Exploding router!

[Dominick Giarraputo]

I just thought everyone should see this. This craftsman router was mounted in my table. It blew out the the motor casing that holds the bottom bearing. I didn't get hurt but I did have to change my underwear after it happened! Just goes to show that it's a good idea to give your power tools a good going over once in a while. ....Oh yeah, it destroyed the project I was working on at the time too.

[Vaughn McMillan]

Wow...glad to see you weren't hurt. Were there any warning signs like a strange noise or anything else to hint something was going wrong before it blew up? How old was the router?

- Vaughn

[Alan Turner]

Wow indeed. Glad you were not hurt. Tell us more about how this happened if you don't mind so we can try to avoid such a situation.

[Kelly C. Hanna]

All Craftsman and Ryobi routers were recalled a few years back...seems they had a tendency to let go at will...glad you weren't hurt.

[Robert Mayer]

A little ducttape and you will be good to go.

[Dale Rodabaugh]

Glad you are OK,makes me wonder about Craftsman,even more.:eek: :mad: :rolleyes: :cool:

[Jeff Sudmeier]

Now that would wake you up!! Glad to hear you weren't hurt!

[Keith Christopher]

So glad you're not hurt !!!!!!!! Sorry about the project and the routers, but man you now have a good story to tell :) !!!!

[Dominick Giarraputo]

Sorry for the pictures being so big!

It was an experience that's for sure! The router was maybe 4 years old and had only recently put it in the table. I use a vacuum so it wasn't unusually dirty. No, there really weren't any warning signs to what was going to happen. I checked the lower bearing thinking that it might have locked up but it was fine. So no clue! Luckily I was hollowing out a block of stock to make a small box so the bit was totally covered as the time. I guess that's what kept me out of "the line of fire"! I hate to think how I would have faired if I what hand holding it when it shot craps! The sad part about the whole thing is I am a Sears service tech and repaired their power tools for years!
Hey lady, are you sure you want me to fix your washer?? :eek: LOL

[Steve Clardy]

I gave up on Craftsman routers probably 8-10 years ago. All the bearings were housed in plastic. Bearings heat up, and they loosen in the housings. Then the whole bearing spins in the housing, wearing it out.

[Jim Hinze]

Oh my goodness... I'd have needed a couple changes of clothes and a valum after that experience :eek:

Glad you didn't get caught by any airborne pieces....

[Donnie Raines]

Hate to say it....but my first router was a C-man it, too, exploded just like this!!! My bit came flying out and bounced off the walls a few times...... :eek: :eek:

[Fred Dorn]

All Craftsman and Ryobi routers were recalled a few years back...seems they had a tendency to let go at will...glad you weren't hurt.

The only recall I can find for Craftsman router was due to a faulty switch.

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml03/03100.html

[Corey Hallagan]

Sorry about the misfortune and glad you were not hurt. I still use a Cman router and used 3 different Cmans for about 15 years or more. Never had a problem like this at all and boy am I glad!!
Corey

[Dominick Giarraputo]

Yeah, I know! I have 2 other Craftsman routers that have got to be 15-20 years old and there still going strong, no problems at all.

You never know what lurks in the minds of your most trusted power tools!!:D

[John Bailey]

I've got an old Craftman Professional series router. Got it from my LDW. It's probably about 20 yrs. old. I was going to set it up on a router table to do about 500 linear ft. of pine t&g. Won't be a lot of protection there. Should I be worried?(Read between the lines - this sounds like a good excuse to buy a new tool!!)

John

[Corey Hallagan]

I think the old routers were pretty decent. Like i said, I used some for about 15-18 years and never had a problem. Did some stuff with them I shouldn't of probably done as well. Still have my 1 1/2 HP model, it runs very well. You should be just fine. The bits will probably give up the ghost before the router does. Of course I wouldn't want to deny someone the chance to get a new tool so shop away and use the CMan for a back up!

Corey

[James Ayars]

This past summer, I had a Craftsman compound miter saw blow apart on me. I always check the screws before using it and found nothing lose. While cutting the second 2x4, there was a loud bang and pieces of the plastic and metal blade guard, blade and vertical arm went all over my garage. A few pieces bounced of my shield. When using it, I always wear safety glasses and a full face shield. My friends always thought I was paranoid, but they changed their minds after that.


I was really glad that my wife and little girl were not out there watching as they might have gotten hurt real bad.
James

[Von Bickley]

Glad nobody got hurt. That could really make somebody "Mark Their Laundry". :D

[Tom Andersen]

When using it, I always wear safety glasses and a full face shield. My friends always thought I was paranoid, but they changed their minds after that.


How many of you use full-face shields?

[Don Baer]

Since I started turning I find myself reaching for it more often whe I am routing and on the TS.

[Brian Hale]

I usually just let the smoke out :rolleyes:


I'm REAL glad you weren't hurt! I shudder thinking about what a bit could do at 10,000 rpm :eek:

Brian :)

[Corey Hallagan]

After reading these posts, I might start wearing a Motorcyle helmet!

Corey

[Kelly C. Hanna]

Wow...exploding tools is not a good thing!!!!

[Dominick Giarraputo]

Motorcycle helmets & Body Armour!:rolleyes:

[James Ayars]

Corey, I had to wipe my drink off the screen after your post. Picturing someone wearing a motorcycle helmet in the shop was A+ funny.


I didn't get scared until several minutes after the saw blew up. When it first happened, I just stood there thinking "Now I don't have a saw anymore."

I wear safety glasses and a face shield when I use the cms, angle grinder, chain saw, and router. My drill drill press and table saw I still wear just glasses although that may change real soon.

I also wear a heavy long sleeve shirt when using the angle grinder. Last week I was cutting up an old filing cabinet to get the sheet metal and the shirt really protected me from pieces of hot metal.

My router is a Craftsman too. I wonder if I could make remote control arms twenty feet long to operate it?
James