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Advice needed - 'broken' Craftsman router

1270 Views 7 Replies 8 Participants Last post by  MT Stringer, 
jazzzbo
I have a barely used Craftsman 175 router that has a problem. The last time I actually used it, it started losing tiny ball bearings from behind the red, depth adjustment collar. I couldn't figure out where they were coming from, or why they were needed, but quickly determined they had something to do with the ease of adjustment.

In any case, it will now only adjust the bit depth with great difficulty, and the range is limited.

I'm thinking of just attaching it to my router table and locking the depth at a single level. Is this a stupid idea?

Would I be better off building or buying a router riser?

Should I forget about it and just buy a new one?

Opinions welcome...
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JOAT
jazzzbo said:
I'm thinking of just attaching it to my router table and locking the depth at a single level. Is this a stupid idea?

Would I be better off building or buying a router riser?

Should I forget about it and just buy a new one?

Opinions welcome...
Click to expand...
For what I do, my routers are all set at the same depth, and in my router table. Been using them like that for over 15 years.

Yes, buy a new one, and send me that one. Hehehe

I'd keep it. I don't like router lifts, I just pop the plate off, change bits, or whatever, and pop the plate back in. Make a simple, dedicated table, and stick it in that. If you want/need adjustment, I'd say buy another, you can't go wrong with an extra router or two.
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DaninVan
Buy a new one. Why suffer along with a crippled tool?
(My vote goes to the Bosch 1617EVSPK)



delivery.
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Stick486
DaninVan said:
Buy a new one. Why suffer along with a crippled tool?
(My vote goes to the Bosch 1617EVSPK)
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yup...
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Semipro
Check here for schematic and parts
.ereplacementparts.com/
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J
If you guys are talking "depth" as in the vertical adjustment between body and base, you must be using them for really specific tasks if you can get by with only adjusting the fence or whatever. I wish I could, but it seems like I have to go up inside my router table for that just about as often as I do to change bits.
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A
In my experiences with craftsman tools is that, as soon as you purchase them they become obsolete. The replacement parts become unavailable. You are stuck with either buying another obsolete driven tool or switch to a manufacturer that will honor and service your purchase. The few craftsman tools that I have left will eventually be phased out when something brakes or does not work anymore. Truly sad.
There are many choices out there for routers. Chose one that fits your needs, and hands well.

This just my opinion, based on my personal experiences.

Ellery "Bud" Becnel
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MT Stringer
2
Throw it away and get a new router. I suggest a Bosch 1617EVSPK - the combo kit. It will last you a long time.

I NEVER leave my router set at the same height unless I am producing stock for a project. No doubt, if I did that, I would be needing to install a new cutter and reset the height within the hour. :surprise:

Now saying that, I do have one of the 1617's dedicated for use with a 1/4 inch rabbit bit. I use it to cut the backs for cabinets. I also have the small compact DeWalt for other projects...and a larger Triton mounted under my router table.

See the picture - all of these routers were used during construction of my new workbench.

Note that you can never have too many routers or clamps!!! :surprise::grin::grin::grin:

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