6 Tips for ROUTER RESUSCITATION

Maintenance and cures for an ailing tool

- Bill Sands

For many woodworkers, the router gets the hands-down vote as the most capable and convenient portable power tool in the shop. Whether handheld or mounted in a table, it excels at tasks ranging from profiling edges and cutting joints to pattern-routing and creating decorative inlays. The tool’s design and engineering are just as impressive as its multifaceted usefulness. Considering all the tricks this workhorse can perform, it’s not surprising that it requires regular care and occasional first aid.

I’ll first touch on preventive maintenance and then run through six potential problem areas to help you diagnose router ills and perform the necessary cures. Use the illustration on this page to locate the key problem areas on your router. To assist with the inspection and repairs, I’ve prepared a router “first aid kit” consisting of the items listed in the sidebar on the next page. Finally, should the repair be too major, I’ll steer you to the nearest tool service center for professional help.

1 Preventive maintenance

As part of your router’s health care program, preventive maintenance can help ward off problems due to normal wear and tear. Surprisingly, fine dust and debris are your router’s worst enemies. They can lead to switch failure, accelerated brush wear, and overheating. It’s a good practice to regularly blow out accumulated debris with low-pressure air. (High-pressure air from a compressor can force dirt into previously uncontaminated parts.) A quick visual inspection before each use will help you identify developing problems.

When a router ailment causes poor performance or no performance at all, it’s time to reach for the first aid kit. Always unplug your router before making any repair.