Collet Stuck...

[nat_wheatley]

(Not the new one..yet)

When I go to change bits the collet is jammed inside the spindle each time. Is this normal? I've assumed that it was, but thought I'd check in on it.

It comes out fairly easily when I angle piece of wood against it and tap it with a wrench...

[bleeth]

The collet should come out easily and still be seated in the nut. If it is stuck in the spindle then you have a problem. Most likely it is not seated properly in the nut to begin with. Unlike a router, the collet for your spindle should be installed in the nut first and then screwed onto the spindle. It snaps into place by rocking it slightly while applying hand pressure. Make sure all is clean and rust free.
DO NOT SMACK IT ON THE SIDE!!!! YOU COULD MESS YOUR BEARINGS UP AND IT COSTS A WHOLE LOT MORE THAN BEARINGS ON A ROUTER.

[nat_wheatley]

Glad I checked (I had been doing it incorrectly).

Thanks Dave.

[gabepari]

They really should put some instructions on those ;)

Gabe

[nat_wheatley]

Ouch!

(You'd also think I would have asked earlier, having had to knock it out of the spindle for the last 2+ months!?)

Slowly recovering from the initial sensory overload...

[coach]

Nat, This was posted from Bill Young in Feb.
It is what Dave tells you but has a video.
David

Hey guys,

If you have a spindle it's critical that you do the step that Bruce talks about in his message above, and snap the collet into the nut before using it. I've been working on a video to show how it's done and posted it on youTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gMezORPi8M

Bill

[gpari]

Nat, the little ";)" is a winking smiley, indicating I was just messing with you


I've never done it the "wrong" way, so I don't know how it feels when tightening the collet nut. But, I just don't see how it could feel "right" or how it could even work. The nut would only be pressing on the collet from one side, seems like it would show up as some serious run-out.

You did the right thing though, when things don't seem happy, they must not be.

Gabe

[nat_wheatley]

Gabe, I'm good, I saw the ;)

By sensory overload, I just meant the whole process of getting the machine up and going. I'm only now able to relax a little and start to fine tune things a little.

[tkovacs]

Gabe - I too was doing it the "wrong way" for about a month and it runs just fine but getting the bit removed was the problem.

Nat - don't feel bad - you are not the first one...

[bcondon]

Nat

Someone on this forum made the comment that after a month, you will have learned SO MUCH!

Boy is that the truth.. but think how it would be if this was not a community that helps each other!

Thanks everyone

[jamesgilliam]

Bob, I will second your remark about learning and the help here on the Forum. After seven years I am still learning little tricks to make things easier.

[bstern]

ShopBot needs to put this in the manual!!

I did the same thing for 2 months before reading about it here.

I guess they just assume that everyone has used a spindle.