Wow, this is amazing! I learned so much in this short video. (First, the finger tight, quarter turn of regular collets, did not know how much to tighten. Then about the quick change collet which makes so much sense) Thanks a million.
Wow... as a new woodworker, with 1 arm, this almost brought a tear to my eye. I can begin to tell you how excited I am. Now I just need to *not* get ripped off on buying the router. Bought 3, all lemons, or worthless in design (I bought a 1980sbCrsftsman router and table (unused. In box) for $75, only to find out the router only takes 1/4" (fixed, unchangeable collet thingy) and it doesnt lift do to plastics age. Got a dewalt, but the guy sold it to me with no motor in it.) Sorry... had to vent... skipped certain medications to get those router's and its messed my head up a bit.)
I have Porter Cable router but the wrenches are missing. Go figure right? lol. None of my wrenches will fit. I'll either have to make wrenches to fit or buy regular wrenches bigger than what I have. If I get that thing off, I'm seriously going to think about getting one these collets in your video. Still need a tool but much easier bit change.
Thoroughly enjoyed your presentation on the Quick Exchange collet. I have a Porter Cable 7518 router in my router table. Can you provide me with a source that can provide the correct Quick Exchange collet and the adapter for 1/4" bits. Also, would appreciate a source for the long "T" handle rounded wrench you demonstrated. Thank you so much. New wood worker, Robert W. Steen.
Google MuscleChuck. I looked about a year ago and they didn't have any that fit my routers and I asked about 4 different routers. Maybe they have expanded by now.
Just an observation, I have a muscle chuck and love it, but it is made to such exacting standards the normal 1/2" to 1/4" adaptor sleeve with its relatively sloppy manufacture can not only jam in the collet as this presenter has stated, it will not hold a 1/4" bit correctly. I have had a bit sink down into the chuck which was a suprise but not as bad as if it had climbed out. Spend the money and buy the Musclechuck adaptor it is worth every cent.
What if the router bit shank is to long can it be cut down? I'm using a 1/2 inch bit with a Porter Cable 6902 router. Thank you in advance for your reply.
I definitely wouldn't recommend cutting a bit shank down. If it is high speed steel you'll overheat the bit and if it carbide you'll likely never get through it or shatter it! -Ben
Assuming it is a steel shaft you can definitely have the bit cut down but it may cost more than buying a new bit with a shorter shaft. Anyone with a metal cutting lathe can do it. If they have any knowledge at all they know to cut slowly enough to not overheat the unit. It is unlikely you could do it yourself and maintain the proper balance. If you try just go very slow and do not let it get any hotter than you can touch.
I wish this video had included information about (a) suppliers and (b) compatibility. Will every quick change collet work with every router? If not, what are the issues?
My guess is that if you wait a few days, then go to FineWoodworking website, you will see a blog or some such talking about this subject. these vids are usually put on CZcams as a convenient location when embedding them in an article.
These are great, BUT they are not made to fit all the routers available in the market. You have to have a big brand name machine and a quick change collet made for that router.
About a year ago I inquired and he didn't have any that worked with the four different router models I use. Rather disappointing considering I change bits constantly (even having five routers always set up and ready to go)
The muscle chuck website is not very helpful. The collects are listed by type (1, 1A, 2, etc). I cannot find a reference to which type for which model router. Anyone know where to find that? The price is steep but it may be worthwhile for me. It is the $35 for the 1/4" insert that really hurts.
Wow, this is amazing! I learned so much in this short video. (First, the finger tight, quarter turn of regular collets, did not know how much to tighten. Then about the quick change collet which makes so much sense) Thanks a million.
Wow... as a new woodworker, with 1 arm, this almost brought a tear to my eye. I can begin to tell you how excited I am.
