Change router bit

[scientist77017]

I am trying to change the router bit of this router someone gave me.

Rockwell Commercial Duty Model 4676

I have the two wrenches, but can not get it to loosen?

I saw a video, and it said to go counter clockwise, but it would not bulge.

Can someone please help?

Andy

[Jim Joyce]

First, it looks like the bit maybe hasn't been removed in forever, so it could be rusted. A bit of penetrating oil and some time might help.

Second, to loosen the collet, you'd use one wrench to immobilize the router shaft and the second wrench to turn the collet counterclockwise *when viewed straight on from the bit*, not when viewed from the motor.

If/when it breaks loose, watch your fingers. When you reinstall it, it doesn't have to be super tight. In my experience, most people overtighten the collet when they install a bit. Related note, don't 'bottom' the bit when you're installing it. You can push it all the way into the collet, but pull it back out about 1/8" before you tighten it.

[micky]

Whenever something won't loossen try tightening first. Others may have other suggestions.

[dpb]

...

I've never seen a router collet that wasn't RH thread; "CCW" depends on which way one is looking at the spindle so isn't definitive.

[Andrew Kennedy]

Thanks to all for the suggestions.

I put it in my vise and got it off by turning the bottom collet counterclockwise.

I made sure not to over tighten.

I tried to router a push stick, but it was a little dangerous.

I found this router table.

Does it look like it would work?

Thanks, Andy

[Ed Pawlowski]

Looks OK for the money for small jobs. Be sure it is locked in place so it does not move on you. I rarely used a router not in the table as you get much more control compared to hand held.

If you find you use it a lot you will eventually get a dedicated larger table with a lift.

[Jim Joyce]

Small pieces can get away from you and are usually best handled on a table-mounted router. Be sure to always (99%) route _against_ the rotation of the bit. Routing _with_ the rotation can cause the router to get out of control except in very specific circumstances. The last thing you need is for the spinning bit to grab your work piece and throw it across the room. Not because the work piece might embed itself in your garage wall, but because that work piece is likely the only thing between the spinning bit and your fingers.

If your router looks like this one,

that table isn't likely to be able to accept it. It looks like your router is in the smaller "trim router" category, rather than full size. I don't know of any router tables that accept a trim router, but maybe you can do something custom.

[Andrew Kennedy]

Thanks.

I have seen some sites that show how to make a router table.

But I do not use it all that much, so the table will have to wait.

Andy

[Ed Pawlowski]

I bet if you had a table you'd use it much more. There are projects that are about 90% router work. like trivets that make a nice gift.

[Andrew Kennedy]

That's an idea.

Had to look up trivet.

I will get some plans for a router table.

Andy

[Jim Joyce]

You'll need a router to go along with your new table since your Rockwell won't fit. I like my Bosch EVS1617 2.25HP but every serious tool brand makes a router that will work.

[Andrew Kennedy]

That's why I am building my own router table.

Something like this.

Andy

[hubops]

Check out the old TV show - The Router Workshop - on youtube.

.. one example :

John T.

[gfretwell]

I mounted a router on a wing of my table saw. That way you save space and the same fence or most of the jigs you use for the saw, work for the router too. It did require a little work on the wing but it was worth it.

[gfretwell]

Yup I miss that show. Those boys used a router to replace a whole wood shop.

[Andrew Kennedy]

Thanks so much.

All I have to do is clamp the fence to the top.

Andy