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 to the forum Robert. Can't say too much just yet but I have a hard time believing that 2 new in box routers simply don't work. The fact that you're in South Africa (not US) makes me wonder if this isn't a problem common to both routers. Can it be voltage? Have you checked the electrical specifications? And then there's the lack of model numbers. I'd also check with the company's that made these and ask about service. Bosch from my experience will answer the phone. During the pandemic period my be slow but will respond. Triton ......I have no idea. Not good reports from what I've seen here.

But again I think it's likely a common issue that may be affecting them.

 

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.

 

Welcome to the forum

 

Hey, Robert: welcome! Man that's brutal! Two new machines defective from the get-go
I'm guessing Biagio may become your new Best Friend. (He's a goldmine of info.)

 

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?

 

Thanks a lot, Steve. I bought these two routers (a Triton TRS 001 (2000w, not 2400 as I thought) and a Bosch ACE 1400) quite a number of years ago, but I unpacked them from their sealed boxes a few days ago. Don't ask. It took a lockdown to unlock them. There is a Bosch centre just a few miles down the road here in Cape Town, South Africa, but I can't go there now, because we have quite strict curfews here. You're right about Triton - a lot of dealers here have stopped stocking or repairing them; apparently the spares are difficult to come by. I got some good advice from some guys and I will give it a go.

Thanks and keep safe.

Robert

 

Triton had a lot of trouble getting a reliable wholesaler years ago, but have really cleaned that up and now are quite helpful. My suggestions were for the model with the crank. Hope you are able to get something working soon.

To follow something recent, go to the top of the page and click on active topics. You can search back through 2 weeks of posts using the options there. Once a week, you should get a long list of posts made during the prior week.

 

Triton had a lot of trouble getting a reliable wholesaler years ago, but have really cleaned that up and now are quite helpful. My suggestions were for the model with the crank. Hope you are able to get something working soon.

To follow something recent, go to the top of the page and click on active topics. You can search back through 2 weeks of posts using the options there. Once a week, you should get a long list of posts made during the prior week.

 

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.

 

Triton and Bosch router problems

I want to thank you people who responded to promptly to my dilemma. I will certainly follow it up after ordering some dry lube. By the way, the Triton is a TRS001 (an old one I bought many years ago but removed from its sealed box only a few days ago) and it's 2000w, not 2400w. I am still a bit of a rube with these things.

 

I am still a bit of a rube with these things.

Hello Robert and welcome to the forums...

your rube thing we can help w/....

We've put some helpful information together at this here link to help you get up and running in the world of routers... We hope it to be useful to you... Enjoy...
do take some time and read the safety PDF's... PLEASE!!!
Blood and trips to the ER, we find, are very annoying... Not to mention – expensive...

 

Hi Robert, are the manuals still in the boxes of the Triton and the Bosch? If so, could you scan them and post them to the forum? The TRS001 manual is not available from the Triton website, and the POF1400 is not for sale in North America.
1. It may assist others to help you with your current problem.
2. it may help others with other issues.
I note that somebody had TRS001 issues in 2013 on the forum, but no mention is made of a manual. When all else fails, read the book.

Just attach the pdf s and upload from your computer - somebody will move them to the appropriate site.

 

The Triton has 2 plunge modes.

push plunge and wind down. You have to set button on the plunge handle?

What model is it? TRA001 or TRC001?

 

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.

 

Holy Hanna! Get Biagio on the payroll, stat!!

 

Biagio, thanks again. I would love to go, but the roads here are crawling with cops who pull off cars all over the place. Also, I am a bit jittery about this corona bug as I am in the wrong age bracket, lungs worn out by years of smoking and a bit of blood pressure. So I am going to soldier on with the good advice I have received so far. If nothing works, I guess I will venture off to Plumstead when the coast is clear.

 

Robert...for the Triton, try moving the router from its extreme position and check the pin that locks the shaft has retracted. Once that is done, try moving the switch interlock cover. It should be free at that point. The cover is there to make sure one cannot turn the router on when the pin is holding the shaft. If the pin has not retracted try prying it away from the shaft...it may be jammed in the out position from lack of use...

I assume you are ordering the Triflow...? That should be used sparingly after thoroughly cleaning the parts. "if you think you need to apply more, you've used too much"...use a Q-tip to apply.

 

Robert, if all else fails, send me a Personal Message (click on Subscriptions in the welcome bar, go down the control panel on the Left hand side until you find messages - send a PM). We do not like to have personal info like tel numbers and emails published. I will respond with contact details. We could set up a teleconference on Friday, if you have reasonable Internet access, and try to hack through it together. But I am no Brian Thomas.
In the meantime, enquire if anybody you know has a contactless voltage tester. Unfortunately the cheapest model is out of stock at Builders, and the one in stock is more expensive than necessary - will pay to send in the Bosch instead.

 

I've never tried it but would a magnetic compass placed on the cable indicate whether or not there was potential there? Probably not; current would probably have to be flowing for the corona to be present?

 

Try this,,,,

 

Triton and Bosch router problems

I got the Triton working on the router table. I did as I was advised and cleaned the router and put some graphite powder on it. The mechanism slowly improved. I then mounted it on the Triton router table (not very impressive, as it not very accurate) and got it working. The reason why it worked, is because there is a strange harmony and synergy between the mechanism, the collet lock switch, the on/off switch and the plastic switch cover. You have to depress the collet lock switch when it is not on the table, but when it is on the table, it works automatically when you fasten the shank nut, as does the electrical switch cover. I found all this out by trial and error and if it is revealed in the gospel of the manual, you need a theologian to interpret it.

I made a sort of a manual out of all the advice you guys sent me and drew up a checklist which I ticked off as I went along. Rest assured, at every possible stage of change, I switched off the power at the wall socket and even pulled out the plug.

One thing I found out about routing, it is that you have to think three-dimensional. It's all very well looking at a drawing of what you want to do, but it is quite difficult visualizing it when you have the piece of wood in your hands. It is easy to get things upside down and left side right.

I am busy replicating a rotten window bottom rail with two odd-sized tenons and a lot of grooves and rebates on it, so I am using another piece of wood to do the trial runs. It's a tricky business, this routing. I once even used my work piece for a dummy run, but luckily it turned out all right, as the dimensions were correct. I have done the easy bit already and that is the rebate on the one side and taking some wood away on the other side, but the other side has got a lot of dimensions, so I reckon it will take me some time still.

As far as the Bosch router is concerned, I am going to take it to the agents when things are more quiet on the corona front.