Trend T5

[gasman]

I may be being thick and missing something obvious.....
I have several routers - including a new T11 which is fantastic. However, years ago I bought a T5 and it is great for many things. However, quite often, when the bit is bought into contact with the wood, after a few seconds the motor starts to cut out - then resumes when you bring it away from the wood. Sometimes the motor cuts out completely and you have to turn it on and off manually. I am puzzled :?: It is certainly not being overloaded - and it seems to be worse with some bits more than others. For example the worst is a twin-fluted Perform 1/4 inch plunging bit which I was cutting a 5 mm deep slot with - I could hardly get it to go for more than a few mm at a time. Very frustrating
All help as ever gratefully received

 

[DaveL]

It sounds like you have something breaking the circuit in the router, first thing to check are the brushes. Make sure they are not worn and very short and that they are free to slide in the holders.

 

[ike]

That's exactly what was puzzling me two days ago with mine. I was cutting some dovetails in beech on the Leigh jig and the speed control seemed quite erratic - losing power. Sometimes slowing to a stop as you mentioned and having to switch off and on again. I wondered if the speed control circuit is going faulty but to be honest I haven't used the thing very much since new, certainly no more than 2 hours in aggregate.

Is this just a sign of a poor quality design I wonder? I believe the T5 is simply badged Trend so maybe it's actually not as good as we might assume?

cheers,

Ike

 

[Newbie_Neil]

Hi Ike

I believe the T5 is simply badged Trend so maybe it's actually not as good as we might assume?

AFAIK Trend do not make any routers. The T10/T11 is made by DW and the T5 was made in Eastern Europe, I thought, to a good quality.

Cheers,
Neil

 

[Anonymous]

I have had the same problem from time to time with my T5, usually when taking a heavyish cut and it didn't materialise unti id owned it for several years.

Taking lighter cuts solved it for me - I supect te speed contirl unit

 

[ike]

Tony wrote:

Taking lighter cuts solved it for me - I supect te speed contirl unit

As much as I tried to, keeping control of the depth of cut while climb cutting wasn't easy, and of course I couldn't stage the depth. Annoyingly I got the T5 specifically for the Leigh as the TR12/M12 although it has the grunt, it is a bit clumsy and heavy for the job.

Looks like light duty only for the T5 - not too happy considering what it cost!.

cheers,

Ike

 

[ByronBlack]

I've a similar problem using a triton router. I think part of the problem (but not the motor cutting out) is the perform straight cutter - these are pretty poo to be honest and most dont have a cutting edge across the twin flutes which makes plunging very slow/difficult. I get excess burning, but when I changed to a decent straight cutter (titman) the problem went away.

 

[andys wood shed]

I too have the same problem with my T5 :x which is mounted in the router table


on a bad day it will slow down of its own accord without even having a cut on


The fault only developed outside the warranty period also :?


Andy

 

[Anonymous]

Looks like light duty only for the T5 - not too happy considering what it cost!.


Ike

A little surprised by this point (I do think the speed control is badly designed)

You are not too happy taking light cuts with a 1/4" router? Isn't that what they are for?

The cost is not that high when considered against a good quality 1/2" router wich is likely to set you back £225+ whereas the T5 is only £99.

I would say that the T5 is a very good quality 1/4" router as mine has lasted for around 5-6 yearsa dn is still used regulalry. the only issue is the one mentioned above and is easily worked around.

I think you might have bought the wrong tool for the jobs you intend to undertake

 

[ike]

I bought the T5 thinking it was a suitable router for dovetailing with the Leigh jig. Obviously it isn't up to it. So yes, I suppose I bought the wrong tool for the job. Maybe you can work around it but a dodgy speed control is not an insignificant fault and to me it gets really annoying after an hours use!

Yep - wrong tool, I think I'll get a Hitachi M8, or maybe another M12V. :wink:

 

[andys wood shed]

I bought the T5 thinking it was a suitable router for dovetailing with the Leigh jig. Obviously it isn't up to it. So yes, I suppose I bought the wrong tool for the job. Maybe you can work around it but a dodgy speed control is not an insignificant fault and to me it gets really annoying after an hours use!

Yep - wrong tool, I think I'll get a Hitachi M8, or maybe another M12V. :wink:

Ike,
Just had a look at the Leigh literature and it recommends a router with a minimum of 1.5hp so it might just struggle a bit.

The problem with mine is that sometimes it just slows down for no reason.
Would like to hear from any other members that have had a simular problem.
Overall I like the T5 and it would always get my recommendation. its just interesting to see if others may be having a simular problem

 

[mailee]

I do own a T5 and it hasn't got the problem you describe although I think the Rotuer is cack IMHO. I do however have an Elu 96 which does have the symptoms you are all describing. I found that if you take the top apart and blow compressed air through the small hole in the speed controller it seems to cure it for a while but not permanently. A new controller for this machine is around £86 so out of the question compared to a new router.....but it won't be a Trend one that is for sure. :wink:

 

[ike]

Thanks for the tip. I'll give that a go and see what happens.

cheers,

Ike

(Now looking for a better quality router).

 

[Anonymous]

I found that if you take the top apart and blow compressed air through the small hole in the speed controller it seems to cure it for a while but not permanently. A new controller for this machine is around £86 so out of the question compared to a new router.....but it won't be a Trend one that is for sure. :wink:

OK. Makes sense. the speed controller will be chopping up the mains using some kind of semiconductor switching such as IGBT or Triac and any dust in there will prevent them from cooling properly.