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Missing locking key on router

3K views 2 replies 3 participants last post by  Mike 
#1 ·
I just acquired a hand-held Ward’s 1hp router, Model TGB-8542B and with some sage advice from the Forum, I cleaned the collet and now it holds bits safely.

Now, I seem to be missing the locking key – see diagram from the manual below. According to the diagram there is an “L” shaped Locking Key that fits into a “slot for the locking key” that goes under the Depth Adjustment Nut. This locking key is missing. The instructions for “Setting the Depth of Cut” do not mention the locking key. When I tighten the hand grip, the depth-adjustment-nut is locked up tight.

Do I need this locking key to operate the router? If I need a locking key, then I will look at a new router as all ’yall suggested, but I enjoy restoring tools, equipment and furniture and don’t give up easy. I’ve kept and fully restored my dad’s 1941 Chevrolet Special Deluxe Towne Sedan that he bought new in June of ‘41. Allen
 

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#2 ·
Hi Allen, sorry took so long to get back to you.
Not sure but it looks to me like that locking key takes up any slop in the system and keeps the motor from tilting slightly when you tighten the depth lock.
Probably not much but the motor would not be plumb with the base hence dados and rabbets may be slightly deeper on one side and depth of cut on vertical pieces would be slightly different top to bottom. Depending on size of bit you would likely need a caliper to detect it.
 
#3 ·
Allen, I would not operate the router with out this part. There is no reason why you can not make a replacement. The only function of this part is to assist in alignment/height adjustment.
While I appreciate your love for things old and restoring them you really would be much better off buying one of the new router combo kits.
 
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