Triton 2400w and Bosch 1400 ACE routers

Greetings Robert,
the only thing I know about the Triton, is that I would like to have one, but cannot afford it. But what I have seen some of the guys say, is that it has a built-in collet-locking mechanism, which only works in a particular position. You may be having problems related to that mechanism. If possible, upload photos (you can do so if the photos are on your own PC), showing clearly the position of the collet in relation to the base of the router at the sticking point, and if possible, the collet itself. One of the guys who have the same machine, will be able to advise. BTW, from “a few years ago” there may have been a model change - specify which one you have (TAsomething).
As far as the Bosch goes, it would be most unusual to find a dud straight out of the box. First thing to check, is whether the plug is actually making contact with the wall socket. If it has a Shuko-style plug, they sometimes give problems in that regard. If you have one of those contactless voltage testers, you may be able to see whether there is voltage on the Power cord when plugged in and switched on 9or even switched off, for that matter). If nothing, suspect the plug-socket contact. If there is voltage, you either need to wait until end of lockdown and take it to Bosch Service (I don’t know where you live, but the guys at the Service Centre at 35 Roper St in Jhb are very helpful), or be prepared to take the machine apart yourself. But before you do that, rotate the speed selector (red knob on one side of the case towards the top) a few times, in case the pot has become gundged up.

Welcome, Robert...

Regarding the Triton...when you say "mechanism" are you referring to the plunge...? If so, it may just need some cleaning...do not use any oily petroleum products, it'll just make future dust stick better. Again, if it's the plunge, check the lock ever to make sure it is operating freely. It may just be that it is not unlocking completely. You may need to take the lock lever and its parts completely off to clean and lube it with dry lube. By the way, in order to mount the Triton in the table, you should remove the plunge spring to allow it to operate freely. If you are using it freehand, you will need the spring for the plunge to operate correctly.

Regarding the switch...the interlock cover may just be stuck a bit. Make sure the router is in the extreme up position (if it's in the table) and that the shaft is locked with the pin that pops out. Then lower the height with the handle and make sure the shaft goes up and down and that the pin has retracted. If the pin does not retract it may just be stuck...maybe some cleaning might take care of that. Only use dry lubricant like TriFlow.

I think general cleaning and some dry lube (TriFlow) may change your symptoms.

Regarding the Bosch...if you are electrically inclined, you will want to trace the wiring all the way from the plug to the internal wires. I would suggest doing that with a continuity test rather than live voltage initially (ohmeter). Check continuity across the switch first to make sure it makes proper contact when you operate it. If you are not electrically inclined, I would not suggest checking connections with voltage applied. (not sure of your skills) Using the ohmeter, you will want to check connections from point to point.

Biagio and NickP's suggestions are right on. I have a Triton and it took awhile to fully understand how the on off switch works with the safety interlock system. If it's in the table, you must remove the spring or it won't work at all. When you crank the Triton to full depth, or as high as it can go while in the table, the interlock is set automatically and you have to crank it down and reset the on/off switch or it won't run. If your unit was stored for years inside a box, a quick wipe down should be enough to free up the plunge mechanism. If you just forgot to remove the spring for in table use, be sure you store it some place where it won't gather sawdust or get lost. The Triton is too heavy for me to comfortably use it for freehand routing, so it lives permanently in my table. I found the lock lever was a bit sensitive and the difference between lock and unlock was rather small.

The Bosch. How long has it been in storage? Was it stored in the box or in the open, such as a shelf? Are you using the fixed or plunge base? Have you made sure the speed control (the tiny red dial on top) is moving freely? Is the switch on? Have you checked the plug to make sure the power is on? Is the voltage a steady flow at the expected range? Not all African countries have reliable power and some have lowered voltage significantly for economic reasons.

There are small, pen sized sensors that detect voltage in wires. They are cheap and very helpful gadgets, look up non contact voltage detector. see pix. A loose wire in a socket would be enough to be the culprit. Try another socket you know works.

Personally, I doubt the storage is much of a factor if they were stored in a box. And if the spring is still in the Triton and it's in the table, that's where I'd start. The Bosch speed control is a tiny electronic circuit and long term storage in a hot storage area, could have dried out a capacitor, but Bosch will take care of it for you, probably not for free.

Thanks a lot, Biagio. I didn't think I would get a response this quickly. It's a Triton TRS 001 and it's quite old - before they came out with the height winder for the table. I was wrong; it's a 2000 watt model, not 2400. I managed to loosen the mechanism (although I am scared that it will jam again) and I am going to mount it first and put the bit in and give it a go. The switch cover is still jammed, but maybe when it's connected to the table, it will operate. But that's tomorrow. As for the Bosch, I tested it with the same electrical connection as the Triton, so it's probably from long disuse that something has gone wrong inside.

PS: I received responses from a number of helpful routerists (is that a word?), but I don't know how I can collectively communicate with and thank them all on this subject. I only joined this forum so I am not quite clued up on all the jigs and hacks. I also don't know how to keep track of my request for advice. I found these responses only by searching under General. Can you help me there? I will report back when I have tried out all the advice. I just don't know what dry lube is. Is there something I can use instead?

Robert, further to what Tom said, once you log in, you will see an item. “Subscriptions” along from your name in the welcome bar. Clicking on that will open a list of all threads on which you have posted, starting with the present thread.

Don’t forget what he said about removing the return spring - check the user manual for how to do that. The spring is strong enough to counteract the considerable weight of that router when used freehand - it will give you a good fight if you try to raise the router when mounted in the table.

Also, those Tritons have a button to “convert” from plunge to fixed-base type of operation - check the manual to be sure that it is in the correct position, and not sticking. I think it is a push-button type of thing.

For the Bosch, hang on another week or so until the Cape town service centre is open (if it is not already operational), and have them check it out. Take it along in its packaging - they may deal with it as if under warranty. Ryobi has done it for me more than once.

In response to you people who responded so warmly, Biagio, Steve, Nick, Roxanne, Dan, Tom the Desert Rat, Stick and James the Greeter, I attach the manuals and some images of the Triton TRS001. The Bosch is a 1300 model, not 1400. I think I must get new glasses, never mind reading the safety manuals. I have never used a big router before, apart from a little Dremel which I used to make a hinge recess, so I am a bit scared of using this big thing. But first I must get it in proper working order, after I get the dry lube stuff I ordered.

Robert

Hi Robert,
That particular model of Bosch, is not the DIY (green) machine I was thinking of, it was part of their professional range. I would be very surprised if it is dead in the water - must be something stupid. Bosch is open - contact the Cape Town service centre, and get them to check it out. Even if there is a small charge, it is worth it.
Regarding the Triton, it sounds like it is a procedure problem, involving the interlock, the switch, the plunge lock. I would be happy to discuss it with you on videoconference, but I think you would be better served by talking to someone who knows the product. i do not know where you bought the tools, but there is a great outfit in Cape Town called BPM Toolcraft, in victoria Ave, Plumstead. they have re-opened, subject to strict social distancing rules. Specifically, there is a very knowledgeable guy called Brian Thomas. I recommend you contact him, take it in and ask him to look at it. he will know if it is a machine fault or something procedural. they are re-sellers, and can send it for fixing if required.
A word of warning: if you have never been there before, have someone else take charge of your credit card before you step into the shop.
The other useful crowd is Hardware Centre, but I cannot vouch for the knowledge of the Cape Toewn guys - i do not know them.