freud router - collet problem

[MP]

Hi there

I've got a a Freud FT2000 router. Works just fine, but I'm using a 1/4" rebater and the adaptor provided doesn't securely fit the bit in the spindle. I've tried really tightening it but it's still loose.

The 1/2" collet works just fine but the 1/4" collet won't tighten to the bit.

Anyone else come accross this problem with Frued routers?

[Owen Lawrence]

Have you got the collet snapped right into the collet nut? I had a hard time getting mine to snap in at first ('cause it was new and really stiff), but once in there it works fine. You really have to push hard to get it in. Don't try to do it in the router.

- Owen -

[TheNewGuy]

Do you have a dedicated 1/4" collet, or a reducer that fits inside the

1/2" collet?

When I bought the router last year, it was advertised as coming w/ a reducer, but I was please that it actually came with both the 1/2 and

1/4" collets.

What I was NOT pleased about was how incredibly difficult it is to get the collet out from the collet nut. I have contacted Frued, and the collet nut is a saleable item, so I intend to get a 2nd one so that I can have dedicated 1/2 & 1/4 collet/nut combos.

-Chris

[Nova]

There have been reports the some of the Freud routers mistakenly shipped with a metric collet instead of a 1/4" one. You may have gotten one of these units. I'd contact Freud.

-- Jack Novak Buffalo, NY - USA (Remove "SPAM" from email address to reply)

[Owen Lawrence]

Dedicated 1/4" collet.

I don't have any 1/2" bits yet so that's a problem I won't face for awhile.

But I was talking to the Freud rep at the woodshow in Ottawa last fall. He was telling us Freud admitted it was a mistake to sell the routers with a reducer instead of a collet, and he told the guy next to me to call them and they'll send him a collet, no charge.

If that's what the OP has then he should give Freud a call. If not, I suggest carefully pressing it home into the collet nut between blocks of wood. Like I said before, mine was pretty stiff at first; I thought I had it the first time, but when it wouldn't grab the bit I removed it and did what I suggest here. I suspect I won't have an easy time getting it out, but I'll figure that out when I have to. After that I'm sure it'll get easier. I'd rather it be too stiff than too loose.

- Owen -

[MP]

It's a 1/2" router with a reducer.

I've got the collet into the nut firmly, just like the 1/2" was. It seems to be almost a 3/8" collet rather than a 1/4".

I feel pretty dumb not being able to get the router bit in there and it's messing up my weekend door project (rebates).

I'll contact Freud. Has anyone a number for them?

Thnx

Matt

[MP]