Proper Bit Depth in Router Collet | Tricks of the Trade

Much has been written and discussed over the years about how far into a router's collect a router bit should be inserted. Let's take a look at the right answer and learn why it is the correct answer! Getting it right can save you a scary experience!
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[@halsonger1317]

I've been told for a long time never to bottom out a router bit when installing it. This is the first explanation for that practice that I've seen. Excellent information!

[@jamesbarros950]

Thank you. This helped me solve both my collets and bits getting stuck, and at the same time not being steady. You've probably saved me a finger here, or at least some wood.

[@grampacross7386]

Sounds like a much safer way to go about it also. Us newbies need to know this kind of stuff. Thank you!

[@kenmcf]

Thanks love the close-up details. I wanted a refresher as I have not used my router for quite a while.

[@MultiTom1956]

Thanks for a very important info. 😊

[@yahyabnhamza9217]

I really learn a lot by watching this video..
At first I was kind of confused don't even know where to start from, but with this, I'm well satisfied.
Thank u.

[@jeanine6492]

One video told us it was because the router bit will get hot and expand but this makes more sense to me. It’s nice to now the why behind doing things I think, so thank you for the visual explanation. More tips like this would be great.

[@dtzWill]

For what it's worth the manual for my trim router (ryobi p601) specifically says its to allow for expansion due to heat:
www.manualslib.com/manual/1520307/Ryobi-P601.html?page=6#manual
That's not to say that's the only reason of course! :)

[@wb_finewoodworking]

Excellent tip.

[@jmoney4451]

Very helpful!! Thank you.

[@Trek4Truth]

I have worked with routers for over 40 years and never knew why I had to keep the bit up a 1/16 ", go figure. thanks

[@neopsycho4413]

Perfect video, thank you good sir

[@timsharr5436]

very helpful video !!!

[@AeroconX]

It didn’t make sense to me that backing off a 1/16” would solve the issue of higher clamping pressure at the rear of the collet. The collet would still grip the rear end of the bit shank before the collet neck engaged.
And so I jumped down the rabbit hole.
My first google search took me to the collet Wikipedia page where is states “The "ER" collet system, developed and patented by Rego-Fix in 1973”. Turns out Rego-Fix is still alive and well. In fact their documentation, as well as many others, recommend the tool bit be placed the full length of the collet. Quote “Insert tool the full length of the collet for best results if possible. However never insert tool less than 2/3 of the collet bore length.”
This was sufficient for me to conclude this video is a wise-tale myth. If you’d like to dig further I’d recommend looking into the 1973 patent lol.

[@johnparkinson2774]

Yes my brain was not accepting this either . Another RUclipsr suggested it was because the collet pulls bit in as it tightens . One thing we all know ,the bits get really hot so it will expand.

[@Ziplock9000]

Makes perfect sense. Thanks

[@jhenry4948]

How deep in inches are most plunge router collets? Trying to figure how out how much is the maximum mortise depth for my 4” length plunge router bit?

[@uglybobhere]

Thanks

[@rogerleclercq7127]

Somerfield Recommends using a rubber grommet at the bottom which allows your matched bits to always be at the perfect height when changing bits.

[@martinluthierking]

like at the bottom of the collet hole?

[@chubalongchar71]

Can we change 6.35mm collet with 8mm?

[@michaelmcdonough1989]

I put an O-ring at the bottom of the collect. That prevents the bit from bottoming out.

[@popularwoodworking]

Excellent suggestion!

[@robshively1708]

@@popularwoodworking Marc Sommerfeld recommends putting a rubber grommet - like the kind used to protect wires from the sharp edges of a sheet metal circuit box - at the bottom of the collet. The grommet compresses when the collet is tightened but springs back to it original shape when loosened. It ensures a good collet grip and height-matched router bits like those for a cope and stick frames seat uniformly at the same height, every time. I have no connection with Sommerfeld. Just giving credit where credit is due. I think you can see RUclips videos of him doing this.

[@hinduspl]

Theres also indication line on most of bits thats represent the place of depth you should go. Not in all bits but on most of them for sure. You will not get your bit on waranty if you will break that bit because of inproper mount line. Thanks for the video.

[@manzerasobrado6045]

What collet size for 12mm router machine? What brand of collet

[@user-hg7ws3fy9u]

Hello I have router 1300w Bosch how to reduce 1/4to1/8

[@BDJappe]

More of these kind of vids please! We noobs buy tools without knowing jack about it. I bought a router with tons of attachments I thought I needed. But there’s a contraption with gears and a belt. It looks like something that will likely never be used. I don’t know what the heck it’ supposed to be, or even how to instal the bloody thing on my router. My balls are to big yet not big enough to go back to the store and ask.

[@hubzo1]

Offset base for getting into corners?

[@stephenrichie4646]

So that’s why!

[@user-hg7ws3fy9u]

Hi