I have the Gen 2 80mm Redline Spindle. I was using a bowl bit and I didnt seat it deep enough in the 1/4 collet to try to get to the depth I wanted (1") and well the bit flew out and the collet was bent (also if anyone has advice or links on bowl bits that would be great). Anyways, that lead me to buying a bunch of backup collets, all sizes. I used 2 vendors. I am not going to name the names because one was high end and one was through amazon and had high reviews. They all looked great from both until I looked at the 1/8 collets. I attached the bottom (bed facing) and top (into the spindle) photos. The top, one looks smaller and the other is super large which makes me question the quality? On all the others, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 etc the top pretty much matches the bottom, but not on the 1/8. Hopefully this makes sense.
All the collets fit the shank size at the bottom and are large facing up towards the motor.
The WORST thing you can do is not full seat the bit in the collet - it has to be in there to the correct deth and clamped tightly - as you found out, it can and will eject itself and can do considerable damage
Bits have a few specific parameters, but one is typically OAL or OverAll Length - the same bit may come in 2", 2 1/4" and 2 1/2" OAL lengths - specifcally for this type of situation.
You didn’t specify you exact situation or whether or not lowering the Z slider down a hole may help or if you need the reach from the collet.
This bit is 2.5" long - 1/4" Ball Nose Router Bit - AstraHP Coated for 2x-3x life!
same bit here is 4" long - https://bitsbits.com/product/xl14-420c/
This is a 1/2" shank - but 6" long - https://bitsbits.com/product/bitsbits-560-fm500-foam-cutter-cnc-router-bit/
Other bit manufacturers offer stuff along the same lines…
Thank you for the reply! It helped me a ton.
Makes me think… would either the collet or the bit be a 6mm in size? instead of 1/4"?
with so many Chinese bits and collets on the market and barely visible markings on either of them, it may be possible?
I use those ER11s almost every day and there are instances where I put 6mm bit in 1/4" collet and see the tightening difference/force right away. Just my 2 cents…
I’ve used this bowl bit on several projects and it worked well in pine and has a nice long reach. Yet to try it on other materials. - SpeTool 3/4 Dia 1/4 Inch SHK 3" Long Bowl & Tray Carbide Tip Router Bit
That is a 70mm (2 3/4") bit - that is a ton of mass hanging out there for 1/4" shank - BUT - if you need the reach - it could be a possibilty - be sure to keep it chucked up TIGHT