Router spring removal for Porter-Cable 693
Many woodworkers have plunge routers mounted in their router tables and can’t adjust the height of the routers as easily as they see me do it.
I am always asked at wood shows how I adjust my router so easily. Many woodworkers have plunge routers mounted in their router tables and can’t adjust the height of the routers as easily as they see me do it.
The reason: they have not removed the springs from the plunge mechanism. I will, therefore, take you step-by-step through removing the springs from the most common routers on the market.
This issue we will look at the Porter-Cable 693. Make sure that your router is always unplugged before attempting any procedures such as those listed in this article. SAFETY FIRST!
STEP 1
Lay the router on its back. The lock is spring loaded so your router will be locked in position. Remove the large lock-nut, the knurled nut, the waffle washer and the second knurled nut that are at the top of the rod (photo 1 & 1A).
STEP 2
Lay the router on its back with the lock mechanism face up. With your body against the base plate, and your hands on the router, pull the lock mechanism. The base will press against you and will start to slide off (photo 2).
STEP 3
When there is no pressure against you, grab the base and pull the base off. The springs will be hanging from the router (photo 3).
STEP 4
Begin pulling the springs out of the body and as you pull, bend them down a bit. This will grab the black plastic post inside one spring only. The other spring is around the long threaded rod that runs the length of the column shaft (photo 4 & 4A).
STEP 5
Slide the base back into the router body. The easiest way to do this with this router is in the upright position (photo 5). Release the lock handle and then slide the router body over the column. Make sure that the threaded rod slides through the top of the body housing. (There should be a white plastic guard that fits over the hole in the body. This keeps the threaded rod from rubbing against the body itself.)
STEP 6
Thread the large lock nut, the knurled nut, the waffle washer and the second knurled nut over the threaded rod and turn them until they are about ¾” from the top of the rod (photo 6). Tighten with an adjustable wrench. Your router is now ready to mount into your table and will be much easier to adjust without the springs installed.
Safety Note: These instructions are strictly the opinion of the author and do not reflect those of the manufacturer. Always refer to your owner’s manual for exploded views of your router and, if you don’t feel comfortable with these directions, do not remove your springs.
Feb/Mar issue: Removing the springs from the Hitachi M12V
Apr/May issue: Removing the springs from the DeWalt 625
