6 mm, 1/4" bits interchangable in a 6 mm collet?

[Dutchman]

Hello,

Santa handed me a nice set of 1/4" router bits this year. However, my router is a metric one with a 6 mm collet. Where I live (Holland) it is probably going to be difficult to find a 1/4" collet. Does anyone know whether it is possible to use 1/4" bits in a 6 mm collet? The diameter difference is not very big. 1/4" being 6.35 mm.

Thanks a lot in advance and happy new year to you all.

[mikmaz1]

hi dutchman,
i would say the only way to access 1/4 " cutters is to see if you can buy a 1/4 " collet for your router. don know what router you have , ihave the makita and they where around $50.00 a couple of years ago.
and no you cant use the different size cutters
seeyasoon mik.

[Caliban]

Dutchman
My router came with 6mm, 6.35mm, and 8mm collets. So I'm guessing that you will not be able to use 1/4 bits without a 6.35mm collet.
Sorry that I don't know any more I've never tried isung the 6mm collet, it might work, but if it slipped the router is spinning at 30 thousand rpm and I wouldn't like to be in the room if a bit fell out at that speed.
Try to buy a 6.35mm collet
cheers
Jim
merry christmas

[Garry1953]

If you cant buy one for you router.

You can always go to an engineering shop, and get a 1/4 inch collet made to suit your router.:)

[Robert WA]

I am with Garry.
A good machine shop will turn a 6 mm into a 6.35 mm in no time at all.
I would be careful buying a 1/4" collet. Remember that the external diameter has to fit tight into you metric router.
Good luck.

[Paul O'H. Ingersoll Canad]

Dutchman
Try this link, prices are can.$$
Adapters (http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.asp?page=30126&category=1,46168,46180&abspage=1&ccurrency=1&SID=)

[DanP]

The router bits shoulkd never fall out of the router using 6.35mm shank bits in a 6mm collett. If you look really closely you'll see that 6.35 is BIGGER than 6.00mm. Therefore, if the bit fits into the collett when loose, it will grip tight onto the bit. Problem is that it MAY (not 'will') force your collett out to the bigger size, making it not fit the 6mm bit properly, but I can't forsee this being a problem. HOWEVER, err on the side of caution. Get a 6.35mm collett. Try the net or contact the supplier or maker of your router, they should be able to get it for you.

All the best,

Dan