Any way to convert 1/4 router to 1/2 router?

[sawdustman]

The other day I took advantage of a sale at Rockler's and purchased a dovetail machine. It came with 1/2 inch router bits and all of the routers I own have 1/4 inch chucks. Is there something I can purchase that will let me convert the 1/4 inch chuck to hold a 1/2 inch router bit? I've got too many of the 1/4 inch routers to justify purchasing yet another one. If you know of what I can do, please let me know what I need and who sells it.

Thanks,

Sawdustman
East Texas

[dvk53]

I have read that you can get an insert for the chuck, but I don't know where you can get it. I would check with Rockler.

DK

[reible]

Hi,

I have seen this question on other forums and the answer has always been no they don't make such a thing. Sorry.

However you might check to see if they sell a bit in the smaller shank that has the same critical dimensions.

Or maybe it is time to get a router that can use the 1/4" shank bits and one that uses the 1/2". The newest "deal, no deal" mailing from Rockler had a Hitachi combo kit for a good price (I have 3 of these already or I might have gone for the deal). BTW you can not have too many routers... I have 10 so far and that is not a bit over kill for router users.

Ed

[robrmcc]

You might want to check the site below. They have a lot of router stuff although I have not seen a 1/4 to 1/2 inch adapter.


http://www.eagleamerica.com/search.asp?ss=collets

[sawdustman]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I was afraid that the answer is that they don't make one and I'm feeling that's just it. Guess I'm going to have to get me a 1/2 inch router for my birthday coming up. On second thought that's not until September. Well, I'll probably buy it before then. Ha Ha

Sawdustman
East Texas

[martinjrichter]

Your problem is you need a 1/2 inch collette. Check with the manufactures of your other machines to see if they sell 1/2 inch collette for your model. The collette shouldn't be that expensive if they make them.

[justwoodworking]

Router design makes it impossible to convert a router made for only 1/4" bits to using 1/2" bits since the collet is max size at 1/4". Most, maybe all, 1/2" routers include a 1/4 converter, and I have one that also included a 3/8" shank converter, because there is no problem in inserting these smaller converters into a LARGER collet. Even some of the older 1/2" routers were sold with these converters--which is why I jumped on getting one rather than even looking at routers that are limited to 1/4" only. I do have a small one for, obviously, smaller work/hand-held operations.

[fjimp]

I recently purchased a 1/2 Porter Cable Model 890 router. Then found 1/4" and 3/8" chucks for it online online. It works great with my SS router table. Mine came with both standard and plunge base. I love it. Jim P.