Torque specs???

[mt1ss]

I've had some "Slippage" of bits in the collets. No I am not mixing SAE with METRIC.  I bought some new collets & bits for experimentation.  Seems the

common denominator is collet nut torque.   If I'm not cranking down hard I get slippage.  I'm afraid to gorilla it on fear I could damage something.  Anybody have an idea of torque specs?      I'm also a bit anal on cleaning so I also have to ask is it OK to ultrasound clean and use a light machine oil for lube?

[stevem]

Are you talking about cleaning the router bits using ultrasound and then using a lite oil to coat them?
As for tightening the collet to the bits, I use two hand to tighten till I get the wrenches close together then use one hand to finish tightening.
There should be no oil on the collet or bit while they are being used.
I had bought a set of collets that were supposed to be SAE, but I don't think they really were. The set cost about $35 for a set of 10. I did have some slippage with the 1/4" collet unless I really cranked down on them. Recently, I purchased a set from Precise bits and they work great.
They also had the collet nuts and I got a few of those as well. The collet nuts were much nicer than the one that came with the spindle.
I have had my machine for about 18 months now and can say I have only had bit slippage twice. I really don't think you can over tighten them but it may be possible.
I am sure others will chime in here and provide you with more advise.

[gerry]

Yup.... Get some good collets and collet nuts from someplace like Precise Bits or Techniks. It will solve a lot of problems, and keep others from happening. DO NOT but the generic Chinese stuff. Junk. Pay your money and buy a good set, They will last a long time. 1/2", 1/4", and 1/8" is a very good starter set.

[mt1ss]

I bought 2 sets SAE & Metric. Techniks and they weren't cheap. I'm fine for buying quality . Also redid my bit set bought from Drillman on eBay.

Still wondering what the spec is for tightening torque? Axiom?

[stevem]

I don't think there is a set torque setting. I have never read of one. Perhaps if you were to call Precise Bits and ask, they may give you a torque number, but I have never seen one on their site. I also don't know anyone who has used a torque wrench to tighten the bits in a collet.

[gerry]

Feb 4, 2019 15:58:18 GMT -5 stevem said:

I don't think there is a set torque setting. I have never read of one. Perhaps if you were to call Precise Bits and ask, they may give you a torque number, but I have never seen one on their site. I also don't know anyone who has used a torque wrench to tighten the bits in a collet.

+1

[Gary Campbell]

A quick Google search for "ER collet torque" returned this: www.techniksusa.com/metal/torque_chart.htm

[johnb]

Thank You, Gary
To distill that info down a little, it's 59 ft lbs for either hex or slotted ER-20 collets > 1/16"
The torque wrench adapter for a slotted ER-20 is 04580-20
A quick Google search shows that the prices are all over the map on that adapter...
Freight is high on all these vendors (note that this item is not one of the Southeast Tool products on which usroutertools.com offers free shipping for a combined order > $100)

[joeblow]

Good info. I like it.

Gary's link to techniksusa led me to see what else they have. Never visited that site and found this to be interesting...

www.techniksusa.com/wood/dustcover.htm

Do any of you use a dustcover or similar? 

Running my machine full-time and with the amount of dust/chips that packs in there this seems really good.  Definitely already in the habit of every bit change removing the collet and nut to blow out with compressed air. 

This thread has me convinced on purchasing high quality collets and collet nut now.  I am strongly considering these dustcovers as well depending on the feedback here.

Thanks for any info.

[mt1ss]

Gary comes thru as usual. Those are the collets I bought. That much torque is pretty tough but not tough as umbilical cord closeout bolts. Took literally 2 men and a boy for them.... but I digress...