Replies

1. 
   uncommontree | Oct 20, 2002 06:50am | #1

   Hi Gene

   First off what kind of extension cord are you using if any.If your cord is too long it may and will reduce your power.Second. 7/8 hp. is a wee bit light IMHO I myself prefer at least 2 ponies under the router hood. One would not think that dovetailing would be that hard on a router but think again. I have the small PC plunge that I use for dovetails and with a new cutter and no cord the cuts make this router snort. You may want to look into this and get back and let me know what you find out.

                     Have a great weekend.............Rick

2. 
   LeeEschen | Oct 20, 2002 08:08am | #2

   Actually, 7/8HP is MORE than just a bit light. If you must use such a small router, run a straight bit, sized smaller than the minimum width of the dovetail, around the template to hog out a large proportion of the wood on a first pass. Then put on the dovetail bit, and using the same setup, run it around again. That way the dovetail bit is removing a great deal less material.

   Also, make sure your bits are sharp. Dull edges take a great deal of power to overcome.

   Did the brushes check out OK? If you had lotsa sparkin', I'd say you might want to change them anyway. And the comment about the extension cord hold true, as well.

   --

   Lee in Cave Junction, Oregon

   On the Redwood Highway

1. 
   Boxduh | Oct 20, 2002 01:57pm | #3

   Thanks for the feedback.  The old Rockwell 100 has been working fine for everything else I have been doing with it.  Shallow cuts, multiple passes.  I just bought a used PC 690 1-1/2 hp set with both fixed and plunge bases, and will either continue my dovetailing with it, or use my 3 hp VS plunger.  I tried the dovetailing with the Rockwell because I had the template ring for it, and none for the big plunger.  I will probably outfit the 100 with new brushes, but how can you tell if the old ones are faulty?  They look OK.  All that sparking was probably due to my shoving the dovetail bit into solid maple with only 7/8 hp behind it.

1. 
   LeeEschen | Oct 21, 2002 05:01am | #4

   A heavy load should not cause sparking, though it may increase any sparking already happening due to increased current draw. Poor contact between brushes and commutatior causes sparking.

   The brushes are faulty if there is any pitting on the rub surface. If the brushes rub surface looks smooth, the problem could be the commutator, the copper segments that the brushes make sliding contact with.

   If, and only if, you are knowledgable of electrical devices, it is possible to disassemble the motor and clean and resurface the segments using fine crocus cloth. After cleaning out all resulting particles with an air blow gun, the motor is reassembled and the brushes (preferably new) are reseated by running the motor unloaded for a short time. This should stop the sparking.

   Since you have two other routers, I wiuld suggest that you retire the lightweight to light duty jobs, perhaps leaving it setup with a small roundover bit or flush trimmer.

   I would use the 3HP for serious dovetailing as it is likely built heavier, with larger bearings and a stronger frame. Dovetailing is full depth routing and puts a tremendous load on the router mechanism, especially doing sliding dovetails.

   I have the Bosch 1613EVS (2.25HP) and have been very happy with it, but I do consider it a bit light for dovetails in very hard wood or large panel raising bits. Someday I'll get a new 1619EVS with 3.25HP and keep the 1613 for lighter work. I do love its accurate control of depth. Remember the ads showing it routing a single thickness of paper cleanly without putting so much as a swirl on the fine finished surface underneath.

   I'd be interested to hear how you like the PC690 combo router. Is the fixed base really needed? I've used my Bosch plunger for everything and had no problem doing things you might ordinarily use a fixed base for. If anything, it makes even those jobs easier and more accurate. Of course, it does have an excellent lockdown capability. It has never slipped on me.

   --

   Lee in Cave Junction, Oregon

   On the Redwood Highway

3. 
   PlaneWood | Oct 21, 2002 06:02am | #5

   Kinda light for that kind of wood.  Plus, have you checked the brushes to see it they may be used up?  Also, there may be one of the comuntator segments burned out.   I trust you have a new bit?

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy
   PlaneWood

1. 
   Boxduh | Oct 21, 2002 02:28pm | #6

   New bit is being used, brushes look OK.  I have now determined I am WAY underpowered for the application, and will be using either my new 1-3/4 hp PC or my 3 hp Freud.