Thread: Elu MOF 96 router

Hi Sinjin,

I do own such a router, but alas i can't part with its fence. I may have some information on the topic for you, though.

When Eugen Lutz needed a small router for professionals and high-end DIY users, he had one developed for him by Perles in Switzerland. I didn't know that, but i learned it from forum member Damienhazo. This design was also used by AEG (as OF 50). AEG had parts for it made by Elprom/Eltos from Bulgaria (or Romania, whatever) and assembled these into machines in Germany, to make true the claim "Made in Germany". Have i got it right this time, Damien? Haha.

Anyway, the MOF96 became hugely popular, since it was a very good and handy tool, all proportions on it were just right. The original was rated at 600 watts (the AEG derivative 550 Watts) and in the latter 70s an electronic E-version was added to the program, which was rated at 750 Watts. Around the time when B&D purchased the Elu brand in 1984, engineers from B&D Idstein (Germany) tinkered around with the design of the 96, which had all round shapes popularat the time. It was sold in the familiar two-tone grey Elu styling of that time, but B&D also put in its own black "Pro Power Plus" semi-pro product line, where it was called SR 100. As a reaction to the 80s power race between competing tool brands, the Wattage of the 96 and 96E were cranked up to 750 and 900.

Around 1999 B&D dispensed with the Elu brand, and used the DeWalt brand it already purchased in 1960 as a new professional tool A-brand. For this effort (apart from developing new models) B&D selected existing models of proven quality and popularity, so many vintage Elu designs lived on in yellow and black. So there they were again, the old familiar MOF 96 as DW 614, the 96<SUP> </SUP>E as DW 615 and the rounded SR 100 as DW 613.

As far as i know, all these types derived from the original MOF96, had many parts in common, like the sole plate. The sole’s aluminium thickness may have slimmed down somewhat on newer designs to skimp on raw materials, but the holes guiding the fence bars stayed the same size. So the fence from a SR 100, a DW 613, DW 615, MOF 96E of MOF97, the AEG OF 50, as well as the fence from the odd Perles model, might fit your MOF 96.

Do ask Damienhazo, he will know for sure if i’m right or not, for i have found some very nice MOF 96 entries from him, so he must be an expert on this tool.

Should i be right, than i would suggest the option to watch out for any of these routers on eBay or other cheap used gear links, since your tool choice (to "rip a fence from") may have grown considerably. The routers themselves may be burned or smashed or worn out (in those cases they’re dead cheap), but when the fence comes with it in a good and complete shape, this way of purchasing is cheaper than ordering it as a new spare part. I saw new ones for around 30 Euros, that must be more than 50 Aus dollars.

regards

gerhard

Hi Gerhard, i have had, 2 MOF 96's over many yrs. When i heard Elu was being bought out i bought a new 96 and kept in the box that is why i said mine was in mint condition. But your right they were a perfectly shaped small router.
You may be interested to know i also have 2 MOF 11's Now that is a beast of a machine. I still have them both and use them rarely. But to replace them i bought a Scheer which is probably just as much a beast as the 11 but a lot more user friendly.

Gerhard is as usual, right on the money.

The fence and rods costs about AUD50 all up here. Not sure in Oz. The cheap fences from this model fit:
http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com...0&postcount=39

You can also build a fence with a few rods and hardwood...

Originally Posted by sinjin

By chance does someone have a disused ELU MOF 96 router fence there not using. I have a router which is in mint condition but no fence. Recently i did a job for my partner, and after the job was done she thought things like the fence were disposable units an placed it neatly in the rubbish bin!

Your message was posted many yeards ago - but I have a disused fence for an ELU MOF 96, albeit it in South Africa

And thanks for your reply. My 96 is practically brand new. i bought it knowing the 96 was going out of production.
I also own a FESTO and use that beacuse i don't have the fence.
So...can i ask how much you would like for the fence and i have no idea how to pay you for it.
Sinjin
PS thanks for posting your reply.

I have a 96e as well as a 177e and a dewalt 625e. I have use of a dewalt version of the 96. Make your own fence from hardwood and metal rods, or buy a dewalt spare. The dewalt castings are much thinner and lighter than the Elu castings.

Hi, I'm not sure whether you have acquired a fence but I have a spare one. I think it is a DeWalt one as it is not as robust as the original Elu but fits and works perfectly. If you want it, I can disassemble it and send it via post. I'm sure there is some way for you to pay for postage on receipt.
Cheers
Grant