I have two craftsman routers that when using a 3/8″ straight cutting 2 flute carbide tipped bit that is about an inch long always slips out from the initial depth setting. I routinely keep the bit cleaned and honed up, and adjust the speed of the cut to correspond with the material to the best of my knowledge. I am also in the habit of cutting in 1/4″ increments so as not to overload the motor.
Has anyone had this problem and hopefully found a solution?
Senor Dorado
Replies
Since you've already inspected both the router bit and collet, I'm curious: when you installed the router bit, did you bottom it out in the collet? How deep are the cuts you're making in a single pass?
I've found that if a bit is bottomed-out problems are more likely.
-Jazzdogg-
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
I generally leave about a 1/16" gap between the bit bottom and collet, and take light passes about 1/4" deep. I have experienced the slippage and found the bit bottomed out. Good point and thanks for replying.
Senor Dorado
If I understand the question, I think the customary solution to try is a bit of talc or chaclk dust on the shaft of the bit.
Unfortunatly bit slippage is a pretty common habit with a Craftsman router, I've taken many tech calls with people complaining that our bits slip in their router. I ask them if they have a Craftsman router, " Yes, how did you know that?' They'll return the bit, but the bit mikes up just fine. Sorry. If there was an aftermarket collet for Craftsman routers I could sell a bunch of them. I should start keeping track of which model.
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Bruce S.
Bruce
This commonality is just what I was after. I thought I had all the basics covered, and your message reinforces this concept. The only solution that I can think of is replacing the collet, however if this is just going to continue to frustrate me then I'm up for any better solutions.
In your message you mentioned that you have had many such reports, are you a vendor or technical representative?
Thanks
Senor Dorado
I've had the same problem with a big DeWalt, took it to the service center, they told me it was out of warrenty. bought a new collet but haven't used it.
Senor,
I had the same problem with my Dewalt 621 and a Whiteside upspiral bit. Dewalt sent me a new collet for free and it seemed to work....but I never trusted the bit and it broke a few months later
If your Craftsman router is like mine, the collet is the end of the armature. Rather than replacing the armature I expect to replace the router. Mine is probably thirty years old so hope they have changed them by now. Wish I had better news.
How old are the collets? Collets are wear items like brushes and should be replaced when they are worn to the point that they won't grip.
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