[dadsalmon]

Most of my bits are 1/2 inch but I went to use a 1/4 inch bit and find I cannot get it into the collet and none of my other bits will fit either. With some WD40 I can coax it in about an 1/8 of an inch, but that's it. (and we are cautioned not to put the bit too low because of overheating!! LOL) Anyone else run into this problem? Any known cures?

 

[dadsalmon]

Thank you Bob for your attempt to resolve my problem. I have both collets. The 1/4" one has never been used due to the problem outlined. There are of course, no wood chips to remove. Inspection has shown the collet not to be cracked, it is just poorly sized. The ID of the collect is .247, while the diameter of the bit is .248, thus you can see what the problem is. I just wondered if anyone else had encountered this and had solved it without replacing the collet. BTW, having been in the electronic industry in many capacities, I am well aware of what heat sinks are. They are typically constructed of metal. I don't think I would use a rubber grommet to disperse heat, as rubber burns when it gets to hot. My comments were of a sarcastic nature since I can barely introduce the bit into the collet, much less bottom it. If I force it too far I have to drive it out. I guess the only solution is to actually check the collet against my bits for fit before purchasing a new one. My next router will be a Hitachi, not another Porter Cable.

 

[dadsalmon]

Mike Thank you for your suggestion of a taper punch. I think part of the problem is the ring on top restricting the expansion of the collet. I am looking for a plunge router to replace this one which has very little use, for one with variable speed and have been looking at the Hitachi series. I note in early episodes of the Router Workshop this was the brand used. If PC made a cordless plunge router with variable speed....I might consider it. I don't forsee any problem with setting the depth of bits. Most of the bits I own were purchased from Oak Park. The one bit that was purchased from Whiteside was found yesterday to have a rusting shaft. My shop has a dehumidifier that runs all the time and this was the only bit to have rust on the shaft. Makes one wonder.