Replies

1. 
   RSRose | Aug 29, 2002 02:17am | #1

   Bill,

   I believe that with that router, you have to take the collet off the machine for the insert to go in. It won't go in while the collet is still mounted. I don't know why the 1/2" collet would be too big for a 1/2" bit. Is there another insert for the collet to handle 1/2" bits?

   Here is a quote that I copied from a review a while ago, I believe that it relates to your problem:

   "Even though I read several warnings about the collet, I still could not figure out how to slip the bit into the collet. After 30 minutes of frustration (the collet internal diameter measured less than .48" and will not receive a 1/2" diameter shank), I finally understood how to do it. Please see below:

   1) Remove collet and nut from router

   2) Push collet into collet nut with your finger till it snaps in completely. Now the collet springs open fully and is a tad over 1/2" diameter. The bit (shank) will slip in without a problem. In other words, make this assembly outside the router.

   3)Push this collet / bit/ nut assembly into the router; tighten the nut with collet wrench (spindle lock mechanism will hold the spidle; you need only 1 wrench). I could do this very easily even with the router mounted inside the table. You only need to learn how to do this once. "

   Rich

   
   

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   Edited 8/28/2002 7:26:05 PM ET by Rich Rose

1. 
   billballeza | Aug 29, 2002 04:55am | #3

   Thanks very much. It shouldn't have to be so hard. And since it is.. why not include a word or two about it in the manual.. one wonders. Now I gotta figure out how to take the collet out of the dang thing.

   bill

2. 
   observer | Aug 29, 2002 03:59am | #2

   Hello Bill. Thats a nice beefy router, you should enjoy it once you have it worked out. I have mounted mine in a table only because my Elu is a slightly more ccontrollable tool for freehanding (and has a vastly superior edge guide). The 1/4" collet is very tight on mine as well so I  use one left over from another defunct router for the bits I can't push in without a mallet.. The 1/2" collet will tighten up as you cinch it down.

1. 
   billballeza | Aug 29, 2002 04:57am | #4

   Thanks. It's interesting to here you say you have yours mounted in a table. From what I'd read I didn't think you could use a plunge router in a table. By the way.. I bought the plunge router before I even knew there were different kinds. And, of course, the instruction manual offers no clues on how to use it.

   bill

1. 
   observer | Aug 29, 2002 06:12am | #5

   I like a plunge in the router table because the control to limit how far the body returns from plunge makes a dandy adjuster for bit height in the table. Knob extenders are available.

   Be gentle with it and use small diameter bits until you get used to it. It is really powerful relative to most routers and the bit is very exposed Should you get a kickback, the mass of the machine will make it hard to stop. The machine isn't perfectly balanced on the plunge rods so make sure you have as much of the base supported as possible when you plunge and don't force it if it catches. It does plunge more easily when running.

1. 
   billballeza | Aug 29, 2002 06:38am | #6

   Heck, I was planning to start off cutting some 3/4" dadoes for shelves. Guess I'll do some practicing, first. I had no idea when I bought the thing how powerful it is.. and it's not the model with the soft start, although it does have some feature called emergency shut off or some such.

   bill

1. 
   observer | Aug 30, 2002 12:02am | #7

   Bill, I'm sure you will manage the dadoes with no problem at all, I was thinking more of 2" diameter or so. Mainly wanted to caution you as you don't sound real comfortable with the tool yet. You will pick it up quickly as you use it.

2. 
   billballeza | Aug 30, 2002 12:34am | #8

   I finally figured out how to install the bits in my Makita router. The problem lay in the fact that, once I removed the collet nut, I couldn't see how to remove the collet cone. I pulled it out with some channel locks and now it slides in and out easily. Once the cone is out..you have to insert either the half inch bit or the 1/4inch collet sleeve.. and then slie the nut on and put the whole assembly back into the shaft. The instructions don't tell you any of this and it certainly isn't intuitive. At least not to me. By the way.. for those of you following the thread on the BOSCH 1617 router some have found at Lowes for $119.. the Houston Lowes wants $219 for the kit. So I'll just stick with this 13 pound monster and the $18 Bosch 3/4" bit I bought for it today.

   bill

3. 
   DennisS | Aug 30, 2002 12:50am | #9

   Bill -

   Don't know about your Makita, but when I bought my Bosch, one of the 'features' that appealed to me was the "self ejecting" of the router bit. Imagine my consternation when, after the first use, I couldn't get my brand new bit out of the machine. No way, no-how.

   Come to find out, on this beastie, you never ,,, repeat never run the collet nut down even finger tight without a bit installed. There's a little snap ring affair that gets displaced off its detent position and more or less disengages the self ejecting function of the collet. Yours might have been turned too far down without a bit in it??

   Dennis in Bellevue WA

   [email protected]

4. 
   billballeza | Aug 30, 2002 12:54am | #10

   Just went back to the manual (such as it is).. "Do not tighten the collet nut without inserting a bit.. can lead to breakage of the collet cone." Thanks..

   bill