It has to be my ignorance as the collet is showing at the surface.
I am using MLCS. I think my failing may be that I am assuming the bit has to go to the bottom.
I am starting to get the idea the bit does not have to go to the bottom. Would it be correct to say the shank can be raised up from the collet as high as I like (safely) and that is part of the height adjustment. The manual says that at least 5/8" of shaft must be gripped by collet, that may be the answer and my failing.
I was just basing bit installation by all the videos I have seen that said the bit always goes to the bottom then raise 1/16th inch. The bit you see in the bottom image is as high as I can get it which is to low.
thanks for the help, I sort of feel like a fish out of water here.
...Thanks for being patient and helping as there is no doubt the problem is me. The bit is in fact a 7668 1/2" shank, 3/8 deep, 1/4 tall.
The bit ( as you stated correctly) needed to go down to the where the 1/2" shank ended (the grey recessed area starts). That would have raised it up. I was going all the way down and then up appx 1/16th. Correct...
What if I wanted it higher, say 3/4 of an inch, would I need a different bit or can I raise the 1/2" shank up out of the collar a little safely? I think I don't see the limitations to some bits. As long as the bit is deep enough that it goes to the bottom of the collet, it should suffice...
And in reference to "start reading at page 12", I am thinking I need to start reading at page 1 ! ! !
Again, thanks for all the help.
Some slot cutters are longer. I have a stackable one that came with different spacers and shims and 4 different sized cutters. You can put two cutters on it with a spacer between and cut the tongues for tongue and groove joints. It's probably twice as long as that MCLS one. You see some of the sets of bits on Amazon and ebay that are basically no-name brands that have very short shanks too. You need to put almost all of it in the collet.The point that Donny is really getting at is 'are all slot cutter shafts the same length?' ie are there brands with LONGER shafts?
The one Donny posted the pic of seems rather stubby, or am i wrong?
Here's one from Lee valley...no detail of total shaft length given...
https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/sho...its/102526-shafts-for-3-wing-slotting-cutters
As has already been mentioned (and picture posted) his collett nut is visible at the surface of the router plate; you can't go higher than that. The only other option is to either raise the bit in the collett (already discussed) or use a longer shaft.