Makita Trim Router .- bit slipped

[Mike Goetzke]

I was routing some chamfers on some 6x6 posts for my pergola. I was using my Makita battery powered router. On the first post the first two cuts went well but on the third cut halfway down the post the bit started working it's way out of the collet. I then went and got my OF 1400 with a 1/2" shank and finished the other cuts w/o any issues.

I think the cut in cedartone treated lumber was too much for the trim router (the bit was very hot). I have no idea how to fix the errant cut. Luckily there are two posts that really won't be seen from one side.

Mike

 

[Bob D.]

Was the bit slipping in the collet? I have seen a number of posts about this on CNC forums for the Makita.

Check the collet and shaft are free of any sawdust. Be careful not to bottom out the bit which can stop the nut from tightening properly on the bit.

 

[luvmytoolz]

The Makita trimmers are great, but they really struggle with anything more than a light cut. Bigger cutters even more so.

Even with my CNC if I push the cutters too hard they can shift position ever so slightly, when they don't break that is.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Part of it may just be the cordless aspect? They are great, don't get me wrong. I have three of them and a corded one, but...the cordless ones just do not have the same power or speed.
This may be overwhelming the bit? causing more load against the collet.
The other thing is the collet itself. They are an older design that is not self-releasing, like so many of the others out there. Plus, that huge nut, for some reason? I much prefer the Bosch Colt collet/nut arrangement, but the Makita battery platform overrides it, for now anyway.

 

[Steve1]

It can happen.

Its a little more surprising with a chamfering bit, but I have a nice solid carbide spiral upcut bit that has moved a couple of times, on my Makita router.  The helix of the flutes tends to "pull" the bit. 
First time that happened, it ruined a set of waterfall-grain panels for a desk.  I was cutting a slot for a spline in the corner miter when first the load started increasing, then I see the bit coming out side of the panel.

 

[smorgasbord]

If anything, a bit slipping in the collet shows more power than the collet can hold, not less power.

First, check that the collet, collet nut, and inside shaft are really clean. Once a bit as slipped in a collet, there's likely some damage to the bit shank or collet, so check them carefully.

Second, the CNC company Carbide 3D uses a router made for them by Makita. Carbide 3D sells precision collets for their routers. I have the Makita 18v cordless router and the collets fit perfectly. Here's a link to buy them:https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/precision-collets  Unfortunately, you can't just buy the ¼" collet, you have to buy the set of ¼" and ⅛" collets. I do not work for not get any kickbacks from Carbide 3D.

Finally, the brushless cordless tools are really good. Here's one explanation of why:https://www.protoolreviews.com/brushed-vs-brushless-motors/

 

[Bob D.]

You can buy collets from Elaire corporation.

Here is the link to their Makita collets, they have others.

They also make 8mm collets for many routers which I recommend to people buying my LR32 Adapter Kits. That lets you use the Festool centering guide and bits that come with the LR32 Drilling System in your router. All their collets are made in the USA.
https://elairecorp.com/makitaroutercollets/

 

[1toolshort]

Ive had the same thing happen to my Bosch trim router...do they sell replacements for the Bosch as well??

 

[me_two]

Here’s the link for the Bosch router collets.https://elairecorp.com/boschcollets/

 

[Crazyraceguy]

If anything, a bit slipping in the collet shows more power than the collet can hold, not less power.

First, check that the collet, collet nut, and inside shaft are really clean. Once a bit as slipped in a collet, there's likely some damage to the bit shank or collet, so check them carefully.

Second, the CNC company Carbide 3D uses a router made for them by Makita. Carbide 3D sells precision collets for their routers. I have the Makita 18v cordless router and the collets fit perfectly. Here's a link to buy them:https://shop.carbide3d.com/collections/accessories/products/precision-collets  Unfortunately, you can't just buy the ¼" collet, you have to buy the set of ¼" and ⅛" collets. I do not work for not get any kickbacks from Carbide 3D.

Finally, the brushless cordless tools are really good. Here's one explanation of why:https://www.protoolreviews.com/brushed-vs-brushless-motors/

Enough power to make the cut and enough power to make the bit slip are not necessarily the same thing. When the machine is running to slowly, the bit tries to take a bigger bite than it can handle, rather than just cutting it out of the way.  This overloads it and slows it down even more, kicks back, vibrates or all three. Down spiral bits are worse about it, but can happen to any of them. 180 degree cuts, like a dado/groove, are high load cuts that can add to this problem.