Thread: Trouble holding on to router bit

I had the same thing with an adaptor, I posted here and got no result with, from memory, one guy sort of suggesting I was a dill as he uses adaptors all the time without issues. My fix was I bought a cheap router with the correct size collet (Aldi) just for that job, and all was well.

Thanks robr. That will be my next step. I have just found an 8mm collet for my router at Tool Spares Online. COLLET ASSEMBLY 8MM. If this works fantastic, otherwise the search continues. I have wasted enough time and wood not to mention denting the confidence somewhat!

Sometimes you can get extra pressure by lining up the reducer sleeve slot with a collet slot. Leigh make their own reducing sleeves, which are the best I've seen, but sleeves generally are not a great idea - dedicated collets are definitely the way to go.

Ray

We use sleeves at work with no issues. You can also try roughing up the shank a bit with sandpaper for a bit of extra grip

Good tips guys. I will try them both whilst I wait for the collet to arrive from the UK!

Leigh supply the jigs with 8mm shank bits and a 1/2in to 8mm adaptor for extra stability over a 1/4 inch shanked bit. If you don't have the Leigh adaptor I could loan you the one from my Superjig kit to try.
I also bought an ALDI router because of the 8mm collet insert specifically for the dovetail jig, but have not used it with the jig yet.
Did you get anywhere chasing the chatter issue from a couple of weeks ago?

Hi Malb. Yes I bought the solid carbide bit and it works beautifully. I'll see how I go with the collet I have ordered but if that fails I might just take you up on the offer as I feel the original Leigh reducer would do a better job than the CMT. Unfortunately the D4 came with 1/4" bits and didn't need reducers etc. Many thanks.

Ok. The 8mm chuck and collet from Toolsparesonline arrived last week and I tested it this morning. It works a treat. No more slipping dovetail bit. Very happy. I thoroughly recommend it for those that have upgraded their Triton routers to the US style chuck. A bonus is that I no longer have to worry about using a collet reducer!!