Ususally tightening the collet nut will grip the router bit.
Is it that your collet is 1/2" and you are only trying to put in a 1/4" bit?
Obviously, if this is the case, it will not work. A 1/2" collet needs 1/2"
diameter shanked bits. You can use 1/4" shanked bits in a 1/2" router if you
have a 1/4" reducing insert available.


--
Regards,

Dean Bielanowski
Editor,
Online Tool Reviews
http://www.onlinetoolreviews.com
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"Tim Simmons" wrote in message
...
My folks bought me a (yeah, "economic") Craftsman router but I cannot
figure
out how the bit secures to the router. I have a half-inch bit (the steel
kind) and the shaft is round and maybe 3/4 inches or 1" long and maybe
1/4"
in diameter and when I put it in the hole and tighten the collet nut it
does
not put any pressure on the bit shaft. I locked the motor to tighten the
nut but still nothing. I can't see how tightening this nut will hold the
bit in place and I can't see that I'm missing a part but since I have
never
used a router, it may just be ignorance on my part.


I have searched the web and Usenet for a solution but have not found an
answer (the Sears store in West Memphis .... went through 3 different
people
and the last guy said he would look at it if I bring it in but he said he
never used a router before!)

So, that's why I am posting. Need experienced and wise human to quickly
solve this. So, just a straight answer would help me HUGELY.

The type is Craftsman 1.5 hp, 1/4" collet.


Thanks,
Tim