Thread: GMC R1200 Router

In 2006, I bought a GMC R1200 12mm router to use in my Triton Mk3 Router table. From day one I had a problem with the spindle lock button. It would always slip when tightening and was a headache to undo the lock nut. The idiots made the button mechanism out of plastic. Service was non-existent from GMC.

Yesterday, in sheer frustration at not being able to yet again get a bit out and having to use a small block of wood and a vise-grip to hold the button in whilst I released the lock nut. "No more" I said and decided that I'd buy a Maktec unit and just dump the GMC.

Maybe my brain works better when I'm asleep as during the night I thought there must be a way to get to the mechanism and maybe fabricate a replacement from metal. Mmmm. First thing this morning, I removed the router from the Triton and upended it and removed the lock nut and collet. The button is secured in a cast metal boss by four (supposedly tamper-proof) screws and shake-proof washers. A screwdriver with a flat head about 3mm wide easily fitted and out came the screws; the boss with the button unit attached just lifted off revealing the motor shaft and the flat machined spindle lock recesses. The boss and button unit must have been GMC's way of not producing a second spanner. Anyway, the boss isn't there either to provide for further dust-proofing it's just for the button mechanism.

So for any of you, like me, that wasted their money on this router unit - remove the boss and button and use a 11/16th or 17mm flat open-ended spanner to lock the shaft just like most other routers. Discard the boss and the rubbish button mechanism.

I know, I know - don't tell me! I've decided that I'll get the Maktec MT360 anyway - something I should have done in the first place.

Hope the above is of use to those with the GMC unit.

Cheers, Ian.

See image - boss and button mechanism removed a placed on top of router body - shaft lock now visible.