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how to change brushes on a Freud FT2000E, FT2200 etc.

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1.6K views 7 replies 5 participants last post by  Rangergord  
#1 · (Edited)
UPDATE:
I realized how to edit, after leaving a couple of "replies"...

I no longer need help changing brushes; it came apart with some effort.

Original question:

Hello and thanks in advance if you can help.
I have only changed brushes in a Bosch with nice access ports, unlike the Freud.

I have a Freud FT2000E that was well-kept and seemingly used little. Quiet for 3.25 HP. Made in Spain and seemingly well-built. Same as the FT2200 + any letters etc.
I have the user's manual but it doesn't address changing brushes.

I took the top two screws out, hoping the top would come off, but it's still tighter than a desert drum.

I thought I'd research more before prying on anything. There is a minuscule but detailed diagram, but it makes my head spin. How could they make it too hard to change brushes?

If you have any ideas from experience with housings like this, or a less abbreviated manual, I'd sure appreciate it.

Thanks to David Cooksey and Steve39 for posting the standard manual with the basics here; very helpful otherwise.

Jeff – Tampa Bay Area, FL
I can't attach the manual since I'm new, but it's in a thread here, manual called
freud-ft2200e-min-pdf.89513
 
#2 ·
UPDATE: Okay, I did finally get the top off; I just had to pry around it with a screwdriver a few times.
I see how to check or replace the brushes.
Seems like these units weaknesses are the hard-to-find collet nut (and they crack, likely after a lot of heating and cooling) and its speed variometer or rheostat. If I want a spare nut to be safe (since they are usually impossible to find) it will cost me $47 to get one to the states to be safe. t
Just hope I'm not following bad money with good.
Seems little-used... brushes are still pretty full... seems well-built.
 
#3 ·
I was wondering, now, though -- if the speed control module goes bad, can I bypass it (full speed) and use a "router speed control" (rated for adequate amperage) that is just an external rheostat or variaometer like the Big Horn 18852 that plugs into the wall and then the router hardwired for full speed?
 
#4 ·
Well... update again, looks like if the speed module does go bad, I have to replace it somehow or chuck the unit at that point (since they cannot be found). I saw HValley warning you can't use an external speed control on a variable speed router or soft start routers with a capacitor
Warning !!! Will not work with soft start or variable speed routers. Will not work with "AC capacitor start induction" type motors.
Unless maybe I could put on a retrofit rheostat -- anyone know the value needed? I'd love to notate it for later!
Thanks... I just noticed how to edit messages... in the hidden menu : thing.:giggle:
 
#8 ·
Welcome LakeOtter, I have a similar router and would be very interested in knowping how to get a spare collet, my FT2000E is over 20 years old but barely used in storage. I too have read every thread I could find on the Freud. My conclusion is that other than the collet, the other electrical issues may be related to dust buildup inside everything especially if used in a router table where it is able to suck dust in that is propelled from above. Anyway it seems that being zealous about cleaning it would be a good idea as well as keeping router table dust removed close to source.
 
#5 ·
First, welcome to the Forum. I have seen a number of external speed control devices on the market in the past. You might want to try one of those. I think the problem will be that you can't easily bypass the internal speed control chip.
 
#7 ·
G'day and welcome to the router forums.
 
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