Almost ruined a router bit because I forgot to check the collet nut tightness

I was running a dovetail jig at the community shop in Portland last Wednesday and the bit started wobbling halfway through a drawer side. If I hadn't stopped quick, it could've thrown the workpiece or snapped the bit. Has anyone else had a close call from just not doing a quick tighten check before starting?

2 comments

2 Comments

charles_wilson12d ago

My buddy Rick at the woodshop near Salem had a 1/2 inch spiral bit walk out on him. He was cutting a deep groove in some walnut and heard this awful screech. The collet was loose, bit dropped about a quarter inch and gouged a line right through his template. Cost him a new bit and a ruined project piece.

andrew_nguyen6412d ago

Cost him a new bit and a ruined project piece" Sheesh, that's a brutal way to learn the collet trick.