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Plunge Router Precision

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Forum topic by Thomas Keefe posted 175 days ago 226 views 0 times favorited 7 replies Add to Favorites Watch
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Thomas Keefe

64 posts in 307 days


175 days ago

Topic tags/keywords: question router joining

I have a plunge router I use to cut mortises. I have noticed that there is some “wobble” in the plunge mechanism so that sometimes the bit does not go straight down. If I push a little more on one handle than the other, the bit will veer off the vertical a bit. Thus, my mortise might not end up exactly where I want it. It is generally not off by more than 1/16-1/32”.

My question is: Is this common for plunge routers or are some very precise, i.e., the bit always goes straight down. Is there some type of adjustment to the router that can be made to reduce this problem?

Thanks.

Tom

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Kindlingmaker

1476 posts in 424 days


175 days ago

I have had the same problem with my Freuds so I tried a Bosch and found it was much smoother with the plunge.

-- Never board, always knotty, lots of growth rings

View olddutchman's profile

olddutchman

74 posts in 833 days


175 days ago

I have seen this on my Craftsman. I slid off the base, and springs. Cleaned them upThoroughly. then, i was carefull not to get oil on the post that sets the height. I also had to be careful of a small brass piece that helps hold the height properly. If after cleaning, check that part. You may have to slide it back in place. Mine works a lot better now. You may check that the post is not loose on the base. Or if it can be, but that would allow the router to move poorly.

-- Saved, and so grateful, consider who Created it ALL!!!

View Greg's profile

Greg

225 posts in 206 days


175 days ago

I have a porter cable 2 1/4 hp plunge router and find it to be very accurate. I recently cut 84 mortises for a mission table I am building for my wife and am very happy with the results.

-- Each and Every step of any project should be considered your masterpiece if you want the finished product to reflect the quality of your work. Greg Little

View Pete_Jud's profile

Pete_Jud

116 posts in 651 days


175 days ago

I have not found that with my porter cables. They seem dead on.

-- Life is to short to own an ugly boat.

View tomakazi's profile

tomakazi

246 posts in 181 days


175 days ago

What kind of router do you have Tom? I haven’t had this problem with any of mine.

-- I'm not here for your amusement. You're here for mine - Johnny Rotten

View Thomas Keefe's profile

Thomas Keefe

64 posts in 307 days


174 days ago

Thanks everyone for the advice. I took olddutchman’s advice and took the base off and cleaned out the
posts and sleaves. Unfortunately, it seems that the sleaves do not fit tightly enough over the posts. In
addition, the sleaves are only about 3” long. So they just aren’t able to stabilize the router adequately.

Hi Tomakazi. The router is a Pit Bull. It cost about $100 at Ace Hardware. While I know it is not great quality,
it has done well for me for the couple of years I have had it. And it is much better quality than the Craftsman
router I used to have. Thanks again.

Tom

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a1Jim

17022 posts in 475 days


174 days ago

Hey tom
Time for the real thing Porter cable. sorry yours in bad shape. I never heard of pit bull routers and I have 32 of various brands but PC is the one to have.

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop, custom furniture maker, woodworking school, heirloomwoodshop.com

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