Removing The Cutter Bit From Plunge Base; Collet/Nut Care - Craftsman 320.27683 Operator's Manual

5. Place the wrench on the collet/nut, and turn it counter-clockwise to loosen
collet/nut slightly to accept the cutter bit shank.
6. Insert the cutter bit shank into the collet/nut assembly as far as it will go,
then back the shank out until the cutters are approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch
away from the face of the collet/nut (Fig. 3a).
NOTE: To ensue proper gripping of cutter bit shank and minimize run-out, the
shank of the cutter bit must be inserted into the collet/nut at least 5/8 inch.
7. With the cutter bit inserted and the spindle-lock button pressed in to engage
the shaft, place the wrench on the collet/nut and turn it clockwise until the
router cutter bit and the collet/nut are firmly tightened.
A_, WARNING: Tighten the collet/nut securely to prevent the cutter bit from
slipping. If the collet/nut is not securely tightened, the cutter bit may detach
during use, causing serious personal injury.
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the tool, do not tighten the collet/nut without a
cutter bit installed.
REMOVING THE CUTTER BIT FROM PLUNGE BASE
1. Turn the router motor off and unplug the router from the power source.
2. Remove the router motor from the base.
3. Place the router motor upside down on its top cap, with the collet/nut
pointing up.
4. Press the spindle-lock button to engage and lock the spindle shaft and the
collet/nut (Fig.6).
5. Place the wrench on the collet/nut and turn it counterclockwise to slightly
loosen collet/nut.
6. Remove the cutter-bit shank (Fig. 6a).
NOTE: The collet/nut is self-releasing; it is not necessary to strike the collet/nut
to free the router cutting bit. If the cutting bit seems stuck after use, loosen the
collet/nut a little more until it releases.
COLLET/NUT CARE
From time to time, inspect the collet/nut to make sure that it is clean and that it
is gripping the cutter bit properly.
With the router cutter bit removed, engage the spindle-lock and turn the collet/
nut counter-clockwise until it is free from the motor spindle shaft.
Blow the collet out with compressed air, and clean the tapered inside of the
collet/nut with a tissue or a fine brush.
Always make sure that the cutter bit shank, collet/nut and motor spindle are
clean and free of woodchips, dust, residue, grease and rust before installing.
Apply a small amount of machine oil to the spindle shaft if it looks dry.
Replace worn or damaged collets/nuts immediately.
NOTE: The collet/nut is self-releasing; it is not necessary to strike the collet/nut
to free the router cutter bit. If cutter bit seems to be stuck after use, loosen the
collet/nut a little more until it release.
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