Replies

1. 
   saschafer | May 13, 2009 04:41pm | #1

   You need an adapter bushing to use a 3/8" bit in a 1/2" collet. Lee Valley sells one for $4.50: http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=30126&cat=1,46168,46180

   -Steve

    

2. 
   charlesm | May 13, 2009 05:04pm | #2

   A 3/8" diameter spiral is commonly made from a solid 3/8" blank. To make a solid with 1/2" shank requires a stepped blank which is considerably more expensive. The Freud versions have 3/8" carbide spirals brazed into 1/2" steel shanks and are more cost effective than the solids. The 75-102 is an example:

   View Image

   Charles M

   Freud America, Inc.

3. 
   BruceS | May 14, 2009 12:54am | #3

   Upgrade to Festool ;-)   They have 3/8" collets.

   The cost for bits is minimal compared to a new router.

   Personally, I'am not a big fan of the reducing bushings for collets.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

1. 
   MikeHennessy | May 14, 2009 02:31pm | #4

   "The cost for bits is minimal compared to a new router."

   LOL! Only if the router is a Festool! ;-)

   My router bits (almost all of which are 1/2" shanks, which would be useless with a Festool) probably cost 10X what the router cost me.Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PAEverything fits, until you put glue on it.

1. 
   PeterDurand | May 15, 2009 08:03pm | #7

   <<almost all of which are 1/2" shanks, which would be useless with a Festool>>?I have 3 collets with this tool. 1/4", 8mm and 1/2" 

   Better life through Zoodles and poutine...

1. 
   MikeHennessy | May 15, 2009 08:12pm | #8

   Ah . . . I had understood from a prior post that the Festool collet was 3/8".Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PAEverything fits, until you put glue on it.

4. 
   JohnWW | May 14, 2009 03:52pm | #5

   If you go to the parts sheet for your brand of router you will probably find that you can purchase a 3/8" collet for your machine. Most of the better quality machines have less common collet sizes available.

   I would second the opinion that using a reducer bushing isn't a really good option, they often increase the run-out and can allow the bit to slip which is always a problem with spiral bits since the spirals work like a screw thread to try to pull the bit out of the collet.

   John White
   Shop Manager for Fine Woodworking 1998-2007

5. 
   Cincinnati | May 14, 2009 06:58pm | #6

   I would avoid collet adapters/bushings. They provide opportunity for greater run-out and propensity for the bit to come free at 22000 RPM. This does not make for a fun day in the shop.

   I personally try to buy all my router bits in 1/2" shank unless it will be a little used bit or one that is incapable of taking large cutting bites. The design feature of a larger shank bit is it flexes much less; therefore, it will have less run-out. Larger shank bits give a smoother cut.

   I standardized so I don't have to purchase a special collet for a few size bits and I don't have to change collets with the bit changes.

   Greg

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   Exo 35:30-35