Advice on tool changing

LowRider CNC Advice
1

Hi guys,

there is few threads about tool changes but most of them focus on gcode and workflows, and I would like to ask you something super easy, yet… difficult for me :slight_smile:

What tools you guys use to physically change a bit? Those wrenches coming with routers are awful and it hurts to use them… or maybe I’m too eager to make it tight? I had cases of bit becoming lose during work, so I then started to do it with lots of force, but then… it’s impossible to release the bit and whole lowrider goes flying when i do that.

Help!

Advice and tool recommendations welcome!

2

What specific router do you have? Are you using the collets that came with it or did you purchase other ones?

I have the Kobalt and I use the wrench that comes with it. It has a button to lock it so you only need a single wrench although I know some prefer using 2 wrenches anyway. I get it pretty tight, but I can’t say I ever tightened it enough that it hurt.

3

I’ve got makita. I use it with stuff which came as standard, just changed collet to make it possible to use 6mm bits.

I have bought some other ones including some to allow me to use 3.175 bits, but didn’t try it yet.

One wrench sounds better then two to me! I’ll check it out, thanks.

4

Most important thing I try and remind people is check and clean your collets and collet holder and nut. If you keep them clean you it doesnt take so much force to hold your bit. If your using more force than opening a milk jug, you have a problem with with the bit and collet.

5

Unless you’re in Canada and get your milk in a bag… :grin:

2 Likes
6

really?? Well dang, must be something simple for everyone one to relate to. But other than torque measurement. Ahh a new rabbit hole :nerd_face:

7

Sounds wacky, but I’m not making it up.

1 Like
8

They used to have that in Germany for some brands 20 years ago but everyone ditched it because it was really stupid and impractical. :sweat_smile:

9

OK, so I have to try cleaning collets. If I open milk with the same strength I would have to scrape it from the ceiling.

I remember milk in bags too! But I’m sure you have them in bottles as well in Canada?

I remember times when milk was in glass bottles closed with aluminum caps!

10

Ok,serious for a moment Pay close attention to the slots in the collets. Any debris in the slots (slits) will cause problems. If you have had a bit spin or slip check for any sign of a burr. I have saved a couple cheaper collets using 800 grit emory cloth too remove burrs

11

I use the makita trimmer in my MPCNC Primo, and a bunch of others by hand teaching students. What I often see happening with the 2 spanners is one hand on each spanner then nothing to hold the trimmer body still, everything twists and moves. If you set the spanners up so you can squeeze them together in 1 hand its pretty easy to get the bit tight enough and then undone again later (squeeze the other way?). Using this method reduces the pulling and twisting on the trimmer and not shaking the CNC as much as with the button or 2 spanners 2 hands.

Less of an issue in the CNC world - if using bits that have a smaller shank than cutter diameter, be careful not to pinch the radius where the diameters change in the collet. It will loosen as soon as it starts cutting. Photo not a great example but hopefully clearer than my typing.

router bit
router bit434×842 44.8 KB

Also what larryk said above about cleaning.

4 Likes
12

How are you cleaning? Just a brush or cloth to remove dust and chips?