Guide · Trim routers for CNC use
Carbide Compact Router vs ER-11 Compact Router: collets that fit
Carbide 3D's two compact routers use different collets. Which collets each one takes, what ships in the box, and which dust boot Carbide 3D names.
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Short answer
Carbide 3D sells two compact routers with two different collet systems. The Compact Router uses its own factory and precision collets, which fit nothing else; the ER-11 Compact Router uses standard ER11 collets up to a 1/4 in shank. Check which one you own before you buy collets, because they do not cross over.
Compact Router
Carbide 3D's Compact Router has a 65 mm body, a stated speed range of 12,000 to 30,000 RPM and a 120 V US plug. It ships with a 1/4 in factory collet plus a 1/4 and 1/8 in precision collet set.[1]
Carbide 3D's precision collets fit only the Compact Router, and are not compatible with its ER-11 Compact Router or its VFD spindles.[2] They are a proprietary router collet, not an ER collet.
ER-11 Compact Router
The ER-11 Compact Router uses standard ER11 collets. It ships with 1/4 and 1/8 in ER11 collets plus a nut and wrench, and lists a 1/4 in maximum cutter shank.[3]
Because it takes standard ER11 collets, you can buy ER11 collets in other sizes, as long as each is no larger than the router's 1/4 in maximum shank.
Another ER11 option: the AutoSpin
Sienci's AutoSpin also uses ER11 collets for tooling up to 1/4 in, and has a 64.8 mm body that Sienci says fits 65 mm router mounts.[4]
Side by side
| Compact Router | ER-11 Compact Router | |
|---|---|---|
| Collet system | Carbide 3D factory and precision collets | Standard ER11 |
| Collets shipped | 1/4 in factory; 1/4 and 1/8 in precision | 1/4 and 1/8 in ER11, nut, wrench |
| Largest shank | 1/4 in (largest collet shipped) | 1/4 in maximum |
| Takes the other's collets | No | No |
| Stated speed | 12,000-30,000 RPM | 12,000-30,000 RPM |
| Plug | 120 V US | 120 V US |
How to tell which you have
Look at the nose of the router. An ER11 router has a threaded nut holding a slotted, tapered ER collet that comes out with the nut. If you see that, and the ER11 collets and wrench came in the box, it is the ER-11 model. If not, check your order record or ask Carbide 3D before buying collets.
Which dust boot fits?
Carbide 3D sells the Sweepy 2.0 dust boot in a 65 mm version for the Carbide Compact Router, its VFD Spindle Kit or Makita trim routers.[5] Carbide 3D's listing names the Compact Router; it does not name the ER-11 model, so ask Carbide 3D for that one.
Collets for the ER-11 model
Standard ER11 collets fit the ER-11 Compact Router, not the original Compact Router:
Picks that fit1 product
For the ER-11 Compact Router only. Choose the 15-piece set (101-63-ER11), which adds 1/8 and 1/4 in; the router's maximum shank is 1/4 in, so do not use a collet above that. Not for the original Compact Router.
ER11 set with metric and inch sizes
Genmitsu ER11 precision spring collet set, 7 or 15 pieces (1‑7 mm; 15‑piece adds 1/8 in and 1/4 in)
Next
Questions
Can I use ER11 collets in my Carbide Compact Router?
No. The Compact Router uses its 1/4 in factory collet and Carbide 3D's precision collets. Standard ER11 collets are for the ER-11 Compact Router.[1][3]
Do the precision collets fit the ER-11 router?
No. Carbide 3D says its precision collets fit only the Compact Router, not the ER-11 Compact Router or its VFD spindles.[2]
Which dust boot fits?
Carbide 3D sells the Sweepy 2.0 in a 65 mm version for the Carbide Compact Router. Its listing does not name the ER-11 model, so ask Carbide 3D for that one.[5]
What is the largest bit the ER-11 Compact Router takes?
Carbide 3D lists a 1/4 in maximum cutter shank for the ER-11 Compact Router.[3]