Sticky Collet...

matt · Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2005 9:09 pm Post subject: Sticky Collet...

Really pleased with my recently purchased CMT router, except for one rather irritating thing... The router bits get stuck fast in the collet and I have to remove the collet completely and bash the end on my workbench before it will (eventually...) release the bit.

I asked Axminster to send me a new 1/4" collet and nut. They sent my JUST a new collet. Tried it tonight and it is the same. Therefore, also tried the 1/2" collet. It too got the bit stuck fast.

Now I'm figuring that it is:
A) The nut that is at fault.
B) I'm overtightening the nut?
c) There is something else that I am doing wrong?

Interested to know whether anyone else has had a similar experience?

Cheers

llangatwgnedd · Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2005 9:23 pm Post subject:

Ah!
Ron Fox to the rescue

http://www.wealdentool.com/acatalog/tips_1.html

matt · Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2005 10:23 pm Post subject:

Ahaaaaaa... This is my particular problem (Thanks, Sawdust Producer (& Ron)):

JFC · Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2005 10:40 pm Post subject:

You need an Xtreme Xtension ! It gets rid of all that messing around with the collet .

llangatwgnedd · Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2005 10:56 pm Post subject:

I do think it is this paragraph is your problem

matt · Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2005 11:44 pm Post subject:

Chris Knight · Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2005 7:50 am Post subject:

Matt,

I thought the CMT was an ELU/DW 625 clone and so I am puzzled by your problem. Nonetheless a possible solution is to do what is needed on many other routers, including my Bosch which has a collet that snaps into the nut but still requires a SMART RAP WITH THE SPANNER after the initial loosening of the nut. I use a fairly heavy dury spanner and whack the nut itselef after it has been undone a turn or so after the initial looosening and before it starts to try and extract the collet- which it won't do without the knock.

This is standard practice for many older, especially USA routers.
_________________
Chris

devonwoody · Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2005 8:18 am Post subject:

You forum members need a TRITON router. Smile

No troubles Smile

Knot Competent · Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2005 8:25 am Post subject:

Well said, DW! Let's try to get them all to see sense, and get a Triton router. The wind-up, wind-down mechanism makes life so easy for me. I thoroughly recommend them!

John

Les Mahon · Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2005 2:01 pm Post subject:

Matt,

I have exactly the same problem, but only with cheap cutters. If I use Trend or Freud cutters it works fine. I Have just put it down to the no name cutters which I'm replacing bit by bit.

Les
_________________
---------------
The only thing to do with good advice is pass it on. It is never any use to oneself.
Oscar Wilde

Dave R · Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2005 3:52 pm Post subject:

I wonder if the CMT router uses the same collet as the DW625/ Elu. If it does, you might want to consider getting an Eliminator Chuck. See this link: http://www.thecraftsmangallery.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?page=W/CTGY/RC

I had the same problem with the 1/2" collet that came with my DW625. The collet insert was snapped into the nut but it would still not let go of the bit. DeWalt sent me a new collet and nut which took care of it. When the Eliminator became available for the DW625, I bought one and have never put the OEM collet back on.

I have a ball-end, T-handled wrench that makes changing bits a simple thing.

The Xtreme Xtension, which I also have is a possibility if you need the extension, too. I found it a PIA to get it running without a bunch of vibration and for normal use, I dislike having the cutter that far from the lower bearing. The extension causes increased bearing wear due to the increase in side loading on said bearings. I only use an extension when absolutely needed and use slow, gentle feed to reduce wear and tear on the router.

matt · Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2005 9:13 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the feedback.

Looks as though I have to be more agressive with my spanner taps in the early stages of removing the bit.

If that fails... I may resort to an extra accessory, altho I'd rather spend the money on something else.

Cheers

Bob Hutchins, central TX · Guest

Howdy Matt!

Joining in from across the pond and bit further. My DW625 collets were a might 'resistive' to relinquishing bits at first. I had to make a habit of cleaning the bit shanks with fine steel wool (Is it called something else in the UK?) or Scotchbrite pads before inserting them. After several such cleanings, the sticky bit problem went (mostly) away.

Another point not mentioned (or I missed) is that one must be careful NOT to let the bit shank seat fully into the router shaft. Keep it raised about a 1/16 inch. There's some law of physics (or psychics, can't keep them distinguished ) that doesn't like the combination of friction on both the sides AND ends of the bit shanks.

HTH
BobH

devonwoody · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2005 8:00 am Post subject:

Thanks Bobh for that very useful info, specially the reason for not letting the shank bottom in collet, I previously had always worried about that one. Although I once had a cheapo bit drop and lose profile because of that situation.