Originally Posted by Dekker

Well, it's been a few weeks, and here's the update. (Thanks for all the suggestions everyone!)

I brought it to a shop and the tech agreed with my prognosis. So I ordered a replacement speed controller for the router (95$). A week and a bit later I get the call that it has come in, and discover it is the wrong part! Well, not quite. The one I needed was part number xx15, they sent xx16, which is the replacement for the 15, but newer. They were nice enough to include some instructions and a couple small parts to convert my existing router to handle the new controller.

BUT, the last line in the instructions read: If your router does not have the threaded shaft, you will need to replace the armature as well.

WHAT!!?? Of course, mine is not threaded, and so I'm looking at another $125? to replace the armature of the router (the main body that spins...) With that investment (225) I may as well consider replacing the router!

So for now I left the part at the shop, and am window shopping for a new router. I need one ASAP to finish the project I'm in the middle of. I'll probably keep my eye out for pawn shop duds and classifieds for a used/dead Freud FT2000 so I can steal its controller (my router body is pristine!).

I'm somewhat disappointed in Freud though, to not continue offering the existing part. I'd pay the same $95 to get the same old controller, even knowing that it might die in another 2-3 years. I just can't justify spending over 200 for parts that will get me 90 days warranty, when a brand new one is 350 with 5 years.

Now I'm going to have to look at other brands again, but this time I'll be keeping a better eye on the repairability of the router! Oh well, yet another review to add to my blogs!