Ok, so I have the router with a 1/2" collet...Does this item allow me to use 1/4" bits? Where, if not here, can I find such a thing?
781670
"Does this item allow me to use 1/4" bits?"No.You need to buy a 1/4" Porter-Cable collet to use bits with a 1/4" shaft. 1/2" collet is for "pro grade" bits with a 1/2" shaft. 1/4" collet is for use with bit using 1/4" shaft.
781671
No, Router bits for1/2" has a larger diameter shaft/shank which is 1/2" and uses 1/2" collet. If you desire to use 1/4" router bit which has a 1/4" diameter shaft/shank, than you need to change the collet to accommodate a 1/4" bit. Is money well spend to have a 1/4" collet.
781672
I feel your pain... I think Porter Cable should have not been so cheap and included both sizes! Anyway, to answer your question, I bought the 1/4-inch collet on amazon, and I believe the shipping was free.
781673
Porter-Cable, Part #42999, is a 1/4" collet that should fit your router. Good for any 1/4" shank router bit. Amazon sells them.
781674
You need to order the 1/4 inch collet to use 1/4 inch bits which Porter Cable makes and you can buy on Amazon
781675
Short answer is yes - When I bought my router it had both a 1/4" and 1/2" collet. I lost the 1/4" collet and needed to replace it - so that I could use bits with a 1/4" shank.
781676
A 1/2" router can accept a 1/4" collet, not vise versa (as far as I know). Your router can use either a 1/4" or a 1/2" shank bit. You need the collet to make that happen. 1/2" shank router bits use the 1/2" collet. Unscrew the collet nut from the router and remove. Replace with the 1/4" collet and use your 1/4" shank router bit of choice. I have the same router and purchased the 1/4" collet from Amazon. Changing collets isn't difficult. It's like changing the nozzle on a water hose... or something like that.
781677
Porter-Cable 42999 1/4-Inch Self Releasing ColletDude that is what the sizes say you need a 1/4.
781678
No, you cannot use tool bits with 1/4" dia shanks in a 1/2" collet, you must use a 1/4" collet. Amazon sells a 1/4" collet that will fit in the same spindle recess as your 1/2" collet. I have used both.
781679
I ordered the 1/4 inch collet when I ordered the router. Works great. Router works great too.
188811
Not a good choice because you would break or have to utilize a number of the etch type bits to complete this heavier type job. Standard straight bit will cut, but take a lot to do it with the smaller bits!! Regular standard size bits and router for best and safest cutouts. Good Luck!
1638837
I own the Bosch 1617ews model that I use for the jig but, any will work except the small trim routers! Any router that you can mount and center the bits and guide bushings will work!! BTW: the router you purchase MUST accept a 1/2 inch shaft bit! That is the only important part! Don't be afraid to ask any further questions
1953622
What do you mean by "router base hole of 1 3/4 in"? You mean depth of hole? If so, the answer is yes, sure.
1335618
Bit works fine for me....I would suspect too deep a cut rather than the motor. Try several shallow cuts if you haven't tried this already.Note that I used a Porter Cable model 6912, which is 1 3/4 hp, same as the router power you used.Of course if the router vibrated before it touched wood then you have a balance problem. Unlikely.
389443
Disregard my previous answer. I have the Skil Router and thought that is what I was answering the question about. Sorry about the mix up. I have no idea what size shank the B&D; router takes but it should say in the description of the item.
179746
I consider anything with a 1/2" collet/bits more heavy duty than just a 1/4" collet/bits. I would not use the term excel as I would tend to go slower with multiple passes using this router with a 1/4" collet/bit assuming a 1/2" or greater dado. I have 3 routers and would not use this router for that cut. I love this router but primarily for trim and edge work.
