Replies

1. 
   philip | May 17, 2007 04:29am | #1

   Craig, does that model have variable speed control? These can be tempramental.

   Philip Marcou
1. 
   Irish95 | May 17, 2007 03:17pm | #2

   Yes it does. 

1. 
   philip | May 17, 2007 11:32pm | #9

   Then if you are willing to open up that router look at the top end of the rotor (brush end)-if your machine is of the type that has a sensor for the speed control fitted onto the spindle above the bearing check to see that it is not loose. It can come loose and turn on the shaft. Usually they are a push fit.If it is loose some cyno-acrylate glue will hold it.Philip Marcou

1. 
   Irish95 | May 18, 2007 12:09am | #10

   Thanks Philip, I'll take a look at that this weekend.  I also like the option John posted of hard wiring the switch to the brushes.

   Thank you again for your help.

   Craig

2. 
   nikkiwood | May 17, 2007 03:58pm | #3

   Some tools have a kind of circuit breker which shuts down when the tool is overloaded, but I have never heard of this kind of thing being used with a portable power tool.

   I would say there is something wrong with the router, and I would call one of the Ryobi service centers and pose the same question you did here.

   this link might get you st arted in the right direction:

   http://www.ryobitools.com/service-support/power-locator

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

1. 
   Irish95 | May 17, 2007 05:07pm | #6

   Thank you to everyone for your responses.  A refurbished router with a one year warranty of the same model goes for about $70 and might be the ultimate solution to my problem.  The nearest service center is 30 miles away, but around the D.C. beltway, that often translates into 2 hours of drive time, one way.  So considering shipping costs on top of repair costs, a refurbished replacement may be the answer.

   BTW, I was running it at full speed.  I will hit it with a blast of air and pay close attention to the variable speed switch.  Again, thank you all very much. 

   Craig

1. 
   JohnWW | May 17, 2007 05:21pm | #7

   Unless you are running large bits, which that router really isn't designed for in any case, you might want to consider doing a little "field engineering" to eliminate the speed control. 

   It would depend on the design of the router, but on many machines it is a fairly simple job to throw away the speed control circuit board and just wire the switch directly to the brushes.  You could even eliminate the trigger switch, if the speed control is built into it, and use a box mounted switch attached to the table to turn the router on and off.

   John W.

3. 
   JohnWW | May 17, 2007 04:15pm | #4

   The problem is most likely in the variable speed control. 

   The electronics in the control generate heat as they run.  During extended use the speed control on your machine is reaching a temperature that is either cooking the control or causing it to shut down to prevent permanent damage.

   Being you have a relatively lightweight machine, it is probably just not designed for continuous use.  You can try blowing out any dust blocking the vents on the top of the tool just in case they are plugged.

   If you are running the bit at reduced speed, which shouldn't be necessary, run it at full speed which may bypass the speed control.

   John White, Shop Manager, Fine Woodworking Magazine 

4. 
   mudman | May 17, 2007 04:22pm | #5

   I have the same thing happen to my monster PC 3 horse router. Though mine will return to normal operating in a few minutes. It only happens when I am machining doors production style.

   The speed control circuit is easy to replace, so if there is any perminant damage you can fix it.

   Pardon my spelling,

   Mike

   Make sure that your next project is beyond your skill and requires tools you don't have. You won't regret it.

5. 
   BarryO | May 17, 2007 10:37pm | #8

   I have an old one, similar model, and the power switch gets kinda flakey.    Maybe that's the problem.