Wes Billups
09-24-2020, 10:24 PM
I'm hoping someone can help me out on this subject. I've had this Porter Cable Model 7539 Type 1 router for about 22 years and don't think I've ever used any speed less than the max of 21,000 rpm (I don't own any big bits). Last night while trying to demonstrate the variable speed to someone I switched it to the lowest speed and when you pull the trigger it wouldn't turn the arbor:mad:. Same result at all other speeds. Even when I returned to the 21,000 rpm setting it took a couple tries before it fired up.
441901
I know Porter Cable routers have had issues with the speed control malfunctioning but everything I read talked about the router speed varying while cutting not failing to even startup. I also read about issues with the soft start caused by a faulty speed control but that also works fine at the top speed.
Tonight I played around with it a little more and noticed that if I start it up at the top speed and then switch to a slower speed I can hear the motor slow down and speed back up as I move the speed control switch. I then proceeded to take the router apart to see if I could find anything (I'm replacing both bearings so I was taking it apart anyway). No obvious issues or significant amount of dust in the switch. The brushes look great so I don't believe that's an issue.
Could this be caused by a bad bottom bearing? I'm assuming the issue will remain once I get new bearings but am hopeful there was just too much resistance for the motor to start it at the lower speeds due to a bad bearing.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and if anyone else has experienced this issue.
Thanks,
Wes
P.S. If anyone has recommendations on sources for new bearings in a router I'd appreciate that as well. I've been reading as much as I can and it appears there are more bearing grades than I have routers.
441901
I know Porter Cable routers have had issues with the speed control malfunctioning but everything I read talked about the router speed varying while cutting not failing to even startup. I also read about issues with the soft start caused by a faulty speed control but that also works fine at the top speed.
Tonight I played around with it a little more and noticed that if I start it up at the top speed and then switch to a slower speed I can hear the motor slow down and speed back up as I move the speed control switch. I then proceeded to take the router apart to see if I could find anything (I'm replacing both bearings so I was taking it apart anyway). No obvious issues or significant amount of dust in the switch. The brushes look great so I don't believe that's an issue.
Could this be caused by a bad bottom bearing? I'm assuming the issue will remain once I get new bearings but am hopeful there was just too much resistance for the motor to start it at the lower speeds due to a bad bearing.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and if anyone else has experienced this issue.
Thanks,
Wes
P.S. If anyone has recommendations on sources for new bearings in a router I'd appreciate that as well. I've been reading as much as I can and it appears there are more bearing grades than I have routers.