Router collet extention

[Keye]

While shopping for a router bit I ran across a router bit extension. I had never seen one before. It would solve my problem of not having a plunge base.

Anyone ever use one of these. Would it be safe to use with a Porter Cable 690 1.75 hp router with a 1/2" shank 1.5 diameter flattening bit.

 

[chris_goris]

There is a reason they are so rare, I would steer clear of extending the shaft length, ESPECIALLY with a large cutter like that!. Any runout or imbalance is exponentially amplified and could go bad real fast.

 

[Woodmolds]

"bit extension on a 1.75 hp router with a 1/2" shank 1.5 diameter flattening bit."

Yea, that would be a No.

 

[junquecol]

With the 690, you can replace the sub base with a shop made base, which the collet could extend thru, giving you the most cutting depth. I bought an extension years ago, but never used it. Don't remember what project I needed it on. Remember as length of bit increases, lateral forces on lower bearing go up exponentially.

 

[Keye]

How about a 1/2" dado bit taking a cut of 1/16", or less, on each pass

 

[jpmcn]

I have an extension that I purchased many years ago from MLCS. Tried it once and it vibrated so bad that I have not used it since.

 

[Keye]

Thanks to all. I have ordered a plunge base for my router.

 

[Gboot]

I second James experience, tried it once, scary.

 

[Graywolf]

Simple answer, don’t do it.

 

[cyclopentadiene]

My number 1 rule. If it is looks dangerous, do not try it!

 

[Mike Wilkins]

Had a tool dealer talk me out of purchasing one. That should tell you something.
Explanation was the difficulty of getting the attachment centered properly so you could eliminate run-out.