OF 1400 router depth not constant

[Ronne]

I have a OF 1400 EBQ-Plus router which I use for making loudspeaker cabinets. I have used it for a couple of years without trouble, but now it seems like it cannot keep a constant routing depth. I have disassembled and cleaned the collet and I have changed the bit to a new one, but it seem that the problem stays. Also I think it is vibrating more than it did when it was new. I usually route MDF.
Do you have any idea what might be the problem.
Kristian

 

[Stoli]

What kind of variations are you experiencing?  I had trouble with the play in the depth stop turrets,  After zeroing out the depth by touching the work with the bit, I'd place my desired depth gauge on the turret and lock the stop.  This did not compress the turret as much as it would get depressed when I went to plunge.  This squishiness was also causing repeatability problems, but only sub-mm.  I solved this by adding some spacers under the turret so I could crank down on the set screw: http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/of1400-depth-stop-turret-my-fix/

 

[Ronne]

Stoli
When I route a circle at a depth of 10mm, then when I come back to the starting point the depth can be as much as 12-13 mm, which is no good and I have to scrap the work piece. I use the vertical depth gauge and the mechanical stop and I have started to tighten the collet and router locking handle more that I think should be necessary. It is as if vibrations slowly changes the depth.
Kristian

 

[jonny round boy]

I had a similar issue a couple of years ago.

I discovered that the problem wasn't with the plunge mechanism slipping (as I first suspected) but it was actually the collet.

Over time dust had got in the slots in the collet, then with repeated tightening had compressed rock solid. This meant the collet wasn't griping the router bit tight enough, and with use the router bit was slowly creeping out of the collet. After dismantling the collet and cleaning the offending crud out, the problem was gone.

Jonathan

 

[Ronne]

Jonathan
Thanks for your answer. Do you clean the collet every time you change the bit position in the collet and every time you change bit. Maybe MDF crud is more likely to create this problem.
Kristian

 

[Tinker]

I found the same problem with my old PC routers.  I started using spray (bit & blade cleaner) into the collet every time I used the router, or changed bits. I seemed to have solved the problem.

Since going to Festoys, I still spray the collet with every bit change.  I have had no problem of this sort since. I often will go months, especially during late winter to early winter of next season with never even looking at my routers.  If the collets are not kept clean, the gunk can really get hard inside, especially if I had been routing pine.
Tinker

 

[Ronne]

Tinker
Thanks for your advice! I think I will start to use this bit & blade cleaner.
Kristian