Makita RT0701C Collets/Endmills

[wz9v]

I just got one of these to mount on my Shapeoko, it came with a 1/4 collet. I saw in the manual a 3/16 collet is available, does anyone know of 1/8 options for collets on this Makita?

Would I be better off letting my 1/8 endmills go and getting some 1/4 ones instead?

I was originally planning to use a Chinese 400W spindle with ER11 so I have the metric 1/8 set from DRILLMAN1 on eBay.

[WillAdams]

The wiki lists a 1/8" collet reducer ``which fits w/ some filing'': http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic ... 658#p12658 and there's also: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015YL1WQ (I'm using a plainer / simpler reducer (from MLCS) in my Harbor Freight 1/4" Trim Router w/o any difficulties thus far, but my expectations at this price point are pretty low)

I really wish this sort of thing were more standardized at the lower price points, and I am sorely tempted to get a lathe just to turn some custom collets myself.

I'm surprised that the Precise Bits folks haven't stepped up to the plate to make one.

[wz9v]

I had found that one, but I was hoping for more of a PreciseBits or Makita type of solution.

I'm with you, it seems like it wouldn't be that hard to just put an ER11or similar end on them, seems like all the eBay spindles go that route.

[TDA]

Was talking to WZ9V about this in PM but I'll repeat it here.

We looked at making collets for this router at the same time we were looking at the Dewalt 611. The problem is the design of the collet. There is very little clamping area. Basically only the bottom area with the cone will properly collapse to hold the tool. The angle is also an issue as it leaves little margin for error (machining it also becomes a pain). Basically we don't think that even if we did make one that it could consistently hold good runout numbers.

Don't get me wrong it looks like a decent unit other than that. And I would love to have a good solution for this router. But that currently doesn't seem possible.

[dmytty]

Was talking to WZ9V about this in PM but I'll repeat it here.

We looked at making collets for this router at the same time we were looking at the Dewalt 611. The problem is the design of the collet. There is very little clamping area. Basically only the bottom area with the cone will properly collapse to hold the tool. The angle is also an issue as it leaves little margin for error (machining it also becomes a pain). Basically we don't think that even if we did make one that it could consistently hold good runout numbers.

Don't get me wrong it looks like a decent unit other than that. And I would love to have a good solution for this router. But that currently doesn't seem possible.

As you now sell these collets for the Makita, could you please follow up on your comments about the difficulties associated with this router?

Does the TIR match the Dewalt?

[WillAdams]

TDA is w/ Precise Bits. It’s Elaire Corp. that sells the Makita collet. AFAIK they don’t have a rep here.

[clockit]

TDA is w/ Precise Bits. It’s Elaire Corp. that sells the Makita collet. AFAIK they don’t have a rep here.

I use the one from Elaire for my Makita, works well... I'd recommend and buy again if need be... However, it is $25 but thankfully a one time purchase...

[WillAdams]

Annoyingly, the Makita replacement collet (763637-1) is even more expensive than the precision one:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-1-4-i ... /205147389 ($28.80 as of this writing)

(DAMWIHTLTU)

$29.95 on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Makita-763637-1-C ... B00080BJRA

$19.44 from AceTool: http://www.acetoolonline.com/Makita-Too ... 3637-1.htm (shipping seems to be free via UPS)

Given all that, buying MRP-2500 1/4" for $21.50 from http://www.elairecorp.com/makitaroutercollets.html seems the best choice.

[Hans]

You sure know how to acronym, Will