Problem with Makita router - any ideas?

[Kalimna]

Greetings folks,
I've been building a couple of things in the run up to Christmas, and my router seems to be playing up. It's a makita RP2301 that I've had for a couple of years, but only gets intermittent use.
Basically, it seems to lose power, almost spluttering like a lawnmower does when it is running out of petrol. And then seems to work fine for a bit. Obviously this doesn't make for comfortable or accurate routing if the power fluctuates mid-cut.
I wonder if there might be something simple that could be repaired, like the bushes (how might I tell if they need replacing?) or the trigger switch (can they be relaxed easily, for instance?), or is I it destined for the great recycler in the sky?

I appreciate any help, as it is a fair old expense to replace!

Cheers,
Adam

 

[Racers]

Spares are available from here http://www.powertoolspares.com/tool/mak ... fc/spares/
But check the basics like a break in the mains lead, usually at the end of the strain relief, and the brushes.

Pete

 

[Billy Flitch]

Adam I don't know if this will be any help to you but I`LL tell you any way. Yonks ago my big bosh router started playing up, the speed would drop down and then pick up again with out me touching anything. I have one guy that I buy every thing for power tools from, I told him what was happening and a little later he turned up with a small part for the router and a diagram and it only took me a couple of minuets to fit and it has been as good as gold since.
Now the bad part it was so long ago I cant remember what it was or how much it cost, but my tool guy said as soon as he described what was happening Bosh knew straight away what it was. I was thinking if you contact the link that pete has up they may know what it is. Its worth a try.

 

[Kalimna]

Thanks for the replies.
Pete - how would I know if the brushes needed replacing? What should I look for?

Cheers,
Adam

 

[Racers]

If they are short or the ends burnt and crumbly you should replace them, I have a 3612c which has the same brushes if you need a length measurement let me know.
You can check the mains lead by running it and gently pulling it from about a foot away from the router, be careful and don't have a bit in it.

Pete

 

[Kalimna]

Hi Pete,
Thanks again, if you could let me know how long the brushes should be, that'd be great. I'll check them tonight.
I rather hope it is something straightforward like that, as in other respects I think it's a great machine.

Cheers,
Adam

 

[NazNomad]

Here's a 'worn compared to new' pic of some brushes, just to give you an idea of the kinda thing you're looking for.

http://www.askabuilder.co.uk/images/Worn_Brushes.JPG

 

[Paul200]

Not familiar with that particular model but faulty variable speed units produce that sort of intermittent running. Or it could simply be worn brushes or broken cable - as suggested.

 

[Racers]

Sorry I forgot to check last night I got sucked into changing the graphics card on my PC which threw up some problems, but I have found this on line http://www.carbonbrush.com/makitabrush.htm they say Thickness 7mm Width 18mm Depth 16mm.

Pete

 

[Kalimna]

Hi Pete - Thanks for the info. As it happens, I had a look at the brushes last night and I think they are fine - there is apparently a wear line that hasnt yet been reached.
However, on having a closer look at the trigger (opening up the handle and clearing the incredible amount of gunk that accumulates in a supposedly sealed unit), I think the gunk might have been causing a problem. Unfortuntely a spring on the trigger-lock-button pinged off into the depths of the garage, never likely to bee seen again. I hope it wont be an actual problem as I dont use the router in constant-on mode, and if/when I get around to having a router table I suspect I'll purchase a dedicated router there and then.

Many thanks for advice given,
Adam

 

[Racers]

Is the spring biro spring sized? Have you got a magnet a good sweep around might just flush the little bugger out!

It looks like the springs in the trigger are both £1.20 each (32 and 34 in the link I posted)

Pete

 

[Kalimna]

Perhaps if I posted a photo of my garage, and the area it pinged from you would understand Between the mass of nooks and crannies around 'stuff' and the mass of unsweeped-up walnut router shavings on the floor, I fear Sisyphus would have had an easier task And a couple of quid for a new spring isn't too bad in the grand scheme, is it?

Cheers,
Adam