1400 Plunge Router

[Mike Mitchell]

I just bought hours ago a OF 1400 EQ plunge router.  I have been working on flattening two 3'x2' live edge walnut slabs with my PC 893 plunge router.  I am using the router in a homemade sled running on 2''x 4" rails.  I just got tired of eating dust and chips and I could not get a good hookup to my CT 26.  However, I am doing something wrong as I can not get the router to plunge deep enough to reach the slab.
 
I plunged the router to the surface, set the depth post or rod to the lowest turret, moved the depth plunge pointer to zero and then raised the post up to 30 or so.  This is as high as the post will go as it hits the top.  The micro adjuster is set to one. Now when I plunge I only get about a 1/4 + below the sled.  The sled is 1/2 inch melamine on the bottom.  I need another 1/2 inch or so.

Does anyone know what I am doing wrong?  Mike

 

[Shane Holland]

Mike,

Welcome to the forum and congrats on the new router. Check out this video that goes over the basic features and functionality of the OF 1400, including how to set the depth which starts at the 2:00 mark.

Sounds like your steps are basically correct. Did you put the bit in after doing the setup steps for setting the depth maybe?

 

[peterboy]

Is it possible that the Colet nut is hitting the sled? ie the hole is not big enough.

 

[Mike Mitchell]

No, I put the bit in first and tightened it later.  It may have slipped.  I think I need to widen the slots in my sled as it may be hanging up  there.  Thanks  Mike

 

[ear3]

The collet shaft is also pretty deep on the 1400, so you might be able to gain a little bit more by setting the bit somewhat shallower.  As long as you're not taking heavy passes, you should be fine.

No, I put the bit in first and tightened it later.  It may have slipped.  I think I need to widen the slots in my sled as it may be hanging up  there.  Thanks  Mike

 

[chasbo]

Hi
What sze bit are you using? I make tables and counter tops with live edge for a living and  most of the time I use a 1 1/2  or 2 inch bit. The slot in your sled should be much larger. The only thing that needs to be close is the sides of your sled. I put the flat edge of the router against one side and leave about a 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the router on the other side. Wax the base and it should be smooth sailing. There is one problem I learned the hard way. When moving your sled for a while you get tired and what I did was start leaning on the left rail (yep it deflected it a little bit). I started wondering why I was taking more wood off then I saw it. Shit now I had to bring the whole 8 foot piece down and extra 1/4 inch. The 1600 has no problem with the two inch bit. Have fun.

 

[brucelindsey]

It seems my 1400 does not plunge straight or plumb. Anyone had this problem?

 

[ear3]

[member=67219]BLSTL[/member] That would make the machine unsafe and unusable, to say the least.  Can you show us some pictures?

It seems my 1400 does not plunge straight or plumb. Anyone had this problem?