Would YOU use this router?

I'd use it, my first router I found at a thrift store a 70's or 80's TrueValue brand plunge router, still works today.

 

That's a pretty nice tool. Definitely do any maintenance it might need, and then use the heck out of it. It may be loud because it needs maintenance, or it may just be loud. Use hearing protection.

 

probably all the router you will ever need unless you get the bug and need a plunge, then a trim, then separate routers for different round over sizes, rabbit cutters so you don't have to waste time changing cutters and setting them up.

 

One advantage of old metal bodied tools is they absorb the vibration better. Still... sometimes old stuff isn't as easy to use. I have an old aluminum Craftsman drill, you have to use a chuck key with it.

 

I have an identical router that's Craftsman branded. I used it to rebuild the red oak stairs in my house this summer.

 

That's a better built router than most you will find today as a home duty router. It kind of looks like a Porter Cable 690...

 

I would use it in a heartbeat. Change the brushes if needed, make sure the bearings on the shaft are not the cause of the noise.

 

Those two ears at the top usually have a Bakelite plug in each one. Unscrew each plug to remove the brushes and inspect them.

While the brushes are out, test the top and bottom bearings for runout. If you're adventurous, disassemble the entire thing (remove the brushes first) and regrease the bearings.

If the bearings need replacing, each bearing has a number on it. Back when this router was made, the bearings were jellybean parts and they still are: cheap and easy to find.

Take care when reassembling and make sure the unit is properly grounded and has proper polarity (use a three-wire mains cable and mind the hot/neutral connections) because this tool was made prior to the whole "double insulated" thing.

 

Peegoo beat me to it, but your router is actually maintainable and re-buildable. It was built in the days before throw away tools. I have an old Craftsman of approximately the same vintage and use it frequently.

To the OP, if you're doubtful of that old router, I'll send you my address and shipping money, send it to me and I'll dispose of it for you

 

Hell yes, I'd use it!

I still use mine all the time -






It may be old, but it's a great router.



I originally bought it and a Porta-Plane along with the hinge template kit for mortising door hinges.

That was back in the days when you bought a door and it was a slab of wood.

You had to cut mortises for the hinges, bore and mortise for the lock set, and plane in the bevels on the door's edges.

You know, the good old days .

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