ER11 adaptor. Seeking user experiences

[jakab]

Much has been said in this Forum about ER11 adaptors. Many seem to have bought them from eBay.

However, I have not seen many (any) comments from people who have bought them and are using them.

I would like to know a few things, so here we go:

1. How happy are you with the adaptors themselves
2. Do you notice any quality problems like wobble, runout, noise, quality of cut
3. Where do you get your bits from. Can you provide part numbers, websites, prices that you have paid
4. What are the specs for the bits that could be used with the adaptors, I suspect that the overall length is kind of critical
5. Have you saved any money by using the adaptors and bits when compared to the bits sold expressly for the CT chuck
6. Any other observations you would like to contribute

My motivation is to be able to continue carving at a more reasonable price, Yesterday I broke two 1/8 cutting bit because of a cut motor failure, so there goes 80 bucks plus shipping, and I am in Canada so the shipping costs is even worse.

Thanks a lot for sharing.

...Peter

[CNC Carver]

Sorry can not give experience with ER11. But here is a low cost replacement for cutting bit. I have used with good results. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-8-CUTTING-...item234096e8f5

[jakab]

Sorry can not give experience with ER11. But here is a low cost replacement for cutting bit. I have used with good results. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-8-CUTTING-...item234096e8f5

Thanks, that looks like a good alternative. I take it you use these with a 1/4" collet?
...Peter

[blhutchens]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-1pcs-1-2...item41756bc469

here is the link for an er11. I bought 2 and have been really happy with them.
It seems as though they fit a little snug in the CT. I chucked mine up in a drill and emory clothed them until they fit better.
they also give you the option to buy 1/8 in. shank cutting bits which are a lot cheaper. They are all over ebay. I usually buy in bulk

[jakab]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-1pcs-1-2...item41756bc469

here is the link for an er11. I bought 2 and have been really happy with them.
It seems as though they fit a little snug in the CT. I chucked mine up in a drill and emory clothed them until they fit better.
they also give you the option to buy 1/8 in. shank cutting bits which are a lot cheaper. They are all over ebay. I usually buy in bulk

Thanks for your input. Would you mind sharing the URL for the bits? Like you say, there are so many to choose from, I have no idea what to look for, except 1/8 cutting, how about length?

...Peter

[blhutchens]

Thanks for your input. Would you mind sharing the URL for the bits? Like you say, there are so many to choose from, I have no idea what to look for, except 1/8 cutting, how about length?

...Peter

I am looking through my records to find the link. I think I found them on the forum. If you do a search for 1/8 " cutting bits maybe you can find it.

Brent

[bergerud]

There are features of the ER11M adapters that I think one, after trying it, cannot live without.

1. it allows one to experiment with different types of bits of which there are many.

2. it allows one to use bits which have a short flute length and do not break. (no more cutout stress!)

3. it allows one to use cheap (as low as $2 each) Chinese or ebay carbide bits. (Some better than others of course.)

Even though I use an ER20M spindle which holds any size bit, but I still use the ER11M adapters in it for either really small bits or sets of bits in multi-bit projects. The ER11M adapter works just like the CT adapter in keeping the bit lengths constant for bit changes.

The ER11M adapter was designed for the CT. One would need to use care if using it with the Rock and one should not use it for the long reach bits.

Have a browse:

http://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?....175+end+mills

http://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?_from=...mills&_sacat=0

http://www.dhgate.com/wholesale/sear...mesearch201403

[jakab]

There are features of the ER11M adapters that I think one, after trying it, cannot live without.

1. it allows one to experiment with different types of bits of which there are many.

2. it allows one to use bits which have a short flute length and do not break. (no more cutout stress!)

3. it allows one to use cheap (as low as $2 each) Chinese or ebay carbide bits. (Some better than others of course.)

Even though I use an ER20M spindle which holds any size bit, but I still use the ER11M adapters in it for either really small bits or sets of bits in multi-bit projects. The ER11M adapter works just like the CT adapter in keeping the bit lengths constant for bit changes.

The ER11M adapter was designed for the CT. One would need to use care if using it with the Rock and one should not use it for the long reach bits.

Have a browse:

http://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?....175+end+mills

http://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?_from=...mills&_sacat=0

http://www.dhgate.com/wholesale/sear...mesearch201403

That certainly makes a lot of sense. I see that bits don't have to be real expensive and even though they may not last as long they can be replaced more often..

One question still remains, and I hope you can answer it:

What length bit will work with the ER11 adaptor on the CT? Is bit length a factor I should worry about?

In the URLS you provided there are bits of different lengths, so which ones would I pick?

Thanks again.

...Peter

[bergerud]

I have never had a problem with bits being too short. The ER11M adapter adds another 1/2" below the CT and so, even though some bits are shorter, it is not a problem. The ER11M just makes it to the board so even the shortest bits work.

What I would recommend, is two flute bits. They give more chip clearance and only give the "shrill" when they are dull. Three and four flute bits seem to shrill all the time. I believe this is because each cutting edge is not given enough wood to cut and the cutting edges alternate between rubbing and cutting.

It is hard to recommend a supplier. They are moving targets. By the time I use all 10 of the bits I bought, the product or supplier may have changed. For the 1/8" cutting bits, I buy ones with around 1/2" , 3/4", and 1" length of cuts (LOC).

Another thing that one can do with the ER11M, is use bits with 6 mm shanks. There are many carving bits from China with 6 mm shanks.

[DickB]

I highly recommend the ER11 adaptor. Dan did a great job on making these available. Ditto his advice on two-flute bits, especially with the more common 30 degree helix angle. I had terrible burning problems when LHR changed the design of their 1/8" cutting bits: http://forum.carvewright.com/showthr...eating-problem. While they sorted out the problem, I was able to switch to a two-flute bit in the ER11 adapter and stay in business.