GMC ½ in. Variable Speed Router

[coopec]

I had the router installed upside down in my router table for the last two years. When I went to run it, it turned but made a bit of a squeaky noise. I gave it a bit (actually a big bit) of a squirt with WD40 thinking a bearing (near the router tool bit PART 11 ON THE PARTS LIST) needed lubrication.

Then it worked fine for about 20 seconds but when I tried it again it was dead. I've given the inside a really good blast with compressed air but no luck. I suppose there could be a lot of reasons why it is not working but can anyone suggest what the problem could be? I suppose I should check the brushes but I doubt they could be worn down at this stage. (Mind you the router is el cheapo)

I'm about to read an online Instruction Manual to see if there are any clues.

 

[andsarkit]

If the oil has got onto the commutator it has probably covered it in a black insulating layer. Can you easily remove the brushes to see if the commutator is still clean? It may require a strip down and a rub with fine emery to get it back to shiny copper.

 

[Rappey]

WD40 is a terrible thing to spray on any thing that's lubricated as it's a solvent and removes grease and oil.

 

[coopec]

If the oil has got onto the commutator it has probably covered it in a black insulating layer. Can you easily remove the brushes to see if the commutator is still clean? It may require a strip down and a rub with fine emery to get it back to shiny copper.

I wondered about that but the commutator is at the other end well away from where I sprayed it. But the cooling air I suppose would have ensured there was a film on everything.

Thanks for that

 

[coopec]

WD40 is a terrible thing to spray on any thing that's lubricated as it's a solvent and removes grease and oil.

Hopefully the bearing is a sealed bearing

Thanks

 

[Graham376]

May well be knackered, most routers aren't vented for inverted use and get gummed up with dust, I've killed a couple of cheapo ones doing that and the WD may have been the final straw. If it needs replacing, look at Triton which can be table mounted and height adjusted from above.

 

[coopec]

May well be knackered, most routers aren't vented for inverted use and get gummed up with dust, I've killed a couple of cheapo ones doing that and the WD may have been the final straw. If it needs replacing, look at Triton which can be table mounted and height adjusted from above.

Thanks for that.

I think I'll look at the brushes/commutator. While I'm at it check that I am getting power through to there.

I've got another small router which will probably do what I have to do.

 

[anoccasionalyachtsman]

While you're in there, set of new bearings will be virtually free from an online bearing dealer.

 

[coopec]

While you're in there, set of new bearings will be virtually free from an online bearing dealer.

Yes I found that when I made up all my steering pulleys.- very cheap

I'm making up a "crane" to handle the dinghy/outboard launch and retrieval and that will have a cable pulley with bearing (a gymnasium type pulley.

Thanks.

 

[penberth3]

If the oil has got onto the commutator it has probably covered it in a black insulating layer. Can you easily remove the brushes to see if the commutator is still clean? It may require a strip down and a rub with fine emery to get it back to shiny copper.

Emery cloth is a bad idea. Grains can get embedded in the soft copper then it will eat the brushes.