Thread: Router Collet Sleeve

G'day Sir, Carbi-tool make a collet to reduce 1/2" to 1/4" . I have a couple for my Makita routers , I cant see why they wouldn't fot your Hitachi.
Got mine from Mitre 10.
Cheers Steven

In 2003, a review of the router (here) said: "For 1/4 inch bits, you have to use one of those sleeve adapters (included), but I really don't have that many (or possibly, any) 1/4 inch bits I need to use in a 3 1/4 HP Router."

Don't worry about using a sleeve - they're very common and I've used them successfully for years. Some prefer a dedicated collet to a sleeve, but good quality sleeves are fine.

Ray.

I've used one for a while. I had a 1/4 router, but now using 1/2 on a table, but I like my old bits. I think in time I'll change over to all 1/2. But for now the collar works well, and most small bits are 1/4 only anyway.

Thanks guys .....

I noticed that there should have been an adapter when the router was new but I bought it second hand.

The cheap GMC that I have has a collet that screws out and you put in either the 1/4" or 1/2" (no collet adapter) ...... I wasn't sure if the Hitachi was the same or not but according the to review it does seem to mention a sleeve adapter.

The big B didn't have a clue this morning when I checked ..... I should have also tried M10 .... perhaps next weekend. Otherwise a mail order from Timbecon.

As said above should not be a problem my TR-12 came with two reduction sleeves in the kit, although I have not used them as I also have 1/4" router I know lots of people who use them with no problems

Gday Stinky, funny that they hadn't heard of one, I have the M12V as well, it came with the reducer, & I bought the router from the Hitachi stand at the TWWW about 5 years ago.

You'd be able to find one at any hardware store close to you that sells router bits, agree with Ray - get one made by a reputable brand like Carbitool, Craftmaster, Linbide, etc. Had a return on a 1/2" Ryobi router the other day, it would't grip the supplied 1/4" bits with the supplied reducer. Measured both with the verniers, both undersize by a fair margin.

When you put the reducer in the router collet, for the best grip on the router bit shaft - line up the open slot of the reducer with that of the collet.

'Tis a good idea also to put an O ring slightly bigger that 1/2" in the bottom of the collet, to stop the reducer or any 1/2" shanked router bit from bottoming out and/or potentially jamming in the collet or not tightening properly. The O ring will squash down OK when you tighten it all up.


Cheers...................Sean

Originally Posted by scooter

Gday Stinky, funny that they hadn't heard of one, I have the M12V as well, it came with the reducer, & I bought the router from the Hitachi stand at the TWWW about 5 years ago.

'Tis a good idea also to put an O ring slightly bigger that 1/2" in the bottom of the collet, to stop the reducer or any 1/2" shanked router bit from bottoming out and/or potentially jamming in the collet or not tightening properly. The O ring will squash down OK when you tighten it all up.

I think that last year the Hitachi stand was run by a retailer who was selling Hitachi items and not Hitachi themselves. Hitachi may have had a rep there but he/she wasn't around when I was there.

I have used a small piece of foam at the bottom of the collet until I can find an O Ring. I am taking a real liking to the router in the table (also the Incra fence ) however it is somewhat frustrating when I can use the 1/4" bits.

Anybody have a ball park idea on price of the Carbitool collet sleeve?

Usually run by Gill's tools from Coburg I think.


Dunno the price, sorry mate.

McJing have router collets (adaptor bushings ).
I bought the 1/4 to 1/8 and am very happy with it and the price

http://www.mcjing.com.au/routeracc/a...ccessories.asp

One of the videos from The Router Workshop on the woodworking channel has them using a 1/8th bit with 1/8th shank (ie Dremel size) with the Hitachi 12V router with the 1/2in collet, 1/2 to 1/4 reducer, and 1/4 to 1/8 reducer.

Running a single reducer in the 1/2in collet should not pose a problem.

I just bought one yesty. Carb-i-tool from home hardware $8.95.
Haven't tested it but should do the job nicely.

Hi all,

I was just about to ask a question regarding 1/4" collets as well, but the above seems to have the answer.

I have a Ryobi ERT241200 and a Triton TRA001 (table mounted) and I was going to use the Gifkins Dovetail Jig this weekend.

I have two 1/4" collets in my bits-n-pieces tray and I cannot tell which is for which router.

From the answers above it would seem that either collet should be OK in either router....is this correct?

PS; one collet is a light steel colour with 4 slots and the other is a darker (blued?) colour with 3 slots.

James

My understanding is it doesn't matter it will still do the job.
Mine is 2 half depth cuts and one full cut, the one I had before was 4 half depths.
When you think about it, it's not the most techical accessory you'll ever come across.
One thing I thought was funky, I've forgotton the brand. Wasn't carb/CMT/freud... hmmm... anyway it had lip around it to stop it falling into the router when tabel mounted. I use a bit of tape. Oh well.

Daniel

Thanks Daniel

That seems to answer My question.

If this weather improves in Sydney I may be able to give it a go.

Have a good 'long' weekend

James