Faulty Router

Can you actually move the bit when you apply hand pressure to it, or are you observing the perceived movment when the bit is at speed?

If you are simply observing it, then due to the shape of some of the bits at their ends, the movement may well be an optical illusion.

If you are getting a "dent" in one spot, then that is usually caused by a jerky movent by the user when operating the machine or hitting a 'hard' knot which causes the bit to kick - or by other bad practices of the user.

If the machine is actually faulty, then you will have no problems of returning it as the Sale of Goods Act (SoGA) will apply, but I would suggest that you make certain that is not you using the machine in an improper manner (no offence intended, but believe me, inexperience or bad practice on the part of the user causes many problems when using an electric router).

Under SoGA, they legally have the option to repair, replace or refund at their discretion IF the machine is faulty and the can also test the machine for defects in manufacture or materials before doing so - BUT within the first six months of purchase it is THEY who have to prove the fault and not you.

Google - SoGa 1979 - and you'll come up with the definitive information -- and here is a link to one of them that leads to Which? Consumer Rights.

That said, if you bought it from the well-known DiY store, then in my experience you usually have no problem with a refund after such a short period of time - unless the goods have been damaged by obvious abuse.

Cash

I think I would try another bit (straight if possible). If it isn't being "held rigid", it's no use to anyone, plus it's unsafe. I'm sure they won't argue

Are you sure the bit is properly seated in the chuck? I have a cordless drill where the jaws refuse to tighten equally round small drill bits. It's a design fault but not one I'm that bothered about

Routers use a collet rather than a jaw chuck. There are only a limited number of shank sizes available, and the wrong shaft/collet combination wouldn't tighten at all, IMHO.

IIRC, they aren't obliged to give you a refund unless they can't repair or replace the unit you've bought with a working one. Although many places will.

With the speed with which router bits rotate if the bit isn't being held tightly then it will spin up and down or spin right out of the collet. If this were to happen you'd soon notice the effects on the work you were machining. Or the bit hitting the floor.

The "dent" is the result of the router fence or base, following a small imperfection in whatever straight edge or template you're following. Small imperfections in the latter which can go unnoticed can cause big imperfections in the cut edge. Which are noticed.

What you describe, the router cutting a straight line, then deviating then cutting a straight line again can best explained as above. If there was a fault with the spindle not being at a true 90% or a faulty or loose cutter you wouldn't be able to cut any straight lines at all.

michael adams

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I think that he

With the speed with which router bits rotate if the bit isn't being held tightly then it will spin up and down or spin right out of the collet. If this were to happen you'd soon notice the effects on the work you were machining. Or the bit hitting the floor.

The "dent" is the result of the router fence or base, following a small imperfection in whatever straight edge or template you're following. Small imperfections in the latter which can go unnoticed can cause big imperfections in the cut edge. Which are noticed.

What you describe, the router cutting a straight line, then deviating then cutting a straight line again can best explained as above. If there was a fault with the spindle not being at a true 90% or a faulty or loose cutter you wouldn't be able to cut any straight lines at all.

This is based on the assumption that you kept the router base flat to the work. If you let it tilt at all even by a tiny degree (such that you might not even have noticed) then this could also explain the dent.

As you say below "The rigidity and accuracy of the router bit is fundamental to using a router."

However just like programming computers this can cut both ways. As even the smallest mistake - a dodgy straight edge, tilting the machine is never overlooked or forgiven.

michael adams

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I think that he

I'm sure if it's the router itself you'll have no problem getting a replacement. I have a faulty one where the spindle isn't centred on the abse plate. Buggered if I can find a way to adjust it, but it would give this effect if the base was rotated against a guide as it was cutting. That a B&Q own brand, if that's a clue.

Result: Homebase agreed the router itself was faulty and refunded full purchase price. Thanks for comments.

If budget price power tools generally suit, keep an eye on Lidl special offers. IMHO their own brand is light years better than other similarly priced stuff.

My brother's a craft's man, he buys a lot of his stuff from Lidl if they have a 'special' on

There seems to be a suggestion that their own badged electrical products are actually Bosch.

The items that I have purchased seem to be of a very high quality.

However, I have no idea what their returns policy is like. Which should be factored in to any purchase. [Compare ~ Cemot ~].

Lidl are fine, took back a Li-ion screwdriver bought on offer (so no shelf stock) as it wouldn't charge or do anything after about 6 months of almost no use. Full refund without question, I did have the reciept though.

Or come from the same Chinese factory? They do tend to use Bosch consumables like blades etc - but that could just be a German origin thing.

Same here. Especially at the price. Of course you'd have to use them a lot to determine life - most of the stuff I've got from them doesn't get a hammering. As I've already got decent makes for the common stuff like drills.

Generally no question if you have the original receipt.