ROUTE R JOINT PACKAGES

R system

Good , I thought the kit came in the wooden box. , templates are very nice

Little help here?

At first, I ran a piece of Paduak through, but it was not wide enough and if you don't have the clamp on the middle or at least 1/3rd in on the board, it rises up and does not work well. So I bought some soft pine from a local store, thinking I would practice. I ran two pieces of pine through with the hearts design, OK but they were a bit loose fitting, too loose for real good looking joinery. I chalked it up to the pine. Today, I ran a piece of veneered plywood through, something someone might use in a blind joint to build a box. I got two hearts cut, when suddenly, within about 60 seconds, the bit started to darken and PING! - it broke off at the collet and flew across the shop. What am I supposed to do about this? I can't afford a new bit every second or third cut. I already ordered two more knowing they would wear and they are on the way, but I never imagined it would die after only a total of two 6" long pieces of pine, and maybe two inches of veneered plywood. If this is the case, I just blew a few hundred bucks...