OF 1400 Arcing (sparking) a lot

[tazprime38]

Is it normal for the OF 1400 Router to arc so much that through the top vents it looks like fireworks? This happens on higher speed settings and max's on 6.

I bought this router on ebay  so its not new but was told it had only been used for a few jobs.

 

[erock]

I never had that issue with my 1400  [eek]. 
I wounder if trying to remove to much material on one pass could cause this problem?

 

[Scribs]

Wow, that didn't sound right.  So, I just plugged mine in and put a large bit in it.  I only ran it through a pine 2x6, but I took a full bite and at low and high speed.  Absolutely no sparks...  Hope that helps  [sad]. 
P.S.
There is a very, very tiny blue spark where the brushes contact deep in towards the trigger handle...very tiny!
Scott

 

[Michael_MA]

Well, no the load of the machine is usually fully covered by the amount of surface provided by the brushes. The spring pressure of the brush assembly keeps them well pushed to the collector. But the spring tension is getting weaker, the shorter the brushes get - so this leads me to the conclusion the brushes should be replaced soon, as the sparking is most probably causing serious heating of the brush assembly and motor Collector. In excess this could burn down the collector - weld the brush assembly to the collector - requiring an expensive change of the motor.

So i would seriously recommend to inspect the brushes and replace them.
Festools great Service can be of help here, not only for supplying the brushes, but also with replacing the brushes and doing a complete inspection of the device.
Cause is suspect, if the brushes are worn down, maybe there are also other mechnical parts (bearing, rods) which require maintenance.

kind regards, Mike

 

[Brice Burrell]

If the router hasn't seen much use the brushes are likely not seated or broken in yet, in that case arcing is normal.  I think you'd know by the condition of the router if it had been used enough that the brushes need to be replaced.

 

[tazprime38]

Thanks for the replies..

The router is arcing as soon as I turn it on and without any load i.e. have not even started using it.

I don't think the router has been used a lot from the condition of it, but it could be that it has not been broken in yet, so Brice you may be correct.

I will probably have it checked out just in case the brushes do need changing. Its not under warranty as its not new, so is this changing the brushes something I could do? Is there any step by step guide that anyone has done showing this?

 

[jonny round boy]

Its not under warranty as its not new...

Don't assume that. Festool warranties last 3 years, and are transferrable between owners. I'd recommend you contact Festool UK service dept., give them the serial number & they should be able to advise you if there is any warranty remaining or not.

 

[Brice Burrell]

......I will probably have it checked out just in case the brushes do need changing. Its not under warranty as its not new, so is this changing the brushes something I could do? Is there any step by step guide that anyone has done showing this?

Don't worry about the brushes wearing.  Festool uses auto stop brushes (I think that's what they're called).  These brushes have a spring loaded insulator inside and when the brush wears out the insulator breaks through and doesn't allow the brush to make contact with the armature, safely stopping the tool before any damage can occur to the motor.  This makes it safe to run the tool until the brushes are completely worn out.  I'd ring Festool UK to make sure this is the case with your tool over there just to be safe.