OF 1400 problem installing router bits

Vaskerville

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Joined
Mar 12, 2011
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32
I've tried searching but didn't see anything pertinent - perhaps it's just me?

I have a terrible time trying to get router bits into my router - I can't push them in so I have to loosen the collar, insert the bit and then tighten it back up. It's terribly inconvenient and I know it's supposed to work better than this. I've watched videos of other people using their 1400, setting up bits, and I can't do that.

Is this a common problem? Is there something I should consider when setting things up?

Thanks

PS: it's been like this since day one, with all of my collars/bits - my tools are not dirty (they have barely been used).
 
It sounds normal.  The Festool collets have two stages of loosening. The first stage is immediate and at this point you might be able to forcr the bit out, but you will not get a bit in.  You should then be able to turn the collet by hand even until you get to the second stage of loosening.  Now you will need the wrench.  At this point you bits should go in and out.

Hope this makes sense.

Peter
 
I generally just take the collet completely off, put the bit in, screw it back on. Makes it easy to see how far I have inserted the bit.  Plus if I get one that is sticking due to resin it is easier (for me) to pull it out of the collet, no knukle busting on the router columns or base.

Seth
 
What size collets do you have? and whats the shank size of your router bits?
 
Vaskerville said:
I've tried searching but didn't see anything pertinent - perhaps it's just me?

I have a terrible time trying to get router bits into my router - I can't push them in so I have to loosen the collar, insert the bit and then tighten it back up. It's terribly inconvenient and I know it's supposed to work better than this. I've watched videos of other people using their 1400, setting up bits, and I can't do that.

Is this a common problem? Is there something I should consider when setting things up?

Thanks

PS: it's been like this since day one, with all of my collars/bits - my tools are not dirty (they have barely been used).

I have the same problem with the Kapex.. When I need to use it I have to plug it in to a power outlet.. When I have watched videos of it it does not show you having to do this.. It's so time consuming  [big grin] [big grin]
 
Peter Halle said:
It sounds normal.  The Festool collets have two stages of loosening. The first stage is immediate and at this point you might be able to forcr the bit out, but you will not get a bit in.  You should then be able to turn the collet by hand even until you get to the second stage of loosening.  Now you will need the wrench.  At this point you bits should go in and out.

Hope this makes sense.

Peter

As Peter says, the industry machine spec stds for the collet have a two step lock - you just didn't turn it far enough.

This has been reviewed with our joint tech support staffs shown for accuracy.  [big grin]
 
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