Router with 1/2" collet

[Bill Conerly]

I saw a used router, ELU 2721, for sale for $26. Looked good and solid, so I bought it. Turns out it has a 1/2" collet. All my bits are 1/4" (because my old router takes 1/4 bits).

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I think Black & Decker took over ELU and offered a similar-looking router with same model number. I can spend $38 for a 1/4" collet that might fit, or $25.50 for a DeWalt that might fit.

I see shank reducers for about $13, but I'm not sure how well they work.


So my options are

Start a collection of 1/2" bits.
To buy the 1/4" collet that I hope will fit.
But a shank reducer for about $13.50.
To write off the $26 I spent for the ELU.


Any suggestions?

[Walter Plummer]

Looks exactly like my Dewalt 610 I think the model number is. I would bet the Dewalt collet would drop right in. The collet reducers I have work fine. Save some $$.

[Mike Henderson]

You should be able to get a 1/4" collet for that router. But for some router bits, a 1/2" shank is much more stable than a 1/4". Now that you have a router with a 1/2" collet it might be a good time to start purchasing some 1/2" shank bits.

Mike

[Jim Dwight]

I would both get a 1/4 collet and start to buy 1/2 bits. My routers take either, except for the motor in my router table which only takes 1/2. I use a reducer in the rare event I need to use a 1/4 shank bit in the router table. It works. But a 1/4 collet is less likely to slip. And a 1/2 collet is substantially less likely to slip than a 1/4.

[Bill White]

Go with the 1/2" bits. You'll be happy.
Bill

[Cary Falk]

https://www.amazon.com/Whiteside-Router-Bits-6400-Diameter/dp/B0012JG9QM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1477165833&sr=8-1&keywords=1%2F4+router+bit+collet
And start buying 1/2" shank bits

[Andrew J. Coholic]

I had a few early 90's era Elu routers (still going strong) that were indeed replaced by DeWalt, after B&D discontinued their industrial line, and started promoting the yellow stuff. Sadly, much of the stuff made to look identical to the Elu wasn't made nearly as well (had a few of Elu's other tools as well, and the newer DeWalt versions).

I know with the larger plunge routers, the collets are not the same even though the routers otherwise look identical. So, I'd be careful.

As an aside, B&D made a rack and pinion adjustment router way back as well. We had two in the shop when I was a little kid in the 70's. I had bought an Elu one exactly like that in about 92, and its still going strong (although the bearings have been replaced a few times). I doubt the newer DeWalt stuff will last nearly as long.

[Mark Wooden]

Good router, I have the B&D identical twin. the rack and pinion adjustment is great, wish a few of my other routers had it. I have a split collet adaptor that works fine, handy to have but rarely use it as most of my bits are 1/2". You'll like the heavier shanks bits- WAYYY less vibration and chatter and there are a lot more industrial grade bits available in 1/2" shank

[Bill Conerly]

Thanks everyone for you advice.

I bought a 1/2 to 1/4 reducer, which didn't fit. I had been assuming 1/2. As best I can measure, my collet is a little over 3/8. I don't have any 3/8 router shanks to try, so just for giggles I tried putting a 3/8 shank drill bit in. I was unable to tighten the collet.

So what do you think I have? Could this be metric, at about 10 mm?

Thanks.

[Walter Plummer]

I think it will be 12MM about 15/32". I think they use 6mm,8mm, and 12mm.

[glenn bradley]

A good reducer (http://www.carbideprocessors.com/router-collet-reducer-1-2-od-1-4-id-southeast-tool-se6400/?gclid=CIism-mM8c8CFQIoaQod1SYNdg) will do fine. As mentioned, when your bits get beyond a resharpening I would replace them with 1/2" shank bits and enjoy the better cut.

[Curt Harms]

A good reducer (http://www.carbideprocessors.com/router-collet-reducer-1-2-od-1-4-id-southeast-tool-se6400/?gclid=CIism-mM8c8CFQIoaQod1SYNdg) will do fine. As mentioned, when your bits get beyond a resharpening I would replace them with 1/2" shank bits and enjoy the better cut.

Maybe not if the collet is 12 mm :) (1/2"=12.7 mm). One trick I recall when using bushings is to align the slots in the router's collet with the slots in the bushing.

[glenn bradley]

Maybe not if the collet is 12 mm :) (1/2"=12.7 mm). One trick I recall when using bushings is to align the slots in the router's collet with the slots in the bushing.


Thanks Curt, I missed post #9 ;-)

[Terry Beadle]

When I bought my Elu, it came with both 1/4 and 1/2 cullets.
You should be able to buy one from some one. Maybe on the net that shall be unnamed.

Re the difference in performance of 1/2 vs 1/4 cullets...the 1/2 gets my vote big time. It is just a whole lot more stout than the 1/4 in bits.

The Elu is a really good router until BD got it's wallet and not quality involved IMO.

Enjoy the shavings!

[Dave Cav]

Another vote for 1/2" router bits. The only 1/4" bits I use any more are small straight and trim cutters in compact routers.