Router collet

[Millwab]

Not exactly scrollsaw related but does pertain to a SS project.  Yesterday I was going to put a 45° chamfer on a few word art plaques that I scrolled.  The router still had a round over bit in it and when I loosened the collet to take it out it wouldn’t budge. Long story short I ended up taking the collet completely out and driving the bit out with a hammer and nail set. Putting the new bit in but it wouldn’t go more than 3/8-1/2".  Had to gently tap it in to seat far enough.  Never had this problem before.  Any thoughts on what’s going on and what to do about it? 

[Joe W.]

Wish I could offer something but I will defintely follow this thread as I have a router.  

[Scrappile]

Never heard of that before.  I would give a real good cleaning of the collet nut the top of the router without the nut on.  And try again, no forcing anything so as to not damage the nut or router threads.  And as I always do with every problem I do not know what to do about is search Youtube.  That have been the best teacher I have ever had.

[Bill WIlson]

I think Scrappile is on the right track.  Dust can sometimes finds its way into the collet causing a build up that could create the problem you describe.  Remove the bit and clean the inside of the collet.  I would think that something like a liquid blade cleaner on a q-tip would work pretty well.  I would also check and clean the shank of the bits as well.  While you're at it, clean the cutting edges of the bit to remove resin & pitch and it will cut better.

Good luck, HTH.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

A couple things. Those that are telling you to clean both the collet and the bits shaft are correct. You do not want to put any kind of oils on them. One thing to always remember is to not bottom out any bit because just about all bits have a flare when it gets to the cutting edge. This is a manufacturing thing and can not be avoided. So you pull up on the bit about an 1/8 of an inch. Or if you see the flare is drastic then may need more. Quality of bits matter when determining this. What you can do is damage the collet if you bottom a bit out and deform it. Hopefully that is not your case and is just in need of cleaning. I like to use some steel wool on the bits shafts and even once in awhile swirl it around the collet. Do not use a file. Good luck.

[Sycamore67]

First,  check the bit for scratches or marks.   If you have scratches on the bit,  carefully smooth them over.  Look down the inside if the collet for scratches or burrs.  As others have suggested clean the collet out of any dust or grime.

Consider buying a new collet.  I can buy one for my Porter Cable routers for $10-15.  You do not want to use a damaged collet.

[BadBob]

I have had bits stuck in the collection before. A slight tap on the end of the bit with something that will not damage the bit will break it loose for me. I try not to insert the bit all the way.  I insert the bit all the way and back it out a tiny amount. Some people put a small o-ring in the collet to keep the bit from bottoming out. I have been doing it this way for many years and don't know where I learned it.

[Millwab]

Wanted to find the fix before updating this thread. I took the collet out of the router and I didn’t see any sawdust or other dirt in it but looking down the hole it looked like there was a burr inside. The shaft of the bit looked fine so I concentrated on what looked like a burr.  Not sure how that would have developed but there was definitely something there. I ended up sliding a 1/4” drill bit in and gently rotating it by hand to try to shave the burr down. After that I was able to put the bit in past that point albeit with a little resistance, but didn’t have to force it. First test cut held the bit just fine. If this doesn’t work long term then plan B is to replace the collet.