Router, newbie confusion

[Jonny.D]

Hi Guys,
Wasn't sure where to post this, and DIY seemed appropriate.

A couple of questions about my router, first one I've had.

When I plunge the router it stops where the red line is




..is this right? Or is it supposed to plunge further?

The reason I'm asking this is I thought that "50mm plunge depth" meant that the cutting bit would cut down to a depth of 50mm?

Where as currently when the router is fully plunged / depressed the cutting bit only cuts to a depth of 20mm

Can anyone set me straight on this matter please?

Thanks for reading my post,


JD

[Potstubsdustbins]

You should get 50mm of vertical plunge depth on the slide bars, the actual depth of cut will depend on the tool length.

On the left hand side appears to be the marker for setting a variable plunge depth, it could be this needs adjusting. Not had one like yours but I am guessing the wing nut on the left just below the handle has something to do with it. Also again on the left just above the handle is a round knob that may adjust the depth gauge. Give those two a try and see how you get on.

[Jonny.D]

Thanks Postdustbins, what you say makes sense though what is still confusing me is that videos I've seen show the engine part going all the way down the silver guides to where the blue line is, a neighbors machine does this.



I've adjusted the depth gauge so that it does not interfere with the plunge in any way.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Yes it should go all the way down my Makita certainly does

[Potstubsdustbins]

Just checked and from your pic I would say the plunge depth guide on the left is set to give you a full length 50mm drop, otherwise the marked plunge scale would be showing to restrict the movement.

It's a Huston moment I am afraid.

[Stan79]

I think it's working properly. My cheap router doesn't go all the way down. As Pots says, to get a deeper cut use longer bits.

[Jolly Nantes]

The 50mm plunge is from the bottom of the collet to the base of the router, you don't want the collet to poke through the bottom of the router or it will hit what ever timber your routing.
You want to try a kitchen worktop router bit if you want a deep cut. That's if it has a 1/2 inch collet.

[bearded bloke]

From the pictures in the first post I would say it's fine, put it on a table with no cutter fitted, plunge the router until the nut touches the surface lock it & then drop the depth gauge onto it's stop & lock it, now release the router & measure the gap from the stop to the depth gauge, it should be 50mm

[Jonny.D]

From the pictures in the first post I would say it's fine, put it on a table with no cutter fitted, plunge the router until the nut touches the surface lock it & then drop the depth gauge onto it's stop & lock it, now release the router & measure the gap from the stop to the depth gauge, it should be 50mm

This is as far down as it goes, bit or no bit

[bearded bloke]

Mabe that is where it is designed to be, there might be different plates to go int he square hole that would restrict further plunging ?

Mine has a plunge depth of 45mm & at full plunge does not go fully down the columns either, head released & depth indicator set at zero ....




Fully plunged, depth gauge shows 45mm with approximately 20mm of the columns still visible

[skeggijon]

It looks about right to me.

[Jonny.D]

Thanks Bearded bloke & skeggijon

[ESBkevin]

Just registered to reply

Hi Guys,
Wasn't sure where to post this, and DIY seemed appropriate.

A couple of questions about my router, first one I've had.

When I plunge the router it stops where the red line is




..is this right? Or is it supposed to plunge further?

The reason I'm asking this is I thought that "50mm plunge depth" meant that the cutting bit would cut down to a depth of 50mm?

Where as currently when the router is fully plunged / depressed the cutting bit only cuts to a depth of 20mm

Can anyone set me straight on this matter please?

Thanks for reading my post,


JD

In your first Pic with the red line there is a turret like object with steps just below. This sets the depth in association with the sliding bar above. The turret rotates to give different levels too. In the piccygraph it looks like yours may be set at full hight/least travel. The turret should turn and 'click' with some resistance against each 'step' of height adjustment.

[ESBkevin]

I did reply to this as my first post but it went for validation and never reappeared so I'll précis it again.

In photo one look below the red line, there is a castellated turret or 'lump' affixed to the base. This can be rotated, although it might be stiff to prevent unwanted movement. It is against this that the upper body comes against to set the depth in conjunction with the adjustable depth stop above.

Turn the turret so that the lowest position coincides with the depth adjuster and you should then get maximum travel.

HTH.

[veggiechicken]

I've Validated it for you, ESB. It slipped past the Moderator's watchful eyes