I have 2 bosch plunge routers. The smaller one is the GKF125CE ( ¼ shank), while the bigger one is the MR23EVS (½ shank). I’m having trouble getting the plunge operation to be smooth on either. Sometimes it is, but most of the time it sticks, forcing me to put a lot of downward pressure. I notice it more on the smaller router, but that may be because I find I use this one 80% of the time.
I’ve tried silicon spray, but have gotten mixed results. What do people use to lube their plunge routers? Or, is it a protocol where I do X after every use?
Thanks,
Dennis
Replies
WD-40 specialist dry lube has worked wonders for me.
Worth a shot.
Graphite powder
Clean then lube. Check the mechanism that locks it to see if it is gummed up. It's amazing how much a small amount out dirt can build up. Liquid lube can help the build up form because it gives dust something to stick to. Also confirm everything is tight. Any slight amount of racking will cause a hitch.
EXACTLY!
Time to take it a part and clean out the dirt.
Depending on the age of the routers they may have a manufacturing defect. Bosch corrected this problem in their newer products. I don’t remember the exact issue but it has something to do with the type of metal used on the router / sleeve. My palm router has this issue but my larger unit works smoothly. I polished the body / sleeve then added a ceramic coating and it seems to have helped. I used Flitz’ product to complete the job. It’s frustrating having to deal with tool issues instead of making progress.
i had this same problem, 3 months ago, with the bosch 1613 router (i think this is a discontinued model). i had to stand on the router to get it to 'plunge'.
i tried a spray lubricant, but that didn't help.
i called bosch (877-267-2499) and a very helpful, patient, understandable nice fellow instructed me on the specifics of how to disassemble the plunge portion. i cleaned it and put it back together. it works like new now. it was an hour well spent.
this kind of customer service encourages me to favor the bosch line for woodworking tools.
I have 2 Bosch routers - 1617 EVS mounted in a router table and the much smaller Colt with a 1/4 inch collet. While I have not had the exact same problem, I have experienced many times the router depth adjustment sticking and being hard to get right. In particular, there is quite a bit of backlash with the fine adjustment and coarse adjustment is particularly jerky. Disassembling everything, blowing out all the dust and debris and lubricating with CRC 3-36 fixes things temporarily but this is a recurrent issue for me. The plunge router depth adjustment might be a variation of my problem.
Not sure what the permanent solution to this is going to be. Seems like Bosch is German company in name only rather than in the quality of their product...