365974
I use a set of Steelex D3725 Carbide Tipped Router Bit Set, 1/2-Inch, 24-Piece
1765270
Not 1/2 inch, but PreciseBit have a collet kit containing a 1/4, 3/16 and 1/8 sizes. Not up to 1/2".Carlos
2215430
The router lift makes changing bits so simple, I would recommend some sor t of lift. I have the kreg lift and the fine adjustment would not be possible without out , and changing bits are a breeze especially if you get a offset wrench .
251608
You take the base plate off of your router and mount this to it instead. I don't know about your router but mine has a huge open area with the base plate removed where you could use the very first hole of the jig. For the really small circles the pin would be inside the the open cavity of the router body and you wouldn't really see it well. You probably wouldn't be able to use any of the pin holes that fall directly under the body of the router itself. Yes there will be some of the pin holes that you cannot use with a particular router but I'm pretty sure you can step up to a larger bit to help make up for it. Take a closer look at your router and the picture of the jig here and it should make sense. You take the base plate off of your router and mount this to it instead. I don't know about your router but mine has a huge open area with the base plate removed where you could use the very first hole of the jig. For the really small circles the pin would be inside the the open cavity of the router body and you wouldn't really see it well. You probably wouldn't be able to use any of the pin holes that fall directly under the body of the router itself. Yes there will be some of the pin holes that you cannot use with a particular router but I'm pretty sure you can step up to a larger bit to... » Read More You take the base plate off of your router and mount this to it instead. I don't know about your router but mine has a huge open area with the base plate removed where you could use the very first hole of the jig. For the really small circles the pin would be inside the the open cavity of the router body and you wouldn't really see it well. You probably wouldn't be able to use any of the pin holes that fall directly under the body of the router itself. Yes there will be some of the pin holes that you cannot use with a particular router but I'm pretty sure you can step up to a larger bit to help make up for it. Take a closer look at your router and the picture of the jig here and it should make sense. « Show Less
389442
1/4" shank. actually amazon suggests only one size of bits for this router...
1843075
I wouldn't recommend it for doing that. You would be better served using a router with more power and a 1/2 inch bit. These only take quarter inch bit.
1522476
The included router bit and guide are really for square corner hinges not the kind with rounded corners (called 5/8"). For these you need to buy a 1 1/4" router bit (Porter Cable #43442) and the 1 35/64" O.D. template guide (Porter Cable #42048.)
1732460
It is a self releasing collet and it does work. After loosening the hex nut until it can be moved by hand, continue on and when it backs out to the retaining ring, use your wrench to loosen further and the bit will come loose. that is why the retaining ring is there. Do NOT push the bit down for any reason when removing it as this can cause the collet to seize. By all means do NOT push the empty collet down in the bore as it will get caught in the relief groove on the router and will have to be destroyed in order to get it out. be very careful in doing this as you can easily destroy the router. Hope this helps! It is a self releasing collet and it does work. After loosening the hex nut until it can be moved by hand, continue on and when it backs out to the retaining ring, use your wrench to loosen further and the bit will come loose. that is why the retaining ring is there. Do NOT push the bit down for any reason when removing it as this can cause the collet to seize. By all means do NOT push the empty collet down in the bore as it will get caught in the relief groove on the router and will have to be destroyed in order to get it out. be very careful in doing this as you can easily destroy the... » Read More It is a self releasing collet and it does work. After loosening the hex nut until it can be moved by hand, continue on and when it backs out to the retaining ring, use your wrench to loosen further and the bit will come loose. that is why the retaining ring is there. Do NOT push the bit down for any reason when removing it as this can cause the collet to seize. By all means do NOT push the empty collet down in the bore as it will get caught in the relief groove on the router and will have to be destroyed in order to get it out. be very careful in doing this as you can easily destroy the router. Hope this helps! « Show Less
1460565
I do not know about metric collets for this router. I suggest you go on the Porter Cable web site and see. It comes wqith 1/4" and 1/2" collets and that is what I always use, mostly 1/2" bits.
1102771
Melissa,The router bits I have are 1/2" shanks. If you've orders the entire system, it comes with these bits.