Router bit temperature

3912 Views 8 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Tempest, Mar 7, 2011

Luka

Discussion Starter · Mar 4, 2011

Hi all,

I have just started working with router and after doing only short flush trimmings I found that router bit, collet/chuck and whole drive end of the router is very hot. Between the runs I had to leave it for at least 15 minutes to cool down.
Ambient temperature of 35°C is not helping in shorting the cool down period.
I was trimming the door (34mm thick, 2meters long) with only one pass to the width of max. 3 mm. I am not sure about the terminology when it comes to flush trimming. In other words, router bit was cutting a cross section of 3mm wide by 34mm deep in length od 2m.
Router bit I am using is CMT (orange tools) carbide tip 1/2'' shank flush trim bit with diameter of 3/4''. My router is 2.1 kW Makita RP2301FC and the speed I used was around 20000rpm. Wood on the door side is mixture of pine and MDF.
When I tahe the bit out of the router 1 minute after routing it is still so hot that I cant hold it in my hand. Is that normal? Is my feed rate too high? It was actually heaps slower than what I have seen on internet video clips.

I know it should heat up, but, how much should I tolerate?
Should I suspect source of heat was faulty bearings as well?
I will probably check that by running the router unloaded today.

Thanks,

Luka

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Glen L

· #2 · Mar 4, 2011

For starters 3mm is a lot of material to take off in one single pass and the fact you're running down a work peice 2 meters with the thickness of 34mm, that's a lot of demand even on a 3 1/4hp router like yours. I would suggest much lighter passes like 1mm would be a good starting point. listen to the motor on you're router.. if it's bogging down you know it's overworking. The router should be running at full speed for the bit you're using.

Cheers
Glen

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Glen L

· #4 · Mar 4, 2011

Luka said:
Thanks Glen,

By the sound of motor if feels like it is not strugling at all.
I tried with 1mm and don't see any difference in temperature. Am I just worried about something that is normal? I will try to measure the temperature today.

Cheers,

Luka

When you're placing the bit into the router you're not seating all the way are you?

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