Milwaukee 5625

[jbworden]

I've just gotten to the point in the assembly of my new PRT96 where I need to install the router. I bought a Milwaukee 5625-29 but it has a big depth adjustment screw that gets in the way of the mounting collar. Before I get out the hacksaw and start whacking away at this thing has anyone else managed to remove this big screw? I took the knob off thinking I could puch ut thru but no joy. Am I going to need to dismantle the motor unit to get rid of this thing?

[itoolfred]

Jim,
I have that same router. You shouldn't have to hack at anything with the saw. If you pull the top off (like you are going to change the brushes) you will be able to pull that post. As I recall for some reason I had to remove the brushes to get at the post (I may be having a lapse of memory here), but you do have to pull the top off to get that post out of there.
Fred

[paco]

Yes,

don't cut off your warranty Pal!

Take the cover off and take a moment to look at the assembly and notes your steps on paper (if needed) and you'll be able to remove the screw without too much hassle. Maybe you'd like to download the explode parts details so you have a look at it first... yes, you need to remove the brushes but it's nothing very complicated and well worth preserving your 5 year warranty.

You may want to free the cord grommet too while at it and slide it away. This help on the carriage bay...

Let us know if you need help but you can do this. Just take your time.

[jbworden]

Thanks, guys. I really wasn't going to hack that thing off of there. Just the frustration talking. I just really hate having to dismantle brand new equipment. I had to pull the motor frame and field coil to get it out but out it came.

I just needed a little hand holding.

Thanks again

[applik]

Is there an advantage to buying the motor (29) instead of the 25 model with the handles. I can't figure out why they are the same price.
Shari

[jbworden]

It's the same motor regardless of the model. I actually bought the 5625-20 model with the handles. The motor's name plate has model 5625-29 stamped into it. I figured for an extra $5 I could save the handles and if I ever just really really need a handheld router I'll have it.

[sawkerf]

Maybe a little off topic but, I've noticed that my Milwaukee collets can "feel" tight but somehow they allow the bit to slip out. I only had that happen once with the PC in two years. So just double check before cutting.

[jeff_rowley]

Don't do what I did. I took mine apart to remove the depth screw and while I had the cover off, I dropped the motor and destroyed the speed adjustment unit. Took three weeks to get the new part in. Three weeks of looking at my newly assembled toy in the shop, and not being able to cut anything.

[stickman]

I usually buy the PC from Amazon.com... it comes with the handle.. the motor was at one time.. 20 dollars more, through my service center... the handle sit on a shelf, need to get someone to produce a glass for it, so I can drink beer from it.

Jay

[evan]

Now that would be one heck of a mug, I'll drink to that

[edp]

We replace all of our hand held power tools about every two years and I have found that the best prices have always been on Amazon.com. We use DeWalt routers, jigsaws, random orbit and belt sanders and 1/2" drills - Amazon sells quite a bit below the distributor prices and saves us money every time.

[stickman]

I am strongly considering the Milwaukee 5625 for my next replacement for the shopbot.

[paco]

Just got a reply from MK support for 3/8" collet;

"The 3/8" collet is part number 48-66-1000 and the collet nut is 44-40-0095 Call 1-800-268-4015 to order."

Maybe it's worth looking to have 'em locally first...

Seem there are no other size available else than 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2".

[jay_p]

Paco,

Here is that collet on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CSSFU2/qid=1151611687/sr=8-2/ref=sr_1_2/103-5121806-1563025?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=228013

Thanks for getting the part number. I have looked for these before but couldn't find them. Amazon doesn't seem to have the nut, but I have extra 1/4" collets that I can switch over.

Jay

[waynelocke]

I looked on Amazon and the 48-66-1000 collet is shaped differently in the photo than the MW Collet on my 5625 router and the 5625 is not listed as compatible in the specs on the page. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CSSFU2/qid=1151617944/sr=8-2/ref=sr_1_2/103-2908163-0765466?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=228013

I really miss the 3/8 collet on my old PC.

Wayne

[paco]

Yes, something's wrong. I asked a double check on this part compatibility for the 5625... more later...

[paco]

Triple check and seem that the number is good but the picture might not be. It's a collet, not a sleeve.

[paco]

I just sent a request for 1/8" collet... I guess it would depend on how many they can sell...

