Newcomer looking for router advice

Jack Fearnley · 2005-01-24T22:00:24+00:00

I am a newcomer to this newsgroup (4 days) and also to woodworking (4months) although, like most homeowners, I have done numerous carpentryprojects over the years.Apart from new equipment, I have an old Craftsman radial arm saw and aCraftsman Router (model 315.17370) which is about 30 years old.As a first project I am making a display case which calls for blind dovetailjoints on the drawer front. I have a dovetail jig so this should be noproblem but my old router does not want to hold the dovetail bit securely. It slips down and scorches the wood half way through the process.I have asked Sears to overhaul the machine but they say it is far to old fornew parts and they would charge me more than it is worth.I find inserting and tightening the bit very awkward (seems to need threehands in a very small space).Now my questions.Is it my lack of skill or may I legitimately blame it on the machine?Is bit installation easier on more modern machines?Why do routers use collets instead of chucks like drills?I am currently leaning towards the Bosch 1617PK or the more powerful1617EVSPK. Is this a good choice for hand held use?Best Regards, Jack Fearnley

Jan 24, 2005 20 Replies

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Steve 21 years ago

I just did a search on Craftsman.com and found that a replacement collet is available for your Craftsman model 315.17370 router. The part number for the collet is 1-606490-02. Might want to consider this option even if you get the new router. It may be the old collet is worn, as someone else suggested.

--Steve

Jack Fearnley wrote:

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