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| Troubleshooting |
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Tool Breakage
Excerpts from the Amana Tool catalog technical information page. |
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There are two main causes of tool breakage. Vibration and wear. Here are a few suggestions to help you get the most tool life and cut down on breakage.
First, never let a tool get too dull. Heat has probably the most damaging effect on the cutting edge. Once a tool starts to get dull heat increases on the cutting edge softening the edge allowing it to dull even faster. This dull edge increases the torque required to penetrate the material putting more pressure on the bit eventually causing it to snap. Cutting tools that are properly sharpened and maintained will cut faster, better and longer, and will be safer to use. In addition, less horsepower is required (both machine and operator) when sharp tools are used. Second, tool vibration is the other leading cause of breakage. Proper collet condition is of extreme importance. Worn, scored or out-of-round router collets do not provide adequate holding power and will increase run-out and vibration. Multiply these factors by the router R.P.M. (22,000 and greater) and you will realize why we must emphasize the importance of proper collet condition. Dark marks or grooves in the router bit shank usually indicate slippage and a worn collet, which should be replaced immediately. Router bits should always be completely inserted into the collet and backed off slightly (approx. 1/16"). Never partially insert the bit into the collet. Always use the shortest cutting edge available that will meet the requirements of your application. Excessive cutting edge length and/or overall length compounds vibration and deflection - a leading cause of tool breakage. Always use the correct size collet for your router and avoid using reducing sleeves or bushings. Reducers only add to vibration and run-out, and they do not provide the necessary holding capabilities as with a collet alone.
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