GMC 1200 Plunge Router - depth lock lever slipping

[dabbler]

Hi all,
I have a GMC 1200 plunge router fitted to a small (Ryobi) router table.

I've recently discovered (the hard way) that it no longer holds it's depth lock. The locking lever stays in place and it's slipping back on the shaft after a few minutes and so pretty much useless in a table. It happens faster when operating but happens when idle too.

I originally bought the pair for a project several years ago and they get very little use, with last use over 18 months ago. When not in use I always leave the router in the unlock depth position so there's no strain on the lock due to plunge return springs or router weight. (It's mounted upside down remember.) The router always has a lot of built-in resistance to a plunge and it takes a bit of effort to overcome.

I've backed off then re-tightened the screw holding the lever with no change.
I'm thinking about a partial dismantle to check the springs inside the plunge shafts.

Has anyone experienced something similar ? And has anyone got any ideas ?
Over to your collective wisdom ......

[malb]

First trick with plunge routers inverted in tables is to remove the plunge springs.

They exert enough lift to positively raise the motor when working upright,so probably ablout 1.5 times motor weight. Invert for a table and they work in the same direction as gravity, so springs plus motor need a force around 2.5 times motor weight to lift the motor, and correspondingly greater clamping force to hold in place.

While you are pulling the springs make sure the guides are clean and not coated with dust or a lubricating or silicon film, and adjust the lock screw and lever properly.

[munruben]

It can be quite a task to remove the springs on some routers. Of course not so with the Triton routers, simple to take out the springs or replace them, just a few minutes work. Not sure about the GMC though.