GMC three-base router $49.95

[Woodshark]

I ordered this during the frenzy. After reading the reviews I had mixed feelings about it and waited too long to cancel the order. It arrived a couple of days ago and heck yeah, for $48 it has a lot of accessories and the deal just seemed to be too great. It does start like a jet engine winding up and is fairly loud.

After reading about it spitting a bit I looked closely at the collet. After comparing it to my PC I decided that it was a little thin. I didn't want to be around if it threw a bit, so even though it was a great deal it went back to Amazon for a refund.

[mojo_13]

I just recieved my router and also got my holbren 20pc router bit set. I was just wondering how much of the shaft everyone is putting into the collet. When I put it in what I thought the directions said on the fixed base the bit didnt get to the bottom of the base. Sorry this is my first router purchase and am just trying to learn. Thanks

[bthere]

I just recieved my router and also got my holbren 20pc router bit set. I was just wondering how much of the shaft everyone is putting into the collet. When I put it in what I thought the directions said on the fixed base the bit didnt get to the bottom of the base. Sorry this is my first router purchase and am just trying to learn. Thanks

Generally, the router instructions will tell you how far you should insert the bit. The usual procedure is to insert it until it bottoms out and then pull it back about 1/16" - 1/8". You also don't want anything besides the shaft inside the collet. For instance, if you have a straight fluted 1/2" bit, you don't want the flutes below the top of the collet. HTH

[ssmith1627]

The bit should go all the way into the collet and then be backed out just say 1/16th of an inch. Don't try to lengthen a bit by putting less of the shaft into the collet -- you want to let the collet get as much of a bite on the bit as you can.

I had the same problem when I first tried out one of the bases. But I was trying to turn the motor in the base. Instead, just seat the motor into the top part of the base and then turn the ring on the base to adjust it. It will take a bit of turning but it will bring the motor all the way down to where the bit protrudes from the bottom of the base.

I think you just have to play around with the bases until you get comfortable using them. But I can't imagine anything more important with a router than getting the bit properly installed in the collet. Very dangerous to think of that thing spinning at that high speed and coming loose.

Steve