carol
02-02-2001, 08:58 PM
I checked out the new CD from Shopbot and saw what looked like a Jacobs collet on the router in a couple of the videos.
Reaching around the second Z axis to release or install a router bit is a real bummer. I wanted something easier. I have a drill motor in the second (nearest to the end of the table) z axis. I can't swap them because the drill motor extends past the end of the table to drill into the edge of a blank prior to shape routing.
I talked with another CNC (not ShopBot) owner the other night. His spindle is the 7518 Porter Cable. He tried an Eliminator collet but found that the bits slipped to point of being sucked out of the machine down into the table. I just had that happen with a regular bit. Found the collet to be worn out.
He then tried the Jacobs Power collet and that seemed to cure the problem. He said it was still a hassle to release the bit. I suggested a short piece of 40 schedule PVC the diameter of which meets the release surface of the collet. Simply write a program to send the router there, lower the Z axis until the bit releases. Putting another one in is another issue.
Then I went to look for a Jacob's Power collet. I wanted other people's opinion of the thing. I posted the request on WoodCentral.com. One of the respondants replied I could 'have' his. He said it placed too much lateral stress on the lower router bearing because it extended the bit too far away. He was very unhappy with it.
This could be an issue with me in that one operation cuts thru 1" Baltic Birch plywood and that bit is plenty long enough! I don't need more leverage against the bit.
OK, 'Botters. What say you?
Reaching around the second Z axis to release or install a router bit is a real bummer. I wanted something easier. I have a drill motor in the second (nearest to the end of the table) z axis. I can't swap them because the drill motor extends past the end of the table to drill into the edge of a blank prior to shape routing.
I talked with another CNC (not ShopBot) owner the other night. His spindle is the 7518 Porter Cable. He tried an Eliminator collet but found that the bits slipped to point of being sucked out of the machine down into the table. I just had that happen with a regular bit. Found the collet to be worn out.
He then tried the Jacobs Power collet and that seemed to cure the problem. He said it was still a hassle to release the bit. I suggested a short piece of 40 schedule PVC the diameter of which meets the release surface of the collet. Simply write a program to send the router there, lower the Z axis until the bit releases. Putting another one in is another issue.
Then I went to look for a Jacob's Power collet. I wanted other people's opinion of the thing. I posted the request on WoodCentral.com. One of the respondants replied I could 'have' his. He said it placed too much lateral stress on the lower router bearing because it extended the bit too far away. He was very unhappy with it.
This could be an issue with me in that one operation cuts thru 1" Baltic Birch plywood and that bit is plenty long enough! I don't need more leverage against the bit.
OK, 'Botters. What say you?