up. Took quite an effort to loosen the collet after that.
Now I bottom it and bring it out 1/4" before tightening.
Steve.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Router Forums
747K posts
128.1K members
Since 2004
A forum community dedicated to router and woodworking professionals and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about different types of routing and routers, shop safety, finishing, woodworking related topics, styles, tools, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!