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What is wrong with my router?

3169 Views 14 Replies 8 Participants Last post by  TenGees
Hello.

Maybe somebody could give me a clue how to fix a router, a Bosch Gof 1300.

At upstarting there comes a scratching sound, quite hard, can feel in the body of the router, and immediately there issues some smoke.
I have replaced the lower bearing, although it seemed fine, but this did not help.
The upper bearing seems fine, runs smooth when I turn it, there are no marks on it or the house where it runs.
There are no scratches on the copper windings or inside the plastic housing, no signs of friction that I can see.

Anybody have a clue? Thanks.:crying:
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Hey, ørnuløv; welcome!
Smoke sounds electrical not mechanical. Brushes OK?
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Does the smoke start in the first couple of seconds, or after it runs for a minute or two? Are the brushes worn or the springs that push them in damaged? Could you have gotten some lubricant or cleaner in the motor windings when you replaced the bearing? Are all the housing parts, bolts, screws, wire nuts, etc. tight and in place? Is any small part rubbing against a moving part? Any damage, scratches, debris in the motor's windings? Wiring smoke has a distinctive smell, is that what you smell? If you run it this way, does the fuse blow on that house circuit? Is there a short in the on/off switch? Does the speed control work? Any sign of a short on the speed control circuit, burned spots for example? If you take it apart and sniff the different parts, does one have a stronger aroma of smoke than the others? Are there any burned or melted spots where the power cord attaches to the router? Sometimes a stray strand or two of braided wire will short out Is there any lateral movement or play in the motor shaft, particularly at the end where the old bearing is located? All these things are where I'd start trouble shooting.
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correct voltage???
Why would the wrong voltage cause a scratching sound on startup?
Why would the wrong voltage cause a scratching sound on startup?
collateral damage...
Usually, when you let the magic smoke out, the tool is history. I hope you have better luck.

Charley
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"...when you let the magic smoke out, the tool is history."
-Charley

Ouch! LOL!
I agree that the smoke may signal the end for the router but check the brushes first. If you can feel something rubbing while turning the shaft by hand then try turning it with the brushes removed. If you still feel it rubbing you could try taking the armature out and look for wear marks.
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Usually, when you let the magic smoke out, the tool is history. I hope you have better luck.

Charley
That was my saying for helpers when I was teaching them HVAC repair. I see it gets used for other learning experiences as well.
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Does the smoke start in the first couple of seconds, or after it runs for a minute or two? Are the brushes worn or the springs that push them in damaged? Could you have gotten some lubricant or cleaner in the motor windings when you replaced the bearing? Are all the housing parts, bolts, screws, wire nuts, etc. tight and in place? Is any small part rubbing against a moving part? Any damage, scratches, debris in the motor's windings? Wiring smoke has a distinctive smell, is that what you smell? If you run it this way, does the fuse blow on that house circuit? Is there a short in the on/off switch? Does the speed control work? Any sign of a short on the speed control circuit, burned spots for example? If you take it apart and sniff the different parts, does one have a stronger aroma of smoke than the others? Are there any burned or melted spots where the power cord attaches to the router? Sometimes a stray strand or two of braided wire will short out Is there any lateral movement or play in the motor shaft, particularly at the end where the old bearing is located? All these things are where I'd start trouble shooting.
I have checked most of your points, and cannot find any of the specific symptoms, except the brushes are quite worn, though the springs seem ok.
Can this cause smoke and scratching? The smoke starts immediately, seem to come from the top. I have smelled here and there,
but cannot establish the specific point.
It's a mystery; what did you use for lubricating, if anything? Can you actually see smoke or did you only smell something 'burning'?
Ozone stinks and is produced from arcing...suggesting the brushes as being the source, but real smoke...bad juju!
did you use WD40 or other spray lube on the router???
The insulation on the motor wiring is a type of lacquer I think so if the smoke smells something like that then it's done for. Like Dan said, electrical arcing is more of an ozone smell and the two are different.
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I got a Makita corded drill given to me because it groaned and had little strength. It was the brushes. I think that could be your problem. If you have run it quite a bit, in that condition, you may have scorch marks in the com (where the brushes ride). That may need to be cleaned up. My drill has worked like new for a few years and the fix was under $3 (and a new emory board).
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