What is the best way to change router bits

[MetropolisCNC]

I use a Rigid router in my machine.

Anyone have any suggestions (besides a tool changer) to manually change the bits from 1/4 to 1/8" and still maintain a good tolerance?

My current method of jogging off home changing bits and the returning home to align the bit works fairly well, but I'm hoping there is a better way than eye-balling it.

Thanks,

Matt

[jeffmorris]

Raise the router, change bits, and lower the router. Don't jog off X and Y home positions.

[Boots]

Make a tube and plug it on one end. Have it the length you want your tool to hang out of the collet. Loosen collet nut change tools and insert tube over tool hold to the Collet and tighten. All tools will be the same length as you use them in this manner.

[johnmac]

Boots, thanks for that idea! i like it!

John

[ger21]

Originally Posted by Boots Make a tube and plug it on one end. Have it the length you want your tool to hang out of the collet. Loosen collet nut change tools and insert tube over tool hold to the Collet and tighten. All tools will be the same length as you use them in this manner.

As long as they are similar in length to start with. If the bits are ~1" different in overall length, this most likely won't work.

[Cartierusm]

What Think and Tinker does, if you order it that way, is press on a bushing to the same height on all of them. So If I change bits as long as it's all the way up against the collet it's perfect. You could call them and see if they have any for 1/4" and how you would go about setting them. BTW the bushing is plastic.