Source for a PCB/Speed Control for a 240V De Walt DW 625 GB Type 4 Router?

[vaj]

Hi all. The part number for the 240V PCB/speed control for the type 4 DW 625 GB is 868142-01 but De Walt and the parts suppliers tried so far say that the OEM item is no longer available. (the router is year 2000 approx)

Failing a source for the OEM part does anybody have a used one for sale or a work around? Does the PCB from any of the more recent type numbers work in the type 4?

It seems that the same PCB is used in the Elu MOF177E.

The router produces a squealing noise for about 30 sec before settling after starting - the speed hunts around for this time too.

It's quite possible that the problem is caused by a bearing (the router lives in a router table) which has got dust in it and that the PCB/speed control is OK. Dust reputedly can also get into the speed control too however. The problem is that the cost of coughing up to replace the the bearings, brushes and magnetic trigger which are available would be wasted if it turned out that the PCB was dead.

Plan B because the router is mounted in a table might be to go with an external speed control. Does anybody know of a suitable item?

 

[Pete Maddex]

Spin the shaft to see if the bearings are good, then have a look at the magnetic trigger they have been known to slide down the shaft when used in a router table.

Pete

 

[vaj]

Thanks for that Pete.

The interesting question is whether or not problems with the speed control and/or magnet can cause the squealing noise.

Web reports tend to suggest that when the speed control PCB fails the router either won't run or ends up stuck at full speed - not what I'm seeing.

I've more or less concluded that in hope that a PCB is not needed that I'll risk buying bearings, brushes and the magnetic trigger, fit them and see what happens.

Even if it's not immediately needed my inclination is to buy a type 4 speed control/PCB if one turns up somewhere..

 

[Eric the Viking]

Almost certainly no need to fire the parts cannon at it!

As Pete says, the speed control is a hall effect sensor and spinning magnet (brown/black disc on the router's shaft). It's not sensitive to dust. I"d be surprised if its the actual controller as I don't think they fail often. The magnet does come loose on the shaft and can simply be glued back in the right place with Loktite stud'n'bearing fix - no replacement necessary, but I suspect that's not the issue:

The symptoms (the squealing particularly) seem far more like brushes and/or commutator problems (they are affected by dust). a loose magnet might give erratic speed (it did on my T11 for a short while), but it's more likely to make the motor run flat-out.

Dean Doherty has a bearing replacement video on YouTube, in which IIRC he does the brushes too. I think it's this one:

If not you'll have to search through his videos.

The back of the machine might simply need a careful (and cautious!) clean, although brush replacement wouldn't hurt. It is a fiddle to do, however, as the wiring is inflexible and quite short.

Mr D. doesn't (time is money), but you can clean and recondition commutators if necessary. Look for sparks visible at the back end of the motor when it's running, as a clue to a commutator problem. Sparks will also be visible if the suppression capacitor fails, but that shouldn't affect the speed control circuit. Replacing the cap is cheap though, if you get one from eBay, Amazon, or AliExpress - the value will be marked on the original.

For parts: Miles Tool and Machinery Centre, now in Yeovil (was Shepton Mallett): https://mtmc.co.uk

The 625e is identical to the Trend T10 and shares many common parts with the Trend T11 too (wot I 'as). It's also identical to one CMT router, long discontinued, and, as you say, they're all based on the Elu (DeWalt bought Elu in the early 1980s). MTMC carries stock of most things.

Hope that helps.

E.

Note: it's unlikely to be the bearings - it's the first one of Mr D.'s videos doing a teardown on the 625e that I could quickly find. I think it tells you everything you need to know, however

 

[vaj]

Thank you for the various steers Eric, much appreciated.

I called Miles and various other UK parts outfits but they all as our local service agent confirmed that the PCB is no longer available. Likewise in Holland and Germany. Will take a look at the Trend and CMT options.

I've for good or ill ordered bearings, brushes and the magnet/trigger - but hear what you are saying. I took a quick look under the top cover when the problem started - the magnet seemed OK but they are not too expensive.

Part of the difficulty here in Ireland is that parts are not available just down the road and delivery tends to take a week - which encourages taking out the parts canon to avoid delays.

 

[Eric the Viking]

I seriously doubt you need the PCB.

Watch Dean Doherty's video, clean the back of the router, and check the brushes. While there look at the condition of the commutator, and check the magnet is in the right place.

If the commutator is fine (smooth and fairly clean with no signs of overheating or scorched wires), and new brushes don't help, and the magnet is securely on the shaft, THEN you might need the PCB.

The most likely reason it's unavailable now is that it was rarely needed. Miles et al (there are several others -- e.g. PowerTool Spares in Hampshire or Sussex somewhere?) stock things they can sell at a profit. Things that stay on the self almost forever are only profitable if really expensive. Otherwise the space is better used for items with a faster stock turn.

You might even find a broken router via the usual suspects (Facepaint marketplace, etc.). Mechanical damage probably won't affect the electronics. Also modules for any of the other lookalikes should work.

 

[vaj]

Thanks again Eric. Events so far suggest it's just as well that the PCB will likely not be needed.

Will proceed accordingly when the other bits arrive...