I’m in the process of cutting about 20 keyholes. I was into the 3rd (1 inch long) keyhole and the bit basically fell out of the collet (on a Colt) almost converting the piece to scrap (it didn’t go through and I was able to repair it).
I know I tightened it well and the collet “looked” clean and no, it wasn't bottomed out (I always double check this). Needless to say, I will be cleaning the collet and bit before the next attempt. I may try sharpening the bit, but it’s a small Freud bit and I have a replacement on the way.
So my question is … the bit was too hot to touch at the time, was this (the heat) the reason the collet loosened? That has never happened on this router before and it’s a pain to check / re-tighten (I have to take the router out of the plunge base, and it fits tight).
I wasn’t forcing the feed but may not have had the RPMs high enough. I’m cutting mostly Red Oak, but I’m not looking forward to the couple pieces of White Oak and Maple. Any processing advice or things to check for would be appreciated – I’d rather not melt down my new Whiteside bit after 3 cuts.
I know I tightened it well and the collet “looked” clean and no, it wasn't bottomed out (I always double check this). Needless to say, I will be cleaning the collet and bit before the next attempt. I may try sharpening the bit, but it’s a small Freud bit and I have a replacement on the way.
So my question is … the bit was too hot to touch at the time, was this (the heat) the reason the collet loosened? That has never happened on this router before and it’s a pain to check / re-tighten (I have to take the router out of the plunge base, and it fits tight).
I wasn’t forcing the feed but may not have had the RPMs high enough. I’m cutting mostly Red Oak, but I’m not looking forward to the couple pieces of White Oak and Maple. Any processing advice or things to check for would be appreciated – I’d rather not melt down my new Whiteside bit after 3 cuts.