Router Bit Extension- Any Thoughts?

[Jeff Books]

I'm trying to use a plunger router (Dewalt 625) in a router table. The collet stays too low to use many of my bits without mounting the bit 1/4-1/2" higher than designed. I've seen fixtures that clamp in the collet to extend ths router's reach. The bit is held by an allen screw. It seems like a good idea but I'm wondering if the bit will be held securely enough, also whether it would vibrate. Anyone have any experience with this device?

[Barry Richardson]

I've used the extensions. they do tend to add a little vibration, and make a bit rougher cut, but they work. Seems simpler to just put a PC 690 in your table. you can find them on sale sometimes for less that $100. As I recall, the extension cost 30 or 40 bucks, not cheap.

[Van Huskey]

I have had good luck with this one: http://www.amazon.com/Router-Technologies-EX-2080-Professional/dp/B000EXQ2FA

[Lee Schierer]

Instead of one with a set screw holding the bit, look for a collet type like the one shown;217492

A set screw is likely to make an impression on the side of the shank making the bit less useable.

[Van Huskey]

Instead of one with a set screw holding the bit, look for a collet type like the one shown;217492

A set screw is likely to make an impression on the side of the shank making the bit less useable.

FYI the one I posted does not use a set screw against the bit, the allen screw is connected to a wedge to close the collet around the bit.

[Peter Quinn]

I have had good luck with this one: http://www.amazon.com/Router-Technologies-EX-2080-Professional/dp/B000EXQ2FA


I've had the same one for years, never a problem. It holds the bits as securely as a collet, its extremely well made and well balanced. That said it certainly changes the fulcrum of the routers shaft, so you can introduce deflection if the feed rate is too stiff with a large bit. I have it mounted in a 3HP Ryobi, pre-borg, from back when they were a real tool manufacturer, in a Jessum lift. The whole set up works well together. It allows above table bit changes, it allows cope cutters to reach the correct height for coping sleds. Yes sir, I like it. I never take it out.

[Kevin Presutti]

Here are several links...

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/router_collet.html

http://www.infinitytools.com/Router-Bit-Collet-Extension/productinfo/115-070/

http://www.cheyennesales.com/catalog/collext.htm

http://www.amazon.com/MLCS-9465-Extension-Wrenches-included/dp/B001S2RAPM

I hope these help, as you can see the prices can range from $25.00 to $55.00 or so. Good Luck!

[ian maybury]

You do hear the odd mention of people experiencing alignment issues, seemingly with some of the cheaper makes. The good ones seem to work very well, but it sounds very like the sort of thing where it's worth (a) buying a good one, and (b) proving what you have just bought is OK by testing the runout with a dial gauge...

ian

[Jeff Books]

Thank you all for your comments and recommendations! I'm going to try the extension and see how it works.
Jeff

[Myk Rian]

Is the router mounted to an insert, or the bottom of the table?

[Jeff Books]

Myk- The router is mounted to the bottom of a homemade table.

[Van Huskey]

Myk- The router is mounted to the bottom of a homemade table.

You might be better off using a router plate, it will give you the extra 1/4-1/2" you need and has other positives as well. I think this is what Myk might have been aiming at.