Replies

1. 
   wundernaloud | Aug 20, 2003 11:36am | #1

   Nope, don't even use the plunge base any more. bought a hitachi and Ican't break the collet nut lose without busting a knucle or breaking the adjustable depth stop. Am I alone.

1. 
   jhausch | Aug 20, 2003 01:42pm | #2

   I have the same and I agree about the clamp mech for the motor into plunge base - what a POS.

   Only tip I can give is: Don't let the motor "bottom out" when placing in the plunge base.  Recalling from memory here - The bottoming out occurs when the black plastic motor top hits the round part of the base into which you place the motor. . . (hope that is clear)

   By not bottoming out, when you want to remove the motor, just loosen the clamping screw, then push the motor further IN to loosen the grip of the clamp; then you can pull it out.  Also, but a nice T-handled, ball end Allen Wrench.  The one that comes with the router is a joke.

   I want to buy a second router in 6 months to a year.  I forsee a better plunge router mounted in the table with adj from the top and then the PC on the fixed base as my hand held version.

   Steelkilt Lives!

   Edited 8/20/2003 6:45:40 AM ET by Jim

1. 
   JDorn | Aug 20, 2003 03:16pm | #3

   I've got that same kit and i happened to find a 2nd fixed base and motor on a garage sale a while back super cheap so now i leave one motor in the Plunge base at all times, just so i can avoid that pain in the butt process of removing it.

   Other than that the plunge base has done everything i've asked of it, but it is pretty much the only plunge router i've used other than a crappy old crapsman i borrowed for a few projects back before i started building my tool collection.

   JD

2. 
   Justus | Aug 20, 2003 08:19pm | #8

   if your collet nut has two wrenches, position them so you can "grip" them together with one hand. Rather than one hand on each wrench.  this works well for locking and unlocking the collet.

    I mangled my hand one time when the collet finnally gave and I bashed my hand into the side of the clearance window, bad cut.  Aside form saftey, I was amazed at how much easier it is to do this way.

   If it's a single wrench, well, you might have a dedicated router like all the pros. :)

   thanks for comiserating. 

   cheersJustus Koshiol

   Running Pug Construction

2. 
   mbiker1999 | Aug 20, 2003 04:00pm | #4

   Sorry to hear you PC router giving you so much trouble.  If you can take it back, consider the Bosch router combo.  Not sure the exact model, (I have the variable speed one).  The plunge base works very smooth and the locking mechanism is very easy to use.  Hopefully you may be able to get your money back on the PC and get the Bosch.

   Good Luck!

1. 
   Sancho | Aug 20, 2003 05:43pm | #5

   Thats what happens when you buy a "do all" type of machine. The PC is a good plunge router not a great plunge router. For a great plunge router buy a plunge router. I have the pc because I dont do alot of plunging so it does all I want it to do. If I did alot of plunging I would buy a plunge router. other that that " Patience my young "paduwan"( means Jedi apprentice):>) 

   Darkworks:  No Guns No Butter squilla and the bling bling.

2. 
   MarkRoderick | Aug 24, 2003 05:30pm | #21

   Couldn't agree more. I purchased the Bosch earlier this year and love it.

3. 
   BertJ | Aug 20, 2003 06:06pm | #6

   Justus,

   I have had the PC combo for a number of years and had the same problem. The aluminum-to-aluminum tends to gall (bind) if it isn't aligned perfectly. One thing that helps, after you have polished off the burrs, is to squirt some WD-40 on a rag and give the aluminum a light coat when you change bases.

   I recently bought the Bosch combo, and now I leave the PC in the router table and use the Bosch plunge for freehand work.

   One thing I don't like with the Bosch is lack of dust collection. A friend bought the DeWalt with built-in dust collector and it works wonderfully. Wish I had bought that one.

   BJ

1. 
   Justus | Aug 20, 2003 08:13pm | #7

   This is all good advise. I'll certainly try to lube it a bit, {If I ever get it out.}  Man I was mad at that thing last night!!!

     I would like a handheld router with dust collection. but I also like the bosch, maybe thoes two could get together and go bolwing. Justus Koshiol

   Running Pug Construction

2. 
   dirtstirrer | Aug 23, 2003 11:21pm | #19

   Bert,

   A comment on the Dewalt.  I've got one, a 621, and the dust collection is pretty good, but that gaping hole in the base sure makes it hard to balance on a corner.  Its easy to get the goofy thing not perpendicular.  Mines also been to the service center to have the switch replaced, and it still is rather unpredictable.  I don't want to hijack this thread, but I just went rounds with it last light, and I needed to vent.

4. 
   tufenhundel | Aug 20, 2003 08:23pm | #9

   Justus:

   I just had to respond, 'cause I had that same problem.  A previous poster had it right, don't let the motor "bottom-out". 

   The thing I find with PC routers is that they're rough.  I've used a Fein and a DeWalts, and played with Bosch's...the PC could use a little more finesse.

