The Woodrat Plunge-Bar is an essential accessory option for Woodrat router work. However, it hinders access to the router collet (see image to the right). Furthermore, the router is mounted to the Woodrat router plate, and the router plate is somewhat captive to the Woodrat base plate making the task to install cutters even more difficult.

In the Woodrat demonstration video, Martin Godfry changes cutters without any muss or fuss using a quick-change chuck that is no longer available. Suffice it to say, I have uttered a few expletives under my breath while changing cutters as I thread my hands through the Plunge-Bars trying to hold the bit, push in the spindle-lock, and turn a wrench.

I have seen the Eliminator RC (ERC) quick-change chuck advertised for several years but had the following concerns:

1. Would the ERC chuck would extend lower than the standard collet and nut, reducing the router's plunge depth range.
2. Was cutter was held in place with a hex screw tightened against the cutter's shaft.
3. Would the chuck increase cutter run-out.
4. Could the chuck hold the cutter tight enough so that it would not slip up/down.

I spoke at length with Lewis Stepp (chipsfly.com) about my concerns and he quickly dispelled them. So I ordered the unit from Lewis. My concerns were completely erased once I had the unit in hand and installed on our DeWalt 625 router. Since I am reviewing the Woodrat (I know, long over due), Lewis sent me the Eliminator RC chuck without charge. However, in case you believe a freebie swayed my review, I budgeted to purchase several more Eliminator RCs.

Since writing this article I have discussed the design of the Eliminator RC with its designer. He gave me greater insight on how the chuck works and its inherent superiority over similar products that have come and gone.

The ERC chuck is longer than the stock chuck, but did not appreciably reduce the depth range of the DW625 plunge router.

I also noticed that the hex screw (as Lewis explained) does not press or tighten directly against the shank of the cutter. Rather it tightens a ring arrangement to hold the cutter in place.

The ERC chuck was packed with a stamped-steel wrench that is only used to install or uninstall the chuck.

1. Remove the stock chuck/collet combination.
2. Thread the Eliminator RC chuck on to the router spindle.
3. Use two wrenches to tighten the Eliminator RC chuck. Do not use the spindle-lock to hold the router spindle when tightening the ERC chuck.
4. I checked for vibration and run-out. Had none, so the installation was complete. However, if you experience excessive vibration, the ERC chuck includes instructions to test for it and reduce it.

I installed the longest 1/4" shaft, straight cutter and 1/2" to 1/4" collet reducer from the Woodrat cutter set and observed no run-out or slippage whatsoever.

The only concern I had (I plan to call Lewis for advice) is just how tight you must tighten the hex screw. I found I could cinch up on the screw probably way beyond what was necessary.

Remember that the 1/2" collet requires a collet reducers for 8mm, 3/8", and 1/4" cutters. Woodrat dealers sell the 1/2" to 1/4" reducer. Leigh sells 1/2" to 8mm reducers. For the record, I prefer the Woodrat reducer. Its slots run almost the entire length of its body, it is longer than most reducers, and it is reversible--you can insert it from either end (no flange on bottom end).

I purchased the T-handle 5/32" Hex Driver (chipsfly.com #32-290). It works very well and is long enough to pass through the Woodrat plunge-bar mechanism. It has a soft, rubberized non-slip grip. I dedicate this driver exclusively for the Woodrat. You might also consider a ball-end 5/32" Hex Driver, as it will allow to tighten/loosen the hex screw at an angle.