Getting bits out of water-cooled spindle

[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]

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.

[henry raymond]

I am having the same issue.

[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]

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

[rbuckner]

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

[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]

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