Problem with Porter Cable Plunge Router
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I have just started experiencing a problem with my PC 690 Plunge router. Namely, the unacceptable problem is with the steel rod depth stop. It keeps slipping even when I have tightened the knob all the way. I am now poking holes where I don’t want them. Has enybody else experienced this? This tool is about three years old. I own about ten other PC tools including a 7518 router and have not had a problem with any of them.
Replies
Yes, I have experienced problems with the plunge lock. Despite tightening it according to the owners manuel to allow for wear, the lock slips after prolongued use. I am aware that Porter Cabel is thought to make a good router, however I have not been pleased with mine.
Rick
3 putt
Well, I never mentioned it here, because I just thought it was me. I have 4 porter cable routers. The 3 1/2 hp variable speed is in my router table-no problems. But, I have had nothing but problems with my three 2 hp plunge routers from PC. The on off switches on the trigger won't stay on, The plunge depth problem same as yours, the plunge lock will release in the middle of the cut and go deeper just from light pressure, and the list goes on.
I just bought the new Bosch plunge, and so far so good. I will probably replace the PC's with more of the Bosch's.
Jeff
It's probably nothing more than a burr on the end of the locking bolt. Back it all the way out and check the end. A light touch with a file should solve the problem. Just don't file it out of square or you'll only get partial purchase on the rod, which is likely, the present problem.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
Thanks Hammer, I will try that.
In my view, the depth stop is a critical component. Over shoot the depth and you may lose the work. Many router components with thumb screws and other under-rated hardware are not to be counted on, not just a PC problem.
Use (on the 6931 casting) a brass tipped 1/4-20 set screw and drive it with a tee wrench. I changed mine years ago. It (the depth stop) never slips now.
Routers
Have any of you with the depth stop problem contacted P-C about it? From the posts, it sounds like you just use it, have a problem, get mad and buy some other brand after telling others about it. They have service centers all over and they should be able to sell you the parts(out of warranty) or fix it for you(in warranty). Otherwise, could it be that wood dust or lubrication got in and caused this to happen?
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
As I mentioned in my post, I have ten other PC tools and have not had a problem with any of them. This problem just started happening and I thought I would ask the forum if they experienced the same problem and if there is a simple solution...which it looks like there are with the two posts directly above yours. I actually am a pretty loyal PC user, in addition to Milwaukee and just bought a 4" x 24" PC belt sander (what a moose!). Hope that answers your question. If there is a simple solution, I can perform, I like to take that route.
Jim
Rockler replaced one of mine, but the other two are "out of warranty", as they are 4 and 5 years old, respectively. After 1 1/2 years, the "new one" rockler replaced began acting up, same as the other 2. I guess I just decided to try a new brand, and see if the Bosch is as good as everyone here says it is.
Jeff
Thanks Routerman,You are right. Luckily, this started happening when I have been cutting circles out of glued up panels with a circle jig, taking three or four passes with the Plunge. The work was not ruined, but it is both dangerous, and potentially devatating for other work, so I need to correct the problem. I with first see if there is a burr, but I will replace the thumbscrew bolt with a wrench -tightened one. I guess it's one of those things that seem like a convenience, but with a critical component like the depth stop, should be a wrench-tightened bolt.Good suggestion, and it lookks like you probably solved the problem for a few other people who hadn't mentioned it.Thanks,Joe U.
I agree.. I was going to suggest a dog point setscrew and retap the threads.. Yours is better.. I forgot about the brass dog setscrews...
Steel with a brass insert.. If you have a good metal/tool supplier you can also get little brass slugs you just drop into the hole and 'tighten down!' Ace Hardware sell brass rod.. 2 3 dollers..??? Saw off a hunk and try that..EDIT:: 2 the brass should be just a bit smaller en' the hole so it can slide down..Edited 10/30/2005 4:30 pm by WillGeorge
Edited 10/30/2005 4:31 pm by WillGeorge
I got a set screw (stainless because they didn't have brass) and now when I lock it down, it seems to work flawlessly. I also filed down the end to make sure it had a nice full point of contact. If the problem crops up again, I would probably replace the actual depth stop rod with one of brass to give the screw more bite.Thanks for the tips everyone.
I would probably replace the actual depth stop rod with one of brass to give the screw more bite.I'd think again! Maybe a new steel rod.. Brass.. Tighten screw.. Never move again! I would suspect...
That's a good point...but there is no reason to replace the steel rod with another steel rod. Brass, might get beat up, but I guess it is easily replaceable. You don't think the set screw would actually permanently bite into the brass rod and not be able to be backed out...do you?
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