Metric Collets

[ckurak]

I am using a Makita RF1101 router with my Bot. The router came with two collets, 1/2" and 1/4" (12.7mm and 6.35mm for those of us who can speak both languages :-).

The problem is that I want to use a 5mm metric bit that has a 6mm shank. It will not hold in the 1/4" collet. A call to Makita revealed that they only supply collets in the two sizes I mentioned above.

Woodworker's Supply lists a steel split bushing that will fit in a 1/2" collet that has an I.D. of 5.75mm. Will this do what I want? (I would not think so.)

Or, does anyone have any suggestions about how to find a 6mm collet for this router?

Thanks,

Charles

[jamesgilliam]

Charles,

You may have to go to a machine shop in your area and have then make you a split bushing to suit your needs. I made two for my drill bits that I use in some of my cabinet work, one for 1/16" drill bit, and one for a 3/32" drill bit. I was lucky enough to still have friends in different shops that I worked in that would let me use their lathe to do it myself. Hardest part was doing the split in the bushing due to size of bit they were for, but a vice and dremel tool with abrasive blade did the trick. You could use the 1/2" collet size for the outside diameter, 6mm for the inside diameter, and split your bushing with a 1/16" end mill and it should work for you with no problems. Just be sure to use a mild tool steel for the bushing (316 stainless is best) so it will compress around the bit. Hope this helps.

James

[gerald_d]

A bit of 1/2" round bar, drilled 6mm in a lathe, with the bit Loctited into the hole, does work in a pinch.

[chamcook]

Lee Valley Tools in Ontario has 1/2 to 6 and 1/2 to 8mm adapters.www.leevalleytools.com (http://www.leevalleytools.com) .
David

[gerald_d]

The applicable Lee Valley page. (http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.asp?SID=&ccurrency=3&page=30126&category=1%2C 46168%2C46180)

[ckurak]

An update...

The 1/2" to 6mm adapter from Lee Valley that I ordered last Friday arrived this afternoon. I took a few minutes to try it out cutting through melamine with a 5mm bit.

It works fine. The adapter has a nice snug fit around the 6mm shaft of my 5mm bit. Thanks for all of your responses.

[gerald_d]

Hi Charles

Thanks for coming back and closing the thread with feedback. I would really appreciate it if more ShopBotters did this on the Forum.