Bosch router base won't budge - ideas?

[Scott M Perry]

Hi, all -

I inherited an *old* Bosch 90150M router with an 82902 base. The router seems to be in very good condition, 'cept for one thing: The base is completely immobile. Can't get it to move at all. Doesn't seem cross-threaded (if that could even happen). I'm at a loss for how to free the thing - no amount of grunting seems to work, and I'm hesitant to use a spray lube near the motor.

Anyone have any ideas? I'd really like to put this thing to work.

Thanks,
Scott

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5507/12212683863_911d65d2fa.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scott--/12212683863/)
P1010936 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scott--/12212683863/) by Scott -- (http://www.flickr.com/people/scott--/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5479/12212883854_0847525a22.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scott--/12212883854/)
P1010934 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scott--/12212883854/) by Scott -- (http://www.flickr.com/people/scott--/), on Flickr

[Andrew Fleck]

You could try using some Kroil. Just use a little around the base and let it soak overnight. Kroil will be able to penetrate down there. It puts PB blaster to shame in my opinion. If it still won't move try lightly tapping a wood block on top of the collet while the base is immobilized.

[Scott M Perry]

Where can you buy Kroil? Need to pick some up...

[Scott M Perry]

Okay, impatience won out. Got to tapping on the collet with a piece of maple and rubber mallet. Popped right out.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3807/12213044444_9997e364a6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scott--/12213044444/)
P1010937 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scott--/12213044444/) by Scott -- (http://www.flickr.com/people/scott--/), on Flickr

Unless I'm off (always a distinct probability) that there t'ain't compatible with the helical on the router motor. Right?

Wonder where to pick up a new base for this thing...

[Scott M Perry]

Okay, I'm slowly thinking my way through this: There's a set screw in the helical on the motor. Sticks out 1/8" or so. Fits into one of the grooves in the base. There's a ring that screws up and down on the motor, which would act as a depth stop. There's a lock on the base. The base slides up and down okay, but grabs about 2/3 of the travel. I think some 1200 grit sandpaper may be in order...

[Robert LaPlaca]

Wow that looks a lot like the classic Porter-Cable motor, the PC motor has two small aluminum pins that keep the motor from spinning in the aluminum base, it is notorious for getting packed with dust.. Sometimes if one is unlucky enough the base and motor galls (kind of like the aluminum tears each other up), the Kroil or like product is worth a try, but my guess is the base a motor are just really packed with wood dust.. Might want to try a vacuum to attempt to suck some of the dust out, maybe try tapping the base with some scrap wood to see if you can some of the dust to escape..

[Andrew Fleck]

Okay, impatience won out. Got to tapping on the collet with a piece of maple and rubber mallet. Popped right out.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3807/12213044444_9997e364a6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scott--/12213044444/)
P1010937 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scott--/12213044444/) by Scott -- (http://www.flickr.com/people/scott--/), on Flickr

Unless I'm off (always a distinct probability) that there t'ain't compatible with the helical on the router motor. Right?

Wonder where to pick up a new base for this thing...

I'm glad it came for you. When I googled your base it was showing results for a Porter Cable base. Probably not the greatest fit for that router. I couldn't even begin to tell you where to get a base for it. Maybe call Bosch? I had never heard of that model. You can get Kroil online at a lot of places. I use it in my gun barrels. That's were I first heard of it.

[pat warner]

Your machine is ~30 - 34 years old.
Both motor & casting are Bosch.
I'm thinking doorstop or anchor.
Persistance maybe. But getting the thing running as new will take time and care.
Moreover, you may be at risk due to its wire set, strain relief, switch, windings etc.
**************
With priors.