[waynelocke]

Paco,
Please let us know if you order one and it is correct. I have some skepticism because I just check ed the parts schematics for the 5625 and the 5620, which Amazon lists as using the 48-66-1000 collet. The 1/4" collet and collet nuts are different for these routers.
Wayne

[paco]

About the 1/8" collet:

"Sorry, the 1/8" collet is not available."

I wonder what it would cost to have 'em machine at batch of 50 to 100...? Might not be a problem to sell that number...? From what I can see with mine, it seem like soft steel not tool steel (not hard enough).

Yeah, I'm still skeptical too but the tach. rep. really replied:

"The 3/8" collet is part number 48-66-1000 and the collet nut is 44-40-0095 Call 1-800-268-4015 to order."

then

"You asked for the 3/8" collet, the number supplied is correct. The tool comes with a 1/2" collet & nut assembly"

then

"All the outside sizes of the collet are the same, the only difference is the hole in the center of the collet, being, 1/4", 3/8", or 1/2"."

then

"All of the collets are the same, if you order the part numbers I supplied. The picture may be of a different part number."

So I guess we'll have to thrust that. That's why I suggest to buy it locally if possible so it'll be easier to return and avoid shipping fee if it doesn't fit... what I would do is ask for a 3/8" collet to the local dealer and provide the number just if he doesn't find it on his own.

I asked MK support about it because I have this new pot. cutomer that plan to provide his own tooling (3/8" shank) for a very special project... more later in a few days/weeks...

[srwtlc]

About a month ago, I asked MK support if there was a 3/8" collet available and they replied back that there wasn't...?? Hmmm...

[paco]

I tried to order to a local reseller and decided to not since his word (after checking) is that there is no 3/8" collet for the 5625 and I had to take the risk of the order... too much tell me that there are no 3/8" collet for the 5625.

I'm considering to ask for quotes on having both 1/8 and 3/8" 5625 collet done by say Onsrud and other such... I believe it would be GREAT to have those collet size for this router motor an it could pay for itself since smaller shank bit are less expensive.
I would love to upgrade to a spindle but the fact is that I'm just so happy with the MK 5625 and that I keep this amount of money (spindle upgrade would be about 10 to 15 time more expensive than the MK 5625) for other needs. It wouldn't make sense to me to upgrade to a spindle to get 1/8 and 3/8" collet!?

Now, I would need to know how many I could sell (order) of 'em and how much people would be willing to pay for 'em. Since the nut is already available through MK, I would only ask for the collet part. Any body in?!

Another idea I had is to have the collet shank part done to accommodate ER collet... but that would need some design... but still might be worth investigating since ER collet can handle almost any shank size, are readily available and may just be cheaper than having collet machined from tool steel (I assume the collet shank (sometime named the chuck) is made from mild steel)... It's seem pretty easy to get the collet shank part off the shaft reading the 'Service parts' list instructions.

Let me know what you think and I may investigate further on the CNC zone and VETRIC's forum so I can come up with a sufficient amount of potential buyers list to order the parts...

[jeff_guinn]

Paco,
You can buy a 1/2" shank ER collet holder from Emco,McMaster Carr or other industrial suppliers. I've been using them for several years in my PC routers with excellent results.No added runout,extends original collet length & holds bits better.If you buy the complete set,it will hold shanks from approximately .020"-.380".
The only downside is the cost for the holder & complete collet set-$300+. Also,the holder shank is case hardened & will need to be shortened.

[paco]

Hummm... interesting since I though that ER 11 we're limit to some thing like up to 1/4" max. and that this Enco collet holder/extender is using ER 11 only... I must be missing something about ER collet or this Enco part... so what are the ER # that it use? The holder/extender itself is about 70.00$, how many collet do you have in this 300.00$ expense?

That would be much more simple than to get collet machined?!

[jeff_guinn]

The holder I referred to is ER-16 with a much larger gripping range.Here's a link to the supplier wher I purchased them-http://www.jlindustrial.com/. The complete set-JL Part#ETM11174M=$407.77 with a gripping range-.022"-.396".JL Part#BCV90064C on catalog page 1143 is for the holder only & gripping range=.0625"-.4063".The specific individual collets & wrench must be purchased seperately.I cut 2.25" from the shaft to make them usable.