I have this model router (315.17461), that I just bought from an estate sale. There was no Owner's Manual to go with it. Right below the motor, there is this red/white ring that has numbers on it (i.e. 7/32, 13/64, 3/16, etc). This ring goes all the way around the outside diameter of the router. What is this ring called, and what does it do?
That's your depth adjustment, I think. That ring will raise and lower the motor in relation to the base. There could be a lock that needs to be open while adjusting.
That's your depth adjustment, I think. That ring will raise and lower the motor in relation to the base. There could be a lock that needs to be open while adjusting.
Thanks! That sounds about right. I previously had a Black & Decker router that only had a release knob. I then had to use a ruler to measure the depth of the cut, while I moved the motor in or out. The ring on this unit kinda caught me off-guard.
According to that 315.17460 manual that i linked to, there's a wing-nut type lock. Open that before adjusting. Then tighten it before routing. There's also a manual for a 315.17431 if the 460 one isn't similar, maybe look at it.
The numbers on the ring are a rough estimate. Be aware that the ring does not indicate the actual bit depth. If you are careful when installing your bit you can zero the ring with the tip of the bit flush with the base plate. Then you can adjust the depth of cut using the scale on the ring. Good luck with that. Not very accurate. I have always found it best to physically measure the bit depth before any depth critical cut.
I had even forgotten that my router had a measured scale on the ring. Thanks for reminding me of this feature.
I have a Model 315.17550 I received following the death of my father-in-law 30 years ago. As stated above, the ring is used to adjust the depth of the router bit in small increments. I still use the router on occasion. But I don't trust the ring and use measuring bars to set the depth, as with my other routers. The method I employ is loosen the lock located on the backside of the router, spin the ring out of the way, install and set the bit depth to 'zero', slide the motor up/down to near the depth required, spin the ring down until it touches the base, and adjust to your final depth being sure to tighten the lock on the backside before routing. Not nearly as easy as with my Freud 2000, but once you get the hang of it, works. Hope this helps and enjoy your 'new' router.
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