Thread: Any experience with or opinions on router collet extensions for router table?

What happened with making a spanner for it ?
No time to do it?

No probs. I should have went and read your metal work thread first .

Originally Posted by auscab

No probs. I should have went and read your metal work thread first .

No worries.

I didn't link to the metalwork thread in case some members here aren't registered there, and it's history rather than the current issue about collet extensions.

FWIW, I reckon the only way to make a spanner to grab the collet flat furthest from the bit is if I had the skills to make it out of about 3mm thick mild steel with fairly narrow jaw sides and harden it. Buying a collet extension is a lot quicker.

I use the Xtreme Xtension in my router table and have no complaints with its function,
It locks the bits in just fine.
The allen key is probably a bit more fiddling than using spanners, but that's a minor consideration.

Hope this helps, Jeff

Originally Posted by Jeffen

I use the Xtreme Xtension in my router table and have no complaints with its function,
It locks the bits in just fine.
The allen key is probably a bit more fiddling than using spanners, but that's a minor consideration.

Hope this helps, Jeff

Thanks, it certainly helps to hear from someone who's used it.

How does the wedge work on the bit? Just apply locking pressure to the bit against the wedge?

EDIT: Does it take only 1/4" shank bits?

Hi 419,

yes, the wedge applies pressure to the bit.

I can use 1/2", 1/4" and 8mm bits (with appropriate sleeves).
Which is probably its biggest advantage over the Torquata version.

This link gives a slightly better rundown

https://www.woodworksupplies.com.au/...ll-wrench.html

FWIW, I bought mine via Amazon.

Jeff

Originally Posted by Jeffen

I can use 1/2", 1/4" and 8mm bits (with appropriate sleeves).
Which is probably its biggest advantage over the Torquata version.

Definitely. I thought from the Xtreme Xtension pack that it took only 1/4" bits, but a 1/2" sleeve makes it able to do everything I want, where I have to buy two Torquata extensions to get 1/4" and 1/2" shank fits. There is no shortage of cheaper versions of the Torquata online, but if I buy one I'd rather get it from a source that's likely to have paid some attention to product safety before selling it in Australia.

Originally Posted by Jeffen

This link gives a slightly better rundown

Xtreme Xtension Router Extension Collett (Includes T Handled Ball Wrench) woodworksupplies.com.au

Thanks, that answers my other questions, and notably that the Allen screw and wedge are hardened for durability.

It seems to be well engineered, and especially it's dynamically balanced as one of my major concerns is with run out and wobble from a poorly balanced extension.

I'm still a bit inclined towards the Torquata style with a traditional collet gripping the bit all round. Against that some of the Timbecon house brands like Torquata, Baledonia etc have disappointed me with finishes and standards no better and possibly worse than I would have got much cheaper from Temu, AliExpress or just a random eBay purchase. The Xtreme Xtension description suggests it is very much better engineered and made than some Timbecon house products.

On balance, the Xtreme one seems like it should do the job.