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This is a common problem with the small routers, so don't diss an individual brand when this happens. Now that I have used the PC 310 for over a year, the bits are not as hard to get out. It is not necessary.
It is not unusual for bits to stick in a new router. He was right. This is a good little router with a powerful motor and really simple and reliable controls.
Unfortunately, I had ruined several expensive bits before this using vice grips and pliers. I hope this post saves others some similar trouble. I had the same problem with my Porter Cable 310, another excellent router.
My cousin, a tool and die maker, told me to just tap the bit or collet nut lightly with a large drill bit and the bit should rattle out.
As you would expect from a small router, you can't push it too fast or remove too much material at a time, but its easy maneuverability makes up for those shortcomings. Safety concerns aside, this has the potential to wreck your bits and your router, since the motor really isn't designed to withstand the prying forces on the shaft.Another negative is that the router just comes in a cardboard box; no hard plastic case is included.
Some (like their palm sander) were even cheaper than this router and they still came with a case. This surprised because I own several other DeWalt tools and they all have nice cases with metal latches.
First the good: This is a decent router for the small applications that make use of 1/4" bits. This has been the case for me with four different bits, made by different manufacturers.
Not a big issue but I prefer to keep power tools stowed neatly away. I successfully used it to make fluted pilasters and dadoes for a bookshelf project.
The depth adjustment works well and it allowed me to dial in accurate depth settings.Now the bad: As another reviewer noted, the bits cannot be removed without resorting to vice grips.
The biggest problem is that it takes a pair of vice grips to get a bit out of the collet, even with the nut all the way out of the threads. This was my first small router, I have three larger ones. I am returning it for a different brand. Also the motor bearings sound a little rough, and it's noisier than I expected. It is a handy size, nice balance, good power, light weight. I like the simplicity of the base, which is easy to make small and large adjustments with.
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