Replies

1. 
   hammer1 | Mar 24, 2005 08:41am | #1

   Someone just had a question about bits getting stuck in a router. It often happens to my old Rockwell routers. First, keep the bit up 1/16" to 1/8" so it doesn't bottom out. I just give the shank a good rap on the side with the wrench. Turn the bit so you don't accidentally hit the cutting edge. It's just that the expansion slot in the collet is stuck. I don't know if the new PC self releasing collets will fit the shaper spindle adapter. I suppose you could ask Delta. A sharp rap always lets mine go.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   WillGeorge | Mar 24, 2005 09:27am | #2

   so it doesn't bottom out.. This can make or break you thashing a router.. I had one I just threw away! I COULD NOT get the chuck open!

   I know it was the problem.. I took a torch and cut it.. Ridge on bottom of the bit and the collet was spin welded to the shaft...

   I was cutting Purpleheart about 2 inches thick and overheated the bit.. I think...

1. 
   dirtstirrer | Mar 25, 2005 03:06am | #5

   I wonder why that flared the end of the shank?  Dosen't seem to me that the collet closing, because of the initial tight tolerances, wouldn't put that much pressure on the end of the shank, even if it was bottomed out.  Did it spin the bit in the collet?Steve

1. 
   WillGeorge | Mar 26, 2005 03:31am | #7

   spin the bit in the collet  I think that was why I said 'SPIN WELDED??'

   I'm not sure but must have...

1. 
   dirtstirrer | Mar 26, 2005 03:37am | #8

   Guess was skimming, you sure did say that.  Steve

2. 
   trialnut | Mar 26, 2005 04:38pm | #9

   Take the collet apart and clean all surfaces. Inspect for any burrs or raised spots that might be causing it to hang up and not release well. Smooth off any you find with some emery cloth. Then take a pencil and rub a bunch of graphite on both tapered surfaces of the collet. This will make these two surfaces slide on each other thus making it easier to tighten and loosen. Do this on a regular basis and your problems with stuck bits should be over. I have a delta shaper table that developed a problem of bits walking up out of the collet during use no matter how much the collet was tightened. Finally did this trick to it and have not had a problem since.

   RichThe Professional Termite

3. 
   dirtstirrer | Mar 26, 2005 09:08pm | #10

   Thanks for the advice, I'll give it a try.  Hopefully I get some time this evening.  Which shaper do you have?Steve

2. 
   dirtstirrer | Mar 25, 2005 03:03am | #4

   Thanks for the advice Hammer.  The procedure I used the other night that I'd like to avoid,involved up prying up the end of the bit while tapping it.  It moved eventually, and I ended up with a couple scraped knuckles.  That Dewalt collet works so much better....

    

   I Googled after I posted, and found some Milwaukee replacements, I wonder if any of theirs might have a big enough nut.

    

   Thanks,Steve

2. 
   JohnWW | Mar 24, 2005 07:09pm | #3

   Most collet chucks are designed to pull the collet free, but you need to back off the nut two or three full turns at which point it will grab the collet and pull it free. 

   Collets with this feature either have a snap ring or a machined groove that catches on the collet nut to do the lifting.  It is possible for the snap ring to be missing or the shoulder of the groove to wear down, at which point the release function will no longer work.

   Cleaning the outer surface of the collet and the inside surface of the socket and applying a bit of wax to the surfaces will also help to make the collet release easier.

   John W.  

1. 
   dirtstirrer | Mar 25, 2005 03:10am | #6

   John,

   Most new collets are self releasing, this one isn't.  It looks clean and new, but I didn't wax it, yet.  Thanks for the input.Steve