   My PC690 has been through normal usage...I had to modify the spring, by cutting a few turns off, to improve the plunge mech.  Lately, I noticed that the plunge locking lever is not locking...it will slip on me slowly.  This from a router that I really took care off...

   I am just waiting for this to let out its smoke so I can go get the Bosch.

5. 
   mike4244 | Aug 20, 2003 10:09pm | #10

   I have the same plunge base, Take a long allen wrench the same sixe of the original. Cut the short leg off the allen wrench and instal lthe allen wrench in a dowel handle. This makes it a lot easier and faster to chance bases. I haven't had your problems with the plunge base, take it back where you bought it. My plunge works smoothly but I have used someone elses router with similar problems to yours. He bought his at woodworkers warehouse , they exchanged it with no problems.

1. 
   Justus | Aug 20, 2003 10:19pm | #11

   that's a good tip, I like the T-handel ball allen wrench idea ae well. But I don't even bother to lock it, I can't even get it out when I want it out. Justus Koshiol

   Running Pug Construction

1. 
   Justus | Aug 21, 2003 01:16am | #12

   Well, after a fair amount of cursing, the proper application of a dead blow hammer, and a whole lot of straining, I finally got the motor out of the plunge base.

    There were so many burrs on the base and the motor that I could have hung it on a sheep and sent it back to PC. 

   I (again) filed down all the burrs, carefully checking all the mating surfaces for rough spots. Then I jammed a steel wire wheel into the base and let rip with a 1/2" drill.  Don't try this at home, I'm a professional. :)

    It took quite a bit of holding on , but a couple of minutes later I had honed the inside of the base to a mirror finish. I gave the same treatment to the motor.

    Carefully re-inserting the motor there were still binding spots, but after filing, refitting, filing, refitting.....I think I've solved the problem.  It now slides very smoothly in and out of the base (keep your comments to yourself)

   I'm still p*ssed that I had to do this at all. I'll probably not buy a PC router again unless I am completly convinced that it is the best router on the market. Justus Koshiol

   Running Pug Construction

6. 
   Manchild | Aug 21, 2003 04:53am | #13

   Try waxing the base and the router with an automotive wax.

   That may help.

7. 
   RANGERP75R | Aug 21, 2003 07:58am | #14

   Justus

      I sold a PC combo recently when I installed a Milwaukee 3 1/2 HP with built-in from the top adjustment. This is the best table mount I have ever had. I also had an Hitachi, which is OK, if you get the bent wrench from CMT to assist with taking the bit out when table mounted. You also have to cut the ears off the base ring if you run 2 +" bits.

      The Bosch 1617EVS Kit Bill mentioned is a sweet little deal if you want a combo. I have a 1617EVS fixed base I use for out the table no-plunge cuts. It was great in the table also, except I would prefer a little more height through the table than it can give.

   Good Luck...

   sarge..jt

8. 
   gecko | Aug 21, 2003 05:27pm | #15

   I have the Bosch dual base router with the speed control also. Works like a charm; i keep the fixed base in the router table and use the plunge base for freehand work. I’ve never had trouble changing them. I also have the Bosch variable speed jig saw and find it to be a solidly built machine too.

9. 
   nigelUsa | Aug 21, 2003 06:36pm | #16

   Got the same problem with mine and it turned out to be the metal plate that locks against the motor housing. rounded off the edge and its been ok but I don't like the pc router much. Worst thing is the switch, what a pig to turn on or off. And the new improved version is no better. The "center lines" of the base, router, collet etc don't line up and its top heavy which is another reason why I don't like to let go of one handle when its running!! Out of 10 routers I own old all plastic B&D is the nicest to use and when you put it down on its top it turns itself off!

1. 
   gecko | Aug 21, 2003 07:04pm | #17

   That sounds like a great feature. How old is it?

1. 
   nigelUsa | Aug 22, 2003 04:34am | #18

   Must be 15 years, "sings" a bit but works nice. All black model #7604.

10. 
    MHargrove | Aug 24, 2003 09:07am | #20

    I've had the opportunity over the past few months to play with a bunch of routers.  (Not as many as Pat Warner, but who has?)  IMO, the Bosch 1617EVS in the plunge base is the nicest plunger I've used.  I love the lock/release for plunging, the stepped "carousel" for multi-pass depth setting, and the way it balances.  The PC7518 in a table is outstanding, especially if you shell out the bucks for a Mast-R-Lift (or equivalent) in order to make depth adjustments from above the table, and also to be able to change bits above the table.

    The DeWalt 621, as noted, has really funky balance with it's stock base.  It's really easy to accidently tip it when you're pushing it along it's short axis (which is the natural direction to push or pull it).  Pat Warner makes an clear acrylic offset base which improves its balance considerably.  If you own a 621, have a at Pat's site.

    -M.