I recently purchased the Erbauer ERB380ROU 2100W router from Screwfix. Whilst it's not top-end, it seems a reasonable router for the price. However, the one big problem I have found with it is that the 1/2" to 1/4" collet adapter doesn't grip 1/4" router cutters very firmly. They appear to be secure, but as soon as you power it up, the cutter comes loose (and could be dangerous!). I bought a third party collet adapter which I think is marginally better, but still not great. What I think it needs is a dedicated 1/4" collet (not an adapter). As the 1/2" collet appears to be "trapped" within the supplied collet nut, it would also need a new nut for the 1/4" collet. Does anyone know if such collet/nut assemblies are a standard fit/thread and, if so, can anyone recommend a suitable one for this router? Thanks in advance for any advice.
Thanks for your considered replies gents... Given that I already have the router, I was hoping for something a little more helpful.
Apologies for being flippant.I have a small Makita router,which has 1/4 & 3/8 collets. I must confess that I have never used a 3/8 router bit. If you have only recently purchased the router, then chuck it back to Screwfix if you are not happy with it & buy something else.
Take it back, buy a decent brand like the Makita RP0900X come with 1/4" & 3/8" collect can be found around £135 or less, come with 3 year warenty, need to register for it. Can be found for good price with a bit of searching. http://www.its.co.uk/pd/RP0900XB-Ma...RP0900XB.htm?gclid=CJHpoK7Lg8cCFUoCwwodHMYN5g
Thanks Malkie and KIAB. I did look at the Makita, but am intrigued by the 3/8" collet. I already have an old Bosch 1/4" but it's only 600W. I understood (perhaps wrongly) that I needed a 1/2" router for 38mm worktops (and also somewhere in the region of 2000W of power). I've never come across 3/8" router cutters and with only 900W of power, that's why I discounted the Makita. I agree, at £135, it would be a good alternative to what I bought, but only if it can do what I need of it.
Certianly do need 1/2" router for worktop, mainly for the power, length of cutter & it's diameter, but as you made no mention in 1st post about routing worktop, then we didn't know your needs. Quite a range of 8mm routing bits available, I prefer them, due to increased shank diameter, compared to 1/4".