Makita RP1800 Plunge Router Instruction Manual

makita RP1800 Plunge Router

Explanation of general view

1. Adjusting knob
   • Lock lever
   • Stopper pole setting nut
   • Fast-feed button
   • Adjusting bolt
   • Stopper block
   • Depth pointer
   • Stopper pole
2. Nylon nut
3.  Stopper pole
   • Adjusting bolt
4. Stopper block
   • Lock button
   • Switch trigger
5. Speed adjusting dial
6.  Lamp
7. Shaft lock
8. Wrench
9.  Feed direction
   • Bit revolving direction
   •  Workpiece
   • Straight guide
10. Straight guide
    •  Fine adjusting screw
    • Clamping screw (B)
    • Clamping screw (A)
    • Guide holder
11.  More than 15 mm
    • Straight guide
    • Wood
12. Adjusting screw
13. Screws
14. Movable
15. When set to minimum opening
    width
16.  When set to maximum opening width
17. Template guide
18.  Lock plate
19. Bit
20. Base
21.  Templet
22. Workpiece
23.  Distance (X)
24.  Outside diameter of the templet
    guide
25. Templet guide
26.  Guide holder
    • Adjusting screw
    •  Clamping screw (B)
    • Clamping screw (C)
    •  Trimmer guide
    •  Clamping screw (A)
27.  Bit
    • Guide roller
    • Workpiece
28. Flat washer 6
    • Screw M6x135
29. Flat washer 6
    •  Screw M6x135
30.  Hole
31. Screw M6x135
    • Threaded part in the motor bracket
    •  Inside of the screw hole in the tool
      base
    •  Threaded part in the motor bracket
    •  Screwdriver
32. . Limit mark
33. Brush holder cap
    • Screwdriver

SPECIFICATIONS

• Due to our continuing programme of research and development, the specifications herein are subject to change without notice.
• Note: Specifications may differ from country to country.
•  Weight according to EPTA-Procedure 01/2003

Intended use

The tool is intended for flush trimming and profiling of wood, plastic and similar materials.

Power supply

The tool should be connected only to a power supply of the same voltage as indicated on the nameplate, and can only be operated on single-phase AC supply. They are double-insulated in accordance with European Standard and can, therefore, also be used from sockets without earth wire.
For Model RP1800
For public low-voltage distribution systems of between 220 V and 250 V.
Switching operations of electric apparatus cause voltage fluctuations. The operation of this device under unfavorable mains conditions can have adverse effects to the operation of other equipment. With a mains impedance equal or less than 0.40 Ohms it can be presumed that there will be no negative effects. The mains socket used for this device must be protected with a fuse or protective circuit breaker having slow tripping characteristics.

For Model RP1800F
For public low-voltage distribution systems of between 220 V and 250 V.
Switching operations of electric apparatus cause voltage fluctuations. The operation of this device under unfavorable mains conditions can have adverse effects to the operation of other equipment. With a mains impedance equal or less than 0.39 Ohms it can be presumed that there will be no negative effects. The mains socket used for this device must be protected with a fuse or protective circuit breaker having slow tripping characteristics.

For Model RP1801,RP1801F
For public low-voltage distribution systems of between 220 V and 250 V.
Switching operations of electric apparatus cause voltage fluctuations. The operation of this device under unfavorable mains conditions can have adverse effects to the operation of other equipment. With a mains impedance equal or less than 0.38 Ohms it can be presumed that there will be no negative effects. The mains socket used for this device must be protected with a fuse or protective circuit breaker having slow tripping characteristics.

For Model RP1800,RP1800F,RP1801,RP1801F

• Noise
  The typical A-weighted noise level determined according to EN60745:
  • Sound pressure level (LpA) : 86 dB(A)
  • Sound power level (LWA) : 97
  • dB(A) Uncertainty (K) : 3 dB(A)

• Vibration
  The vibration total value (tri-axial vector sum) determined according to EN60745:
  • Work mode : cutting grooves in MDF
  • Vibration emission (ah) : 4.0 m/s2
  • Uncertainty (K) : 1.5 m/s2

For Model RP2300FC,RP2301FC

• Noise
  The typical A-weighted noise level determined according to EN60745:
  • Sound pressure level (LpA) : 87 dB(A)
  • Sound power level (LWA) : 98 dB(A)
  • Uncertainty (K) : 3 dB(A)
• Vibration
  The vibration total value (tri-axial vector sum) determined according to EN60745:
  • Work mode