Router bit size for old Craftsman router

[oldpops]

Hi All, I cam across an old Craftsman Router (model 315.17370) and I am wondering what size router bits does it take? 1/4" inch shank, or 1/2" inch shank. I am thinking 1/4 inch but I am not sure. Anyone here know? Does anyone here have this model router?( And if so, what are your thoughts on it) Thanks in advance to all who help and assist!!!

 

[engineer2]

As I recall all the older routers were 1/4". Yours is 1/4"
1/2" became more common in the 90's.

 

[Half-fast eddie]

It's probably 1/4". that was the common size for craftsman routers. If the bearings and everythign are still good, it's worth keeping, but it wasn't the same class as the Porter Cables and Bosch's of the same age.

 

[The Cobbler]

yes as above it would be a 1/4"
just an FYI, the Craftsman line of routers weren't all that good ( IMO) . I had several before I learned they are basically junk

 

[dogdog]

just google it for you

Manual says 1/4 collet

PDF manual for Craftsman 315.17370 Router

Probably too late for the older posts here, but this thread does come up as the top Google search for the 315.17370 manual. Here is a scanned copy.

www.routerforums.com

 

[RTM]

1/4”.

Find a manual here

PDF manual for Craftsman 315.17370 Router

Probably too late for the older posts here, but this thread does come up as the top Google search for the 315.17370 manual. Here is a scanned copy.

www.routerforums.com

 

[nadogail]

Those Craftsman routers were built to a price point and were not expected to be used in commercial service.

 

[oldpops]

Thanks. I realize the thing is not a really good router but I do like the 'on-switch speed trigger'. However, it probably can't do much more than a palm router nowadays. Thanks to all who helped!

 

[exmaxima1]

yes as above it would be a 1/4"
just an FYI, the Craftsman line of routers weren't all that good ( IMO) . I had several before I learned they are basically junk

They were pretty crappy, but at least the OP's model has a separate collet bushing. The later (mostly plastic) Craftsman routers had the collet as part of the shaft, so when it wore you basically threw the router away