Changing router bits

[dgreen810]

Today I have been busy making some box joints for an electrical box and in the process needed to change the bit in my router from a dove-tail to a 1/4" straight bit. I measured the depth I wanted, dropped it into the router, used the two wrenches to tighten it slightly, and used my Wixley to set the depth exactly. What's the big deal? I have always read in other posts about changing bits as a "Three handed job". For years I have been putting a 1/4" "O" ring on the shank of the bit to stop it in the collet where I want it so I can use both hands to tighten the collet nut. Maybe this has been mentioned before but if it has, I missed it. You can get the "O" rings 1/4 and 1/2 at Ace or any box store. They will rot and need to be replaced every so often. Just a tip

[JPG]

Excellent tip.

Thanks for sharing.

One needs to know the end of collet to desired cut depth for it to work.

[charlese]

Hmmm! Mayve we have different type of collet. Mine is on a Porter Cable. I always visually place the bit into the collet, then screw the collet into the router. My router has a spring loaded stop on the drive shaft so I can use only one wrench.

Makes changing bits on top of a router table a snap.

[ERLover]

Hmmm! Mayve we have different type of collet. Mine is on a Porter Cable. I always visually place the bit into the collet, then screw the collet into the router. My router has a spring loaded stop on the drive shaft so I can use only one wrench.

Makes changing bits on top of a router table a snap.

I like Bosh routers, but they have the 2 wrench thing, one for the shaft, one for the collet, PITA but never had a problem with bit setting depth in the collet. Now I have the Muscle Chuck and no problemo with the 2 wrenches, Thanks to Ed/reible.
http://musclechuck.com/

[dgreen810]

The Bosch router doesn't have a spring loaded stop.

Don G

[ChrisNeilan]

Good tip, I'll have to check my Porter Cable and my crappy Skill (router that is). Good looking jig, care to elaborate?