Does anyone know if anyone has made a quick-release for the LR4 (Dewalt 611) router holder?
I’m printing parts for an LR4 build right now. I’ve been using my LR3 a lot lately and really don’t like pulling out a screwdriver whenever I need to do a tool change.
Would be cool to have come kind of cam lock/clasp/over-center mechanism for the top and bottom holder where you can just pop it off, swap the tool out in the router, and pop it back in. Don’t know if something like that already exists but I couldn’t find one on, ie, printables.
Are you removing the router every time you change the bit??? Once I get my router in and trammed it never comes out again unless I have broken something or am testing something. I change bits with the router in place on both the LR3 and now the LR4.
Yeah, with my enclosure setup I have a swing arm for the vacuum hose that I run the router power cable along. It positions the router “backwards” against the core so the router’s release button is basically unreachable
I see, Nice enclosure setup! Can you not rotate the router around and put a “loop” in your power wire to attach back to the hose giving you access to the button? Seems that would be a LOT easier than removing the router every time. But I am just going off what I see in the pics. I am sure something quick release could be drawn up. But I am not sure how well it would hold up to something like the router. Would sure hate to see that come lose at some point during a job.
There are also options like the muscle-chuck that could work, or perhaps 3D printing something that allows access to the button, or even just something specifically shaped to wedge into place against the button?
Personally I’d be avoiding removing/replacing the router if at all possible, but I guess it depends on how sensitive you are to tramming etc.
Smart! I’ll try it out and see if it works for me. I suspect I may still not like the ergonomics of having to crouch inside my enclosure to reach with the wrench but I won’t know until I try
These look awesome! Think I’ll try these out if the other approach won’t work
Would also be very interested if you can find this, thanks
It’s a device that replaces the collet/nut on your router and changes it to a split-ring style clamp. That way you can install/remove tools using only a hex head wrench perpendicular to the tool. That plus a decently long regular handled hex driver and I think you’d be away.
They seem to be pretty well beloved by people who have them. I’ve seen people saying they even reduced runout compared to the stock collets…
I think the main downside is cost. The only reason I never got one is that the shipping to New Zealand was brutal and pretty much doubled the cost.
Edit: They’re not bit-size specific, they still use a collet type arrangement to vary the clamping size.
Looks like the only 1/4" router they suit is the Makita, unfortunately.
Yeah, bummer, the specs I see show they don’t support the Dewalt 611: Amazon.com
I have a lathe though so maybe I’ll just rip off the idea and machine it myself if I get bored
Looks like the “collet” is really just that split-ring clamp so it’s not as bad as trying to machine up a collet nut or anything. I do wonder how tightly it can hold compared to a real collet though
I don’t have any personal experience, but the discussion around them always seems to be split into 2 camps, those who are skeptical but haven’t tried it and then those that have one and love it. That would typically lead me to believe that it isn’t an issue but I guess it could just be choice-supportive bias.
They do have a clamping force equivalent listed. It wouldn’t surprise me if it’s a step up from a traditional collet setup.
I found a post on routerforums.com where someone says they e-mailed MuscleChuck and got a reply from the owner saying they’re working on products for various 1/4" routers such as the DeWalt 611.
Could be worth dropping them an e-mail if it’s something you’re interested in.
Think I’ll try these out if the other approach won’t work
but i went the er11 version
