Castle pocket hole bit

[Mitch schiffer]

I recently picked up a tsm21 pocket hole machine and I needed a replacement bit. I ordered the one that was recommended which has a 3/8 shak however the machine has a 1/2" collet. Im having a hard time finding a 3/8 roughing mill with a 1/2 shank that is short enough to work. Am I missing something or do I have the wrong collet?

[Kevin Jenness]

It appears a Porter Cable 3/8" collet is no longer available and you may have to use a bushing https://castleusa.com/products/d50038-porter-cable-3-8-collet-assy-6902-discontinued.html

I use a downcut spiral endmill from Vortex in my PC 552 which cuts far more cleanly than an upcut, especially cross grain.

[Bill Dufour]

Lots of hits for endmills. Would a two flute endmill work? HSS or solid carbide?
BILL D.
https://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=5146

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Yonico-3-8-in-Dia-x-1-2-in-Carbide-2-Flute-Upcut-Spiral-End-Mill-Shank-Solid-CNC-Router-Bit-31251-SC/306082149

[Mitch schiffer]

I was looking for a solid carbide i did find a couple but the overall length has to be 2 1/2" and I could only find a 3"

[Mitch schiffer]

Do you know of these machines came with a 3/8 collet new?

[Kevin Jenness]

Here's one with a 3/8" shank https://www.toolstoday.com/v-13209-46422.html?ref=isp_look_a_like&isp_ref_pos=5&isp_orig_product=264 that will work with an adapter https://www.toolstoday.com/v-5553-rb-122.html

I bought my PC 552 used with a 3/8" collet. I have used collet reducers many times in my cnc and hand-held routers - not ideal but they work. My cnc came with a PC 7500 series router with a set of collets from Think&Tinker https://www.precisebits.com/products/equipment/porter-cable_0429_kits.asp&filter=1. Expensive, but if you need a 3/8" collet they can supply one.

[Kevin Jenness]

Here's a 1/2" shank brazed carbide bit that should work. https://carbideprocessors.com/2-flute-straight-bit-3-8-dia-3-4-cut-length-1-2-shank-southeast-tool-se1061/ I don't think you will find any solid carbide bits with a larger shank than cutting diameter

[Rick Potter]

Yes they came with a 3/8" collet. A while back they switched from a PC router to Bosch. I imagine it was because of availability.

[Mitch schiffer]

I ordered a 3/8 collet on ebay that I'm hoping will fit thanks for the help.

[Bruce Wrenn]

It appears a Porter Cable 3/8" collet is no longer available and you may have to use a bushing https://castleusa.com/products/d50038-porter-cable-3-8-collet-assy-6902-discontinued.html

I use a downcut spiral endmill from Vortex in my PC 552 which cuts far more cleanly than an upcut, especially cross grain.


Elaire still makes and stocks a 3/8 collet for PC routers. Stock number PC3750, $15.95 + shipping and taxes