Lubricating Plunge Router posts?

[Dissolve]

Hello,

my Elu MOF96 is in great condition, I got it from a relative who hardly used it since new, however one of the plunge posts sticks ever so slightly so that when in use, you sometimes need to apply slightly more pressure on one side than the oither to free it up, aside from that it's extremely clean and perfect.

Should I take the casing apoart and try to clean out the insides in case of dust buildup? Or should I put a few drops of something along the posts?

Thanks

 

[mseries]

My 96E can only be plunged by pushing both handles, not sure if this is normal or not. It only has the spring on the long column, the short column is at the switch side by the way. I took mine apart to change the bearings and brushes recently. To dissassemble it to clean the columns will be very straight forward once you know how. Here is a link to my notes http://www.mseries.plus.com/router-bearings.pdf . Mine columns were quite free of dirt when I took them apart and cleaning didn't make much difference. The top of the short column was gunked up but the contact parts were not, I can't say how it got in there, it might have been original grease for all I know with covering of dust. Remember mine is a MOF96E Type 3, yours might be different If you have the time and inclination I'd say go for it, else just lightly lube it with some light, dry lubricant. Too much lube on the outside will cause dust to stick.

 

[AndyT]

For this sort of thing where you want something to be lubricated but not get gummed up with a blend of sawdust and oil or grease, there are some excellent dry lube products available. I use stuff sold in bike shops to put on your chain and gears, as I have some handy already. I expect you can get similar stuff labelled as machine lube. It is PTFE in a solvent and is available as a spray or liquid in a bottle. A little goes a long way.

 

[mseries]

... I use stuff sold in bike shops to put on your chain and gears, as I have some handy already. ..

Me too, Finish Line Dry

 

[CaptainBarnacles]

... I use stuff sold in bike shops to put on your chain and gears, as I have some handy already. ..

Me too, Finish Line Dry

+1 for Finish Line Dry. Great stuff for anywhere you don't want sawdust to stick to.

 

[Paul Chapman]

I lubricate the columns of my Elu MOF96 with a few drops of 3-in-1. Been doing that for the last 40 odd years and it's been fine. I also keep it clean. Probably a dry lubricant would be best but I never seem to have any handy.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[AndyT]

I've just been to check what brand I have in the workshop - it's Finish Line Dry!

I've used it very successfully on the bed and gears of my lathe, spreading it out evenly with a little paint brush.