$39 GMC Router hieght adlustment

**Jack E** · 9th June 2004, 09:18 PM

I have just been playing with my two GMC routers and have discovered that the height adjuster can be inverted. This is particularly useful for table mounting and was inspired by Greg Lee's photos in another thread.
The height adjuster can be removed and inverted by removing the circlip. The only problem with this is that the top and bottom holes are then the wrong size. This can be fixed by drilling the small hole larger and using a collet to decrease the whole size on the circlip end of the adjuster. The yellow winder can be knocked off with a hammer and a punch to allow fitting and then be pressed back on.
Once this is done you will need to drill a hole through the base plate and the router table to allow height adjustment from above the table using a tool similar to that shown by Greg Lee.
This simple modification makes the $39 Router almost priceless although it will void the 2 year warranty. You may be able to change the winder back to original by using the same collet and hoping the guys at Bunnings don't notice if you have to return it.

**bitingmidge** · 9th June 2004, 09:21 PM

Brilliant!

Now I have to make a new top for the GMC and reassign the Ryobi to "other duties"!

Now I know why we all bought two of them...so parts are interchangable at warranty claim time!

Cheers!

P

**Jack E** · 9th June 2004, 09:31 PM

Great work Bitingmidge, I didn't even think of keeping one original for warranty purposes. If you are really keen you could also remove the D handle and hard wire a switch into your table instead using the two ends of the flex cord. I am a licensed sparky so if you need any tips on how to do this just ask!

**Toggy** · 16th July 2004, 10:33 PM

Well, I finally tried out one of my $39 specials for real today.

And I don't think Bob Willson is going to like the results.

Quiet, smooth running, plenty of power, well balanced, easy to use. (after undoing the ph screw and sliding the clear guard around the collets are easy to get to).
I found it easier to use that my d handle Makita; but then again it's 20 years old.
$39 X 2 well spent.

Ken

**Jon** · 5th February 2005, 08:24 AM

To those of you who snared the bargains, how are your fixed base routers performing?
Are you happy with them after 6 months of use?

I am going to buy a 1/2" router for permanant use in my table and want to avoid fighting the plunge springs and have an easy accurate height adjustment.
Triton for $400 is out of my price range.
The GMC R1450 fixed base are around the $180 mark. $39 was a bargain wasn't it.
Or look at getting a GMC plunge and bastardisng it by removing the springs and rigging some sort of screw adjustment.

Jon :confused:

**bitingmidge** · 5th February 2005, 08:58 AM

Jon,

For it had to be worth five times what I paid for it! I have only used them for light work till now and they have performed perfectly, some I know have had troubles with shaft alignment, but I am either too rough to notice, or the machines are fine!

I wouldn't have bought one for $180 but that's probably snobbery, and have not reason to complain!

Cheers,

P

**Toggy** · 5th February 2005, 09:22 PM

I'll echo midges comments. Haven't done a lot of heavy work; but on the lighter stuff is good. No complaints & worth the $39.

Ken

**Jon** · 6th February 2005, 04:58 PM

thanks fellas, I will go searching but I know I won't be able to get a better price than you did.
Jon

**Dust Maker** · 12th February 2005, 03:42 PM

Originally Posted by Jon

thanks fellas, I will go searching but I know I won't be able to get a better price than you did.
Jon

I used mine just to try it and had been busy and I know for a fact that I will not be using it as I have a Triton which serves my purpose.

If any one is interested I can sell U guys mine.

Dustmaker

**Jon** · 13th February 2005, 09:19 PM

Dustmaker,

I am interested in purchasing it if you have no use for it. How much?

You can private message me or even ring me on 0418 242 270

Jon

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