[Unisaw]

I bought this machine a while ago and use it for the first time today.

I was routing a rabbet in the back of bookcase standards to receive the 1/2" plywood back. The bit was a Porter Cable rabbret bit with a bottom guide bearing. The shaft was 1/4" --- that's all I could find at HD.

Anyway, I chuck up the 1/4" sleeve in the collet and insert the bit. The router stalled and I noticed the bit was climbing out. I tightened it again and the same thing happened.

I finisihed the job with my PC690 with no problems.

Any thoughts on why this happened? Yes I locked the collet with the sliding metal plate and then wrenched it.

Thanks.

 

[Woodnut65]

I would check the sleeve for cracks, and check the collet to see if every thing is clear of rust and or dirt. I hope the collet has not been cross threaded.
Woodnut65

 

[Unisaw]

The sleeve does have vertical cracks by design. They allow it to close when the collet is tightened.

 

[steveo]

The sleeve does have vertical cracks by design. They allow it to close when the collet is tightened.

Agreed, I have two M12V's. The so called "cracks" on the 1/4" reducing collet must line up with the "cracks" on the 1/2" collet when inserting a 1/4" dia bit into the smaller collet. This allows for proper contraction of both collets when tightening the smaller bit.
I'm sure that is the problem you are having.
steveo

 

[Unisaw]

Thanks. I did not know that the cracks had to be aligned. The directions with this are less than stellar.

 

[Pop_pop1]

Hi Unisaw,
I've had an M12V for a few years and found almost immediately that I wasn't comfortable with the slide lock and only one wrench. Initially I had the M12V mounted in my router table. My concerns were realized when a large round over walked out of the collet. Luckly no one was hurt. Since then I have used 2 wrenches to tighten the collet. The second wrench needed is an odd size (23 MM) and hard to find so I made one. Since then I've had no problems with bits, 1/2" or 1/4" shank, walking out. I was too embarassed to call Hitachi and complain.
I believe using 2 wrenches is a more permanent fix to the loose bit problem.
Good luck with it,
Chuck

 

[Unisaw]

Thanks. I thought it was me. I hate the slide lock. It is hard to use and I have a low sense of comfort - translate - I don't have a sense of safety when I lock it down.

 

[steveo]

Hi Unisaw,
I've had an M12V for a few years and found almost immediately that I wasn't comfortable with the slide lock and only one wrench. Initially I had the M12V mounted in my router table. My concerns were realized when a large round over walked out of the collet. Luckly no one was hurt. Since then I have used 2 wrenches to tighten the collet. The second wrench needed is an odd size (23 MM) and hard to find so I made one. Since then I've had no problems with bits, 1/2" or 1/4" shank, walking out. I was too embarassed to call Hitachi and complain.
I believe using 2 wrenches is a more permanent fix to the loose bit problem.
Good luck with it,
Chuck

The first thing to do when opening a box with a new router is to take the "stamped" wrench that comes with the unit and open the shop door and throw it as far as you can, then get yourself a real wrench or two.
steveo

 

[kenadian]

I plan on picking up 2 [new] wrenches for my M12V; one is a 21mm while the other should be a 23mm wrench. Are these the correct sizes?
Thanks