purchased a p-c 694 last night. installed the 1/4 inch collet and attempted to slide in a straight bit. VERY VERY tight. had to add lubricant in order to slide the bit in. is this normal? if not, solutions??
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May or may not be a problem.
A little tightness when things are new is not unusual, but I've never experienced anything more than a snug slip fit with a router collet. Did you try more than one bit? And, if possible, different brands of bits? The shank on the one you tried may have been a little oversize.
You do NOT want to use lubricant, ever. Routers typically spin at 20-24,000 RPM; the collet needs to be firmly gripping the bit's shank, with nothing present that could reduce that grip. Also, the lubricant will get sprayed all over your workpiece and might well mar your finish.
Porter-Cable has the best collet design in the industry. Still, it's possible you got a lemon, or one that is damaged.Larry -
I had a couple of Skil bits that I tried. They could have been slightly oversized. Did not lube the collet. Just put a little on my fingers and rubbed in on the shaft of the bit. I had to completely remove the collet, start the bit and then turn it over with the bit against an old block of wood and bump the bottom of the collet to set the bit. Maybe it will loosen a tad with use.
Any other suggestions??Comment
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As Larry said. I would also try a different brand of bits. I would also clean the oil residue from the inside of the collet too. The bits should not be that tight of a fit in the collet.Monte (another darksider)
Reporting Live from somewhere near Kalamazoo
http://community.webshots.com/user/monte49002Comment
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In addition to the previous suggestions, make sure you have loosened the collet nut enough. From the 'tight' position you will loosen then it will get tight again. Then loosen through that tight area.Comment
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I have two PC690s and occasionally have a tight bit, typically in the 1/4 collets. Usually the shank of the bit is corroded or dinged. If it is tight with a different brand bit with no visible damage, I would call PC and ask them to replace it under warranty. The other thing that can be confusing is the newer collets that are made to release the bits in a couple steps. It seems like you have to loosen until the bit will turn without the chuck turning but only with some effort. The collet will turn easily, sometimes with finger pressure, but the bit is still not completely unleased. You turn it another turn or so and the bit will fall out. My older PC has the older style collet and my newer one the new. There are advantages to each style but once you understand what to expect it doesn't make a big difference to me which one I pick up.
JimComment
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