Hey folks -
I’m running some simple pocketing cuts and the end mill and the retaining nut are both hot to the touch.
I’m assuming this is friction and not chips - faster speed? Slower feed? Something too tight somewhere?
I never feel like I have the router in at the right torque (even when installed with a torque wrench - there were torque settings somewhere on this site).
A little more detail would probably help folks diagnose the root cause.
There is a sweet spot for chip load when cutting. The chip needs to be big enough to carry out the heat. Too small of a chip load and you have more rubbing (i.e. friction) than you can carry the heat away. Others on here are more experts on chip load optimization, but they will need what type of bit (how many flutes etc) , RPM, stepover, and speed. There are calculators out there to help figure this out, but there are some decent rules of thumb if you provide the details. Also, the material you are cutting and cut depth might be helpful.
Again the experts will need a little more info, but they should be able to give you some decent recommendations.
John
Edit: reread your post… do you think its spinning in the collet? My experience is if it is not tight enough the bit will be pulled out or into the collet (for up or downcut bits).
Hey - thanks for the reply.
Most recently it was plywood (test cutting). Everything between 1/8” to 120 deg v bit all were hot.
It’s cutting sharply so while I think it was a good question, I’m not sure that’s the problem.
The chips look reasonable - it’s not a fine dust nor are they big chunks with the router bogging down.
I am using a Makita router and using proper RPMs based upon cutting tool manufacturer specs.
I was wondering more if this is some kind of indication that the router is too snug or something?
I’ve always wanted to get a square spindle and bolt it on vs clamping on a router :-/
Does the shaft spin freely?
If you chuck up a small tool which you can verify has minimal runout and then run the unit for a period of time is it then cool to the touch? Or does it become hot when there is no load?
How much time on the router? I see you have been here about 9 years, folks have seen issues with router bearings wearing out. Again, I don’t have personal experience but it is a thing to check. (the run out test WIllAdams indicated will give you some idea I think)
John
Try running it with no load for a few minutes, then check to see of it’s hot around the bottom bearing. If you have a bad bearing, it may be that the heat is coming from the router rather than the bit.
I haven’t gotten back to this folks, but I’m HOPING to get back out there tonight and try again.
