Since I’m getting nowhere with customer support, maybe y’all can help me out.
I’ve had the 4XXL for about a month now. I came with some parts missing and Carbide was good about getting them to us. Then one of the wires came apart from the Z coupling. Again, support was great in getting it replaced.
Been using it pretty regularly, about 2-3 times a week. Not anything super taxing. Most simple contours of the items we sell on Etsy. It’s a game changer for us.
Until…out of nowhere, the router (Carbide model) got SUPER loud. Like ear-splitting…making it impossible to run any jobs. Again, we’ve been working with it regularly for a month. We KNOW how it should sound. Tom took it apart, changed the brushes and nothing. We can’t open it completely bc one of the screws is stripped. We do believe it is a speed dial issue. We’ve never changed it from 3. And we tried changing it to higher and lower, there was no change in speed or sound. It was the same.
Any ideas? I reached out to support and heard nothing in 24 hours. So I sent another message. I’m usually very happy with the level of support, but this was just terrible. When I did finally hear back, they said that some routers are louder than others. Ummmm…I’ve been using it pretty regularly for a month now and it never sounded like this. They said to replace brushes. We did that (which left our head scratching that after just a month with general use would have to be replaced?). They asked about the speed. No, it’s been running at 3.
So now working on day 3 not being able to run the machine. Even with our noise cancelling headphones AND earplugs, it’s still terrible. Plus if there is something wrong, we don’t want to make it worse.
Does the router make the noise when running with or without a load?
With the router unplugged turn the shaft and feel for roughness and dragging when turning the shaft.
Check the spring return pressure on the shaft lock and see if it is returning completely. usually if this is the problem it will also mark the shaft due to the lock not returning completely.
Look on the top of the router where the air inlet fins are and see if there is any damage or large chips stuck in the inside. you may also hear and or feel something in this area when turning the shaft as above.
If none of the above show a problem try using compressed air and blow from the bit end up. There is a slight chance of something inside has become lose or the suction has pulled in a big chip.
Your machine is a month old and you should contact support for help. If you think your router is loud support can do a video call and help you.
You can post a video here if you like but give support a little time also
We are working to get a replacement to you as quickly as we can.
If you can’t wait on shipping, the Makita RT0701 is a drop-in replacement (albeit w/ a shorter cord, different control layout, a dial which lacks detents and may vibrate off a given setting, and in teal) — uses the same collets, nut, brushes, bearings, motor, and motor housing.
Good Morning - thank you so much for takkng the time to give us some advice. We will for sure try your suggestions today, but Tom is really sure the speed dial is the problem. Lowering or raising the speed doesn’t do anything…it’s the same ear piercing sound and speed no matter if it’s at 1 or 6. But will try your suggestions.
I did finally hear back. It took longer than usual. I think I just got lost in the shuffle. It is frustrating because orders are piling up. But I’m taking Will’s advice in the meantime and purchasing a Makita to get stuff done. Not a bad idea to have a back up anyway.
Hey Will - thank you. Sorry for my frustration, and I appreciate your understanding.
I went ahead and purchased a Makita. Got a really good deal on a new one on Amazon ($104 as opposed to the $155 at Home Depot). We figure it wouldn’t hurt to have a back up…especially at that price. It comes tomorrow, so we’ll be able to take up orders and get caught up.