PC deflector and sticking bits

[davidallen]

I just installed the PC deflector on my router and started having problems with the bits sticking in the collet. I've noticed when changing them, the collet seems much warmer than before, not hot to the touch, but uncomfortably warm.
the sticking started after I moved and re-setup the system. the new setup included adding the deflector. I don't if it's the deflector or something else related to the move.
also, I'm using a quick change chuck (the one with hex wrench lock, not the snap in/out). no problems previously.

anyone else had similar issues?

da

[joe]

David,

That would be a real advance forward to have some kind of functional quick change bit method.

What are you using, and how hard is it to adapt to a ProterCable?

Joe

[davidallen]

Joe,
I've tried 2 different types of quick change chucks or collets.

one was a 'snap lock' where you inserted the bit then pushed up on a flange to lock the bit in place. I had problems with Z repeatability and the flange rubbed against the work during some 3D machining and burnt out.

the other uses a hex bolt to squeeze the bit in place. It's simple to use, hold the bit with one hand and tighten the hex bolt with the other. very quick as well. I didn't have problems until I put the deflector on the router. now I'm loosing Z with spiral bits and most of the time, the bits are sticking in the chuck.

they were both sold through woodworking suppliers and should be available online. both simply screwed on the PC router in place of the standard collet.

da

[stevem]

David, remove the deflector from the router and see if that makes any difference. The fact that you are losing Z position indicates a worn or dirty collet.

[jay_p]

David,

We have been using the Eliminator Quick Change Chuck on our router table for about two years now. It does take a little experience to develop a feel for how tight to tighten the hex screw. At first, we were overdoing it, which creates a smalll dimpled deformation on the shank which then makes it increasingly difficult to remove and replace the bit.
I don't like the way this collet works with the reducing sleeves. We had more and more difficulty getting the bit and sleeve in and out. On the router table, we have gone to using 1/2" shank bits exclusively (no 1/4" shanks at all).
I tried the Eliminator on the PC router on the ShopBot at first, thinking that it would be the ultimate solution, but I find that I am using more 1/4" shank bits in this operation and I don't like having to fight with the reducer. So we went back to the stock PC collets. I did try several different brands of reducers, and the outcome was pretty much the same.
We are using the deflector on the router now with the PC collets with no problem. The dust collection system works much better with the deflector in position, and we have had no overheating problems.

Jay

[ron brown]

Just a quick note on the PC collets, if one waxes the inside of the collet tapers, the bits will drop out easier and tighten easier. I wax the threads and the tapers on the inside of the router and the collet itself, being extreemly careful not to get wax where it might get on the surfaces securing the bits.

Ron

[rookie432]

I switched back to the porter cable collets as well. The Eliminator chuck was great at first, however , after the first time I cut solid surface acrylic and the bit pulled out of the collet due to the hardness of the material I decided that it wasn't worth it. Worked fine in soft materials, just too much torque on hard materials.