OF 1400 1/2" Collet Issue

[CTobes]

I pulled out my 1/2" collet today (hasn't been used in a long while) and couldn't get the router bit inserted.  I removed the collet completely and used as much "safe" force that I could attempting to get it inserted to no avail.  Checked it on my router table and it fit fine.  Curious if any of you have ever had a similar issue and/or any suggestions on what to do (outside of just buying a new 1/2" collet).  Thanks in advance for any help.

Cheyne

 

[antss]

not being cheeky, but you're certain it's not the 8mm collet ?

 

[CTobes]

Ha! Yes, I have all 3 collets and mainly use the 1/4" and 8mm.

 

[TracksawTravis]

I have the same issue with my 1/4” collet.  I have to insert a bit from the back so I can get the bit I’m using started.  Then takes a few friendly swings with a mallet.

 

[aloysius]

Collets are a precision machined bit fixture usually milled from high grade spring steel.  Be careful with them.  They need to have a full, smooth, uninterrupted grip on the tooling shank, & a safe, symmetrical seat in the arbor's end.

If a collet appears tight, don't force it as any undue non-concentric force could damage those all-important mating surfaces.  Above all, don't tighten an empty collet, as this will bend the curved lands.  Exercise care inserting bits.  Never "all the way".  Both bit & collet require some "slippage" room within the arbor to tighten correctly.

A bent collet may be redeemable, but for safety's sake is preferably replaced.  I usually keep a spare or 2 for "Justin Case".

 

[Roseland]

not being cheeky, but you're certain it's not the 8mm collet ?

Or the 12mm one?  I think I got both 12mm and 1/2" (12.7mm) supplied with mine.

Andrew

 

[ear3]

Have you checked the router bit to see that there is no build-up on the shaft, or tried additional bits?

 

[CTobes]

Thank you everyone for the insight.  I had no idea there was a 12mm option for collets.  Is that only available over the pond, or supplied in US as well?  The bit is brand new and fits fine in my table set up (PC 7518).  Thanks again.

 

[Coen]

Thank you everyone for the insight.  I had no idea there was a 12mm option for collets.  Is that only available over the pond, or supplied in US as well?  The bit is brand new and fits fine in my table set up (PC 7518).  Thanks again.

Where I live (NL), the OF 1400 is supplied with both the 8mm and 12mm collet, no 1/2", although that is available separately.

But as I strive to eliminate annoying systems, I would try hard to avoid anything denominated in imperial units.

 

[Roseland]

All I can say is that my (UK-sourced) OF 1400 came with a 1/4", 12mm and 1/2" collets.

I've just gone and checked; on the 12mm collet, a 1/2" router bit shaft will not fit through the hole in the "nut" that closes the collet.

Andrew

 

[Stone Message]

The Festool collets are really excellent quality. I have had others of a similar design and quality and once had an issue similar to this.

I decided that it was not possible for (simple) me to take the thing apart without risking damage. I know how the collets work and so took the collet in my hand and slapped it down on the wooden bench top so that it hit evenly across the plane of the bottom of the collet.

After two goes the problem went away. The internal locking effect had been disengaged.

Sorry - I forgot to say that I had removed it from the router first.

Peter