Grahamshed
Established Member
I have never used one of these before but it seems I need to get an 8mm collet for my desalt 625 so I can use an 8mm uncut spiral ( doesn't seem to be available in 1/2 inch shank ) do these cause any problems ?
router collets
- Thread starter Grahamshed
- Start date
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do you mean an 8mm collet, which replaces the 1/2" collet in your router, or an 8mm collet reducer (collet reducing sleeve), which slots inside the 1/2" collet and allows you to use the 8mm cutters?
I dont see an issue with the former, but have not used one. I have used the latter with no problems. The latter will be cheaper, but shop around- the trend ones are very expensive compared to others available.
I dont see an issue with the former, but have not used one. I have used the latter with no problems. The latter will be cheaper, but shop around- the trend ones are very expensive compared to others available.
Grahamshed
Established Member
marcros":i6ypfz7j said:
Good question. I am not sure. Axminster do one which is described as a collet rather than a reducer http://www.axminster.co.uk/collets-for-dewalt-dw625ek-1-2-router-prod828719/?showsku=410261 but not sure how it works ( i.e., what I do with it
)It raises another question as I already have a collet extension on the router to bring it above the table top. will I have to remove that or what ?
right, that is the collet. You undo the collet nut, whip out the collet (which is a half inch version of the link), put the new one in, and replace the nut. That means that everything that goes into it will need to be 8mm. 1/2" wont fit in the hole, including your extension.
You may be able to get the same thing that fits the extension, but it may be difficult to establish which one you need.
For ease- particularly if you are only using 8mm on the odd occassion, and then want to go back to 1/2" for the next job, I would go with something like http://www.wealdentool.com/acatalog/Onl ... s_166.html in the extension (if you need the extension, or in the router if you dont) . You insert it into the standard collet like you would a cutter. I put the 8mm bit in and insert both together. Then tighten it up light it is a normal cutter. When you are done, you take it out like a normal cutter. You can also get a 1/4" version, useful when you either only have a 1/4" cutter in the correct profile, or for very small cutters that only come in 1/4".
Axi probably do the same things. even cheaper actually http://www.axminster.co.uk/axcaliber-ro ... rod362891/ dont get a 3/8", keep 3/8" cutters away from the workshop- they are too similar to 8mm, and if mixed up could be dangerous. They are pretty rare though.
You may be able to get the same thing that fits the extension, but it may be difficult to establish which one you need.
For ease- particularly if you are only using 8mm on the odd occassion, and then want to go back to 1/2" for the next job, I would go with something like http://www.wealdentool.com/acatalog/Onl ... s_166.html in the extension (if you need the extension, or in the router if you dont) . You insert it into the standard collet like you would a cutter. I put the 8mm bit in and insert both together. Then tighten it up light it is a normal cutter. When you are done, you take it out like a normal cutter. You can also get a 1/4" version, useful when you either only have a 1/4" cutter in the correct profile, or for very small cutters that only come in 1/4".
Axi probably do the same things. even cheaper actually http://www.axminster.co.uk/axcaliber-ro ... rod362891/ dont get a 3/8", keep 3/8" cutters away from the workshop- they are too similar to 8mm, and if mixed up could be dangerous. They are pretty rare though.
Grahamshed
Established Member
Ah, ok, that makes sense.
I notice on the wealden site it says that the sleeves are prone to slippage, have you experienced this ?
I notice on the wealden site it says that the sleeves are prone to slippage, have you experienced this ?
No. I havent used them a lot- the Leigh Jig cutters are 8mm, and I have a few odd 1/4" cutters in small sizes that I needed to use. Never had any slippage though. If I was using them regularly, I would probably buy another router with a proper 8mm collet and have it dedicated. If I wasnt using them too often, but doing a decent batch of cutting from time to time, I would swap the collet as required. As it is, the only 8mm I use are the Leigh ones, because they dont (or didnt when I last looked) make them in 1/2", and the only 1/4" is when I use them in my woodrat because the big router is set up on the plate (the 1/4" one isn't).
I try to buy 1/2" cutters where I can- not always possible.
I try to buy 1/2" cutters where I can- not always possible.
Grahamshed
Established Member
Marcros, Many thanks for that, you explained it all beautifully.
I have 1/4 inch cutters for my small router and 1/2 inch for the dewalt which will be permanently on the router table. Not needed to step down before but I will get 8mm and 1/4 sleeves so I am covered.
I have 1/4 inch cutters for my small router and 1/2 inch for the dewalt which will be permanently on the router table. Not needed to step down before but I will get 8mm and 1/4 sleeves so I am covered.
