I just put together my lead 1010 with the ER11 spindle kit this weekend! I'm super excited. However, when I tried to put my new Sharkbit 1/4" end mill into the collet, it wouldn't fit in, at least without a huge amount of strength. NOTE. I'm a long time woodworker and I own 3 routers, so I'm not without some significant experience. I know the ER11 comes with 4 collets and unless it was mismarked I was using the 1/4" collet. Two of us tried inserting the bit and neither of us could make it fit with the collet and nut installed in the spindle. The only way we made it fit was to insert the collet then with a LOT of work get the bit into the collet, Then with a ton of upward presure get the collet nut to barely screw onto the spindle. I was really afraid we didn't have enough of the nut threaded to keep it from stripping before it got a good grip. I did try with one of my older 1/4" bits and was a LITTLE easier, but still quite a bit of work. I'm stumped. Any ideas........ thanks!
Did you correctly install the collet into the nut first? They do work a little different from woodworking collets that you slide into the taper first, then add the nut. ERxx collets needs to be clipped into the nut first. and more on https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=er11+install+collet "Then with a ton of upward presure get the collet nut to barely screw onto the spindle" Sounds like the collet was not flush with the nut face - ie not clipped in - thus taking up space where the threads would have allowed more engagement "we didn't have enough of the nut threaded to keep it from stripping before it got a good grip" - yes you can easily strip the shaft so double check the workflow please
Peter, thank you for the quick response. After viewing the video, it is clear that the collet definitely works differently than the collets on my other traditional woodworking routers. I think this will probably take care of my issues. I'll be in the shop in a few hours and can't wait to take my next steps. cheers....Ray
