I have a Skil router that has a broken router bit down inside the collet (below the slots in the collet.), bottomed out. I would like to know if anyone has any suggestions as to how I may remove it. (Forget drilling a hole in the bit, because its carbide.) I have briefly considered having it removed via EDO (burned out) but the cost is $45 bucks! I would appreciate it if anyone has any answers short of buying a new router. I have had this one for a long time and it works excellent. Too good to throw away!
Thanks in advance! :>)

Is it broken off flush while being bottomed out... or how far deep is the break?

A flush break can be VERY easy to deal with... I figure it's a 1/4" bit. If its flush drill a 1/8" hole in a piece of flat scrap. Center it over the broken bit weld a small bead. Let it cool and you can twist it out. Works on broken bolts that are threaded in (used it several times)... this should be easy.


Now if its broken off much below the surface this won't work and you need a different idea.

"I have a Skil router that has a broken router bit down inside the collet (below the slots in the collet.), bottomed out."

Yeah, it is 1/4" but as I stated, its broken off down in below the slots in the collet.

I assume you have tried holding it verticle and lightly tapped the shaft repeatedly with a hard object like a wrench... that can sometimes persuade something that's not really wedged into place to drop out, and unless one or the other pieces were rusted, it shouldn't be.

The entire collet should be removeable but different brands may be constructed differently. That carbide bit is carbide on the tip that broke, usually the shaft is regular steel, I'd try to drill and extract it. This mauy make no sense but also try to tap it deeper into the collet, they sometimes grip to prevent extraction but have no "teth" to hold tight if driven toeard the motor.

Use a piece of high density wire and an arc welder. I have done it many times. U just have to use your head and be careful