Now I just need to *not* get ripped off on buying the router. Bought 3, all lemons, or worthless in design (I bought a 1980sbCrsftsman router and table (unused. In box) for $75, only to find out the router only takes 1/4" (fixed, unchangeable collet thingy) and it doesnt lift do to plastics age. Got a dewalt, but the guy sold it to me with no motor in it.)
Sorry... had to vent... skipped certain medications to get those router's and its messed my head up a bit.)
Incredibly helpful!
Super! Thank you.
How much time are these going to save! Great idea!
he's using the MuscleChuck. if you need more info then google it.
I have Porter Cable router but the wrenches are missing. Go figure right? lol. None of my wrenches will fit. I'll either have to make wrenches to fit or buy regular wrenches bigger than what I have. If I get that thing off, I'm seriously going to think about getting one these collets in your video. Still need a tool but much easier bit change.
Thoroughly enjoyed your presentation on the Quick Exchange collet. I have a Porter Cable 7518 router in my router table. Can you provide me with a source that can provide the correct Quick Exchange collet and the adapter for 1/4" bits. Also, would appreciate a source for the long "T" handle rounded wrench you demonstrated. Thank you so much. New wood worker, Robert W. Steen.
I like this.
I do handyman videos, thanks for all your advice as it helps my content
Need help correcty changing my 1am skill ruter that has a 1/2 to 1/4 collet change does the new collet fit inside the old collet?
Thanks FWW. Excellent information and video.
This is great...but where do you get them???
Google MuscleChuck. I looked about a year ago and they didn't have any that fit my routers and I asked about 4 different routers. Maybe they have expanded by now.
Just an observation, I have a muscle chuck and love it, but it is made to such exacting standards the normal 1/2" to 1/4" adaptor sleeve with its relatively sloppy manufacture can not only jam in the collet as this presenter has stated, it will not hold a 1/4" bit correctly. I have had a bit sink down into the chuck which was a suprise but not as bad as if it had climbed out. Spend the money and buy the Musclechuck adaptor it is worth every cent.
Buy one for my DeWalt 3 hp vs router and wasn't not good was using a Freud wide molding and it wonder still wondering why
Can you share information about which Quick Change Collet system/product you are using?
What if the router bit shank is to long can it be cut down? I'm using a 1/2 inch bit with a Porter Cable 6902 router. Thank you in advance for your reply.
I definitely wouldn't recommend cutting a bit shank down. If it is high speed steel you'll overheat the bit and if it carbide you'll likely never get through it or shatter it! -Ben
Assuming it is a steel shaft you can definitely have the bit cut down but it may cost more than buying a new bit with a shorter shaft. Anyone with a metal cutting lathe can do it. If they have any knowledge at all they know to cut slowly enough to not overheat the unit. It is unlikely you could do it yourself and maintain the proper balance. If you try just go very slow and do not let it get any hotter than you can touch.
I wish this video had included information about (a) suppliers and (b) compatibility. Will every quick change collet work with every router? If not, what are the issues?
My guess is that if you wait a few days, then go to FineWoodworking website, you will see a blog or some such talking about this subject. these vids are usually put on CZcams as a convenient location when embedding them in an article.
Deathlok67 I'll keep my eyes open for more info on their website. Thanks for this tip!
I despise the process of changing bits with wrenches, these are amazing.
These are great, BUT they are not made to fit all the routers available in the market. You have to have a big brand name machine and a quick change collet made for that router.
About a year ago I inquired and he didn't have any that worked with the four different router models I use. Rather disappointing considering I change bits constantly (even having five routers always set up and ready to go)
The muscle chuck website is not very helpful. The collects are listed by type (1, 1A, 2, etc). I cannot find a reference to which type for which model router. Anyone know where to find that?
The price is steep but it may be worthwhile for me. It is the $35 for the 1/4" insert that really hurts.
Send him a message with your model and he will let you know if he has one that's compatible.
Are these available in the UK?
+James Campbell yeah they are called the muscle chuck. you can get them from the woodrat company
So who is going to give me one of these things huh?
Far too expensive