Need some help here. I have a Porter-Cable router, model 1001. It has worked great over the last few years, but very recently, there has been a sudden loss of power. No burning smells, or anything like that, and it’s not a voltage drop at the outlet. My other router works fine. There isn’t anything jammed in it, either.
Is there something I can do (tighten screws, replace parts), short of throwing it away. It’s my favorite router and a real workhorse.
William
Replies
Probably just needs brushes, model 1001 is the base, router most likely is a model 690 and has a separate tag on it.
My guess is the SWITCH. Easy to check; cheap to replacve.
Jerry
I would look at the brushes and see if they:
A) need replacing due to wear
B) have dust between them and the armature.
Also, if you frequently unplug it, check the power cord and see if there's a noticeable bend at the plug. Sometimes, the wires will break from bending and pulling without showing any outward signs of trouble.
I don't know a ton about motors, but I think those who have mentioned the brushes may be on to something. Couldn't find anything on the site, but FWW #175, Jan/Feb 2005 had an article on universal motors that may be helpful.
I gotta plead ignorance on this one. What are the brushes you're referring to? Can I easily get to them by unscrewing the top of the router?
The brushes are behind two round black caps which screw into the sides of the motor. Pay attention to which goes where, if you put them back in they need to go in their original hole the same way up. Mant times the brush will have a line scribed in the carbon, if it's worn to the line it needs replacement.
You fellas were right. I've got a burned out brush on one side. Seems as though I was running on half power. I just ordered two more. Thanks for your help.
William
Tip: I think when you replace the brushes you're supposed to "break them in" by running awhile (~10 minutes) with no load.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled