Getting bits out of water-cooled spindle

Questions/answers/discussion about initial setup of your CNC Shark

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TD On The Hill
Posts: 6
Joined: Fri Jul 13, 2018 6:31 pm

Getting bits out of water-cooled spindle

Post by TD On The Hill »

Hi friends,

Any secrets to removing bits from the spindle? I loosen the collet, but the internal part stays tight. I'm using the correct collet insert, 1/4" for 1/4" bits. Getting the bit out tends to require more encouragement (with more accidental finger slices) than I'd like. I want to avoid marring any surfaces, and I also want to avoid moving the spindle out of position during bit changes. Other than using gloves and prying it out with other tools, does anyone have a good method? Has anyone else experience this?

Thanks!

I'm using the Shark HD4 extended with water-cooled spindle.

Barry Anderson
Posts: 52
Joined: Sun Dec 21, 2014 9:55 pm

Re: Getting bits out of water-cooled spindle

Post by Barry Anderson »

When I first got my water cooled spindle from NWA, I had the same problem. I would have to force the bits out. I wound up buying another collett. It has made life much easier. Still use the original one from time to time.
Barry Anderson
Anderson Custom Woodwork, Inc.

henry raymond
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Jul 08, 2018 3:33 pm

Re: Getting bits out of water-cooled spindle

Post by henry raymond »

I am having the same issue.

TD On The Hill
Posts: 6
Joined: Fri Jul 13, 2018 6:31 pm

Re: Getting bits out of water-cooled spindle

Post by TD On The Hill »

I will be buying another collet. Which one did you buy?

My workaround: I noticed when taking the tightening nut off, that the collet seems to sit at a slight angle. Some gentle tapping on the shaft of the bit on the high side (the part of the collet that is further into spindle) helps it release.

Thanks!

Barry Anderson
Posts: 52
Joined: Sun Dec 21, 2014 9:55 pm

Re: Getting bits out of water-cooled spindle

Post by Barry Anderson »

It has been a couple of years so I can't remember I ordered it through my local woodworking tool/supply store.
Barry Anderson
Anderson Custom Woodwork, Inc.

rbuckner
Posts: 12
Joined: Sun Aug 12, 2018 1:21 pm
Location: Howell,michigan

Re: Getting bits out of water-cooled spindle

Post by rbuckner »

already a very helpful group. I was about to post this question

Queueyou
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2018 8:04 am

Re: Getting bits out of water-cooled spindle

Post by Queueyou »

I found that the collet that was installed in the spindle LOOKED like it was a 1/4 inch, but it was not. Yes you can fight and get a 1/4" in there, but inside the box with the spindle was a 1/8 and a 1/4 labelled in tiny little boxes. I changed to the one labelled 1/4" and my bits now fit exactly like they should with zero issue. The one that was in there originally looked right, but when comparing to the 1/4", it seems a little thicker on the metal.

Superwrench
Posts: 6
Joined: Wed Nov 07, 2018 10:44 am

Re: Getting bits out of water-cooled spindle

Post by Superwrench »

My original collet was marked with a "6", 6mm?? I took it out and installed the 1/4" marked collet.

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