problem with new Router?

2066 Views 7 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Gilbear, Mar 3, 2006

zanman

Discussion Starter · Mar 2, 2006

I just purchased a new Dewalt 625 3hp router. When I got it I couldn't wait to try it out, so...

I grabed one of my 1/4 inch roundover bits and switched the collet to 1/4 inch and the bit won't bottom out in the collet. What gives? in my old craftsman the bits always bottom out with an 1/2 inch or so of the shaft over the collet nut.

the collet depth on the dewalt is 2 1/4 inches. none of my 30 or so bits are that long. The owners manaual says to put the bit all the way in and move it up a 1/4 inch. I cant get them to bottom out.

Anyone else have this problem? What should I do? return and get another?

thanks in advance for your help
Zander

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1 - 8 of 8 Posts

reible

· #2 · Mar 2, 2006

Hi,

When you buy bits they come in various lengths. When inserted in the router you do not want the bit in so far that it bottoms out in the chuck/collet nor do you want the bit in so deep as to get in the area of the bit where there is a transition to the cutting area (fillet). Most chucks/collets are designed to work with about 3/4" of bit in the collet/chuck. In a lot of cases you are told to bottom the bit then come back out 1/16" or 1/8" but if the bits are short that might method might not work... (Some bits are also marked with the amount that should be inserted).

I don't think the router has a problem but I don't own a Dewalt so maybe someone who does can comment.

Ed

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zanman

Discussion Starter · #3 · Mar 2, 2006

thanks

hopefully someone with the dewalt will see this. I was expecting it to work like you described, bottom the bit in the collet, then pull it back just a bit.

All of my current bits only have several bits from whiteside, bosch, cnc but none of them are over 1 1/2 inches. The dewalt collet is 2 1/2 deep.

What bothered me is the description in the owners manual that says to put the bit in until it bottoms out and pull it back slightly.

I cant do that

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zanman

Discussion Starter · #4 · Mar 2, 2006

Well, I think I found the answer in this article

inserting router bits

half way through it says

we should mention that they don't apply to several top-of-the-line current routers. A relatively new design feature has the motor spindle drilled far deeper than the usual inch or so (see our DeWalt and Makita plunge routers, for instance), so deep that it's unlikely even the longest shanks will reach bottom. This completely solves problems that would result from bottoming out, but it creates a different problem: you can't always figure out how much shank you've inserted into the collet. As a general rule, you should insert any bit shank to the full depth of the collet's grip (usually at least 3/4") to ensure positive control. Any less risks creeping bits, bent or broken shanks, and more unproductive excitement. An effective low-tech solution is marking a heavy black line on your bit shanks to eliminate guesswork errors when using deep-bored spindles.

problem solved

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del schisler

· #5 · Mar 2, 2006

what's wrong with putting the pit all the way in and than pulling it out 1/16" ?? this is what i do and so far i have nothing un-expected happen i have a PC 690 and some of my bits dont make the botton eather or just put the bit all the way in del schisler

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kp91

· #6 · Mar 2, 2006

I'm sure the reason that dewalt did this is to make sure that people DO NOT bottom their bits. If the bit is too close to the bottom, the collet will not be able to pull up tight on it and that could result in an injury, or at least a ruined cut. Remember, in a router table, the bit is going to come straight up, so consider the area above the bit a danger area.

Also, bottoming bits transfer the heat of the cut to the router motor, which could reduce the life expectancy of the motor.

Also, inspect your collets regularly, I've had a porter cable one fail at home, and a dewalt one fail at work. They're usually $10-$20 on line from amazon.com or Dewalt.com.

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Woodnut65

· #7 · Mar 3, 2006

Hi: with 2 1/2 " depth in the collet you won't find a bit to bottom out, with the shaft hitting the bottom of the collet. It will probably go in right up to where the cutter is fastened to the body of the bit. I would buy some small "O" rings that will fit the 1/4" bit shaft, place one on the shaft and insert the bit into the collet untill it hits the "O" ring, then tighten it up with your wrench. Hope this helps you out. Woodnut65

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Gilbear

· #8 · Mar 3, 2006

Actually, the o-ring trick is a good idea even on colletts that WILL let the bit bottom out. Automaticaly keeps the bit off bottom without having to try and hold it while tightening. Good call, Woodnut.

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