OF 1400 noise while plunging

[mosez]

does your of 1400 make a squeeking noise when you plunge it? sounds like really squeeky springs inside...

 

[mouppe]

Have you tried waxing your columns to make the plunge action smoother?

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Does the squeak happen when the motor is off?  If so, is the plunge lock knob fully released?

Also check all the knobs that can be tightened or loosened, e.g., depth stop, the knob that holds down the guide rods, etc.  They can make a racket when loose.  Are you getting a lot of vibration? 

In the Festool router class they suggested that if you need to lube the columns, just use a very light machine oil.

If it still squeaks after all this, call service - it does not sound safe! [eek]

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I think I have been using some white lithium grease.

works great, little messy.

 

[Sparktrician]

I think I have been using some white lithium grease.

works great, little messy.

I've found that using a good coat or three of Butcher's Bowling Alley Wax (http://www.bwccompany.com/bowlingalley.html) on the columns does the same thing, and without the mess of liquid or colloidal lubricants.  It does need to be reapplied occasionally, but it works well.  I also protect the tops of my MFTs with the same wax.  Just be sure to buff off all the dried waxy residue with a soft flannel cloth or the like.  

[smile]

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I just spray it on and go.

I don't put anything on anything to protect it.  My stuff gets used hard and put away wet most times.

 

[butzla]

How often do you oil your column?  [poke]

 

[chrisrosenb]

I use a spray product called Jig-A-Loo.
It is clear, dries quick & is very slippery.
It is great for woodworking. I got it from Home Depot.

Jig-A-Loo

 

[BigHonu]

Just noticed that on my new OF1400 as well.  I tried putting a very light coat of machine oil on the the columns and it still squeaks.

 

[danrush]

Turn up the volume control on the radio in the shop...  Problem solved. 

Dan

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Turn up the volume control on the radio in the shop...   Problem solved. 

Dan

That sounds like how the old lady fixes her truck!! [big grin]

I did get me some Jig-a-loo yesterday.

It fell off the shelf in my trailer and Jig-a-loo'd  about everything in there. [embarassed]

 

[danrush]

Nice goin'; Slick.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

It was slick indeed (inside my trailer)  [doh]

 

[BigHonu]

It was slick indeed (inside my trailer)  [doh]

But how was your columns?

Dan, [big grin]
Tried turning up the old boom box to 11, but no good. Still heard her complaining. Maybe I need a better radio!

 

[mosez]

its the springs that squeak, not the colums, id say...but its not really possible to plunge in one absolutely controlled motion. there is some resistance now and then...

 

[BigHonu]

its the springs that squeak, not the colums, id say...but its not really possible to plunge in one absolutely controlled motion. there is some resistance now and then...

I would say that my experience is similar.  Sometimes the plunge is very smooth, but every once in awhile it will hang up just a tad. Sometimes at the top, and sometimes right before I hit the turrets. I'm going to head on down to my dealer in a couple of days to get it checked out. I'm well within my 30 day trial period so I think I should be covered.

 

[jvsteenb]

I use a spray product called Jig-A-Loo.
It is clear, dries quick & is very slippery.
It is great for woodworking. I got it from Home Depot.

Jig-A-Loo

Turn up the volume control on the radio in the shop...  Problem solved. 

Dan

That sounds like how the old lady fixes her truck!! [big grin]

I did get me some Jig-a-loo yesterday.

It fell off the shelf in my trailer and Jig-a-loo'd  about everything in there. [embarassed]

I feel a fair amount of hesitation, for I hate to be the one to break this kind of info, but I noticed from the description that Jig-a-Loo is a silicone based product.

It may not be very widely known, but silicone based products are a poor choice for metal-to-metal bearings.
Inherently low-friction as they are they are a superb product for rubber-or-plastics-to-just-about-anything contacts ( including metals ) but in metal to metal contacts, they actually induce wear..... which I assume you don't want in the columns/bearings of your precious Festool router. Use Teflon, Lithium or MoS2 based product ( preferrably a dry product ) instead. A good quality light machine oil should do great as well, as the bronze bushings are probably sintered porous bushings, that can absorb oil.
Not much is needed.

Even the manufacturers of Silicone-based products tend to warn about this: Link to ACC silicones though it's usually played down a bit, as a sort of side-note.

Any Silicone-based product that gets spilled on wood may also affect a later oil-based finish, so caution is advised.

I hope I didn't rain on anyones parade..... [sad]

Regards,

Job

 

[BigHonu]

Well, I have figured out why I'm getting a slight resistance every once in awhile during the plunge.  It is user error.  The further out on the handle I go, the more likely it is that I am pushing down at an angle, and not straight down.  If I push straight down, no problem, and no hang-ups.

Also, a big MAHALO to Shane who checked in with the service department about the squeaky springs.  This seems to be a common occurence and does not indicate a problem with the OF1400. 

 

[mosez]

did shane say, he checked on it? i must have missed that...