OF 1010 Locking Problem

[Bazg]

Hi, this is my first post on this forum. I purchased an OF 1010 router and after a few months of light use the locking handle stopped functioning properly and I couldn't lock the router at a certain depth.
The router got sent back and after a few weeks use it started happening again, the machine got sent away a second time and Festool said there was nothing wrong with the machine and it was in a new condition. Once again I had the same problems you just couldn't lock the router to a depth, I took it to my local dealer who were very helpful and compared it to a brand new one, on a new one even a light tighten of the handle completely locks the machine. So the machine has now been sent away for the third time.
I just wanted to know has anyone else had an issue with this router.

 

[joiner1970]

I had this on mine sent it back thru my dealer and two weeks later it came back . Seemed ok but its doing it again you have to really crank it to lock it which I've never had to do with any other router.

 

[festoolviking]

Hi

I think the problem is that the screw in the nob isn't touching the rod properly.
One way to fix this is to unscrew the nob.
Take of the spring.
Check so you don't have any dirt where the spring sits.
If it's clean, leave the spring off.
Put the nob back and try if that solved the problem.
If so it's either the spring that stops the screw going deep enough or the screw is actually too short/worn out
Pry the nob apart with a flat screwdriver.
Pull out the screw and replace it for a slightly longer one.

If the screw is too short and you got the MFT clamping elements (488030) you can try one of the nobs from that, it's the same.

Good luck

Festoolviking

 

[Bazg]

Thanks for your replies, how many times would Festool normally try to sort this, or would they eventually just replace the tool.

 

[Geoff Wild]

My OF1400 router has for a long time exhibited essentially the same traits as you describe, although the rotary clamping knob will lock the plunge depth – it’s just that there is no tactile feedback to differentiate a ‘slipping’ lock from a secure lock. To be sure that the plunge really is locked I have to twist the rotary knob as far as I comfortably can, then with my right hand pressing down on the motor housing, re-grip the knob and give it a final twist until it will go no further.

Feeling that I really shouldn’t have to do this I made a point of checking Axminster’s OF1400 the last time I was there, and the locking mechanism felt noticeably better. All it required was a comparatively short twist and I could feel that I had achieved a secure lock.

As my router is long out of warranty I decided that I’d just live with this shortcoming. However I did place a paper marker on the plastic rotary knob to visually indicate its position relative to the securely locked point, but the lack of tactile feedback and the need, more often than not, for a double twist eventually persuaded me to at least try to do something about it.

So last week I looked at the parts diagram to see if there was something that just needed a bit of adjusting, but it was not at all clear to me how the locking mechanism actually works. Abandoning the idea of taking the router apart to find out, I decided to replace the plastic knob with a larger diameter wooden version with an additional short peg protruding from the side. Now fitted, the new knob gives me more leverage, and the peg, as well as being a finger grip, gives me a clear visual indication of just how locked the plunge really is.
The larger diameter knob also feels more comfortable, and the locking action feels really positive and much more akin to Axminster’s OF1400. I no longer have to give plunging and locking a second thought now.

Content that I’ve somehow fixed it, I haven’t further investigated the contributing factors – though I do wonder if the slightly shorter length of threaded bar inside the router housing (I added a second washer between the knob and its locking nut) has had something to do with it.

Anyway, I’ve fixed mine to my satisfaction, and I trust Festool UK will fix your router this time to your satisfaction too.

[attachimg=1]

Plunge unlocked:

[attachimg=2]

Plunge locked:

[attachimg=3]

 

[Bazg]

Thanks for the reply Geoff they were great pictures.
Just to update, I received a brand new 1010 router today so thats a good bit of customer service from Festool again.

 

[joiner1970]

Hmmmm Festool why didn't I get a new one ?

I had this same problem it went in once to be repaired then it started happening again and at the same time a pin snapped off the the plug it. I sent it in to get both problems fixed it came back with a new lead but no mention of the plunge lock problem. It's had this problem all the time I've had it and its put me off the router as I just cannot trust it to stay plunged while routing.

 

[j123j]

Wow, is this problem really this common? Has Festool made some changes in the design?  [eek]