router bit shank depths

[rljohn56]

totally new to using a router.  i've already watched several videos but one thing i haven't seen discussed is the proper depth to putting the bit shank into the collet. i'm sorry if this is dummy 101 but do you push all bits all the way into the collet until i can't go anymore? do you leave a gap? how do you know? in some videos there appears to be a gap between the base of the bit and the top of the collet.  is this due to the different types of collet?  i have a ryobi and all my bits fit snug right up to the base. thanks for understanding. 

[Falcon]

If it bottoms out when you put it in pull it out 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch just make sure you have enough in for the Colet to lock on to. My 2 cents worth.

[Bill WIlson]

The reason you don't want to push the bit down the whole way into the cullet is because some bits flare out slightly where the shank meets the cutter.  If you bury the bit all the way in the cullet, it may clamp on this slight flare and not get a secure grip on the shank.  Like Falcon, I usually leave 1/8" or so.  I don't think the precise dimension is all that critical.  Some folks get O-rings that fit the shank of their bits and slide them up to the cutter.  Then insert the bit until it hits the o-ring.  I just eyeball it.  It doesn't take much.

[JustLarry]

Here is link to short article that explains how (up 1/8 - 1/4) and why.

https://www.highlandwoodworking.com/library/installingrouterbits.pdf

Larry

[Lucky2]

I agree with all of the above answers, you definitely don't want to bottom it out.

Len

[rljohn56]

thanks fellas!  i just read the article too. Exactly what i was looking for as far as to why things are done the way they are.  just did my 1st roundover too. yeah, it's simple, but oh, yeah, this routing thing could be just as addictive as scroll sawing has been!

[spirithorse]

Good question, Ray and good answers from the forum.

Safety first!

Thanks for the article JustLarry!

God Bless! Spirithorse

[amazingkevin]

On 9/29/2017 at 1:44 PM, rljohn56 said:

totally new to using a router.  i've already watched several videos but one thing i haven't seen discussed is the proper depth to putting the bit shank into the collet. i'm sorry if this is dummy 101 but do you push all bits all the way into the collet until i can't go anymore? do you leave a gap? how do you know? in some videos there appears to be a gap between the base of the bit and the top of the collet.  is this due to the different types of collet?  i have a ryobi and all my bits fit snug right up to the base. thanks for understanding. 

The thought never occured to me but will now,Thanks for the heads up

[Mark1]

The fellows are right.  If you look where the shank meets the cutter portion, you can see a very slight flair where the grinding wheel has worn.  This is normal.

This only amounts to .030 or so.  Trying to chuck this portion in your collet will cause grief, if you can even do it.

Outside of this flair, you want to get as much shank as possible in the collet.  Keep things short and stubby.  You will have to let the cutter hang out somewhat to clear fixtures, and especially not to let the collet hit the base of the router.

Completely degrease the collet and the cutter shank.  Having any lubrication there will encourage the cutter to pull out during operation.  After installing the cutter and tightening the collet, put a small magic marker line on the shank where it meets the collet.  If the cutter starts to pull out, you will see the white of the shank above the marker.  This makes things easier to see.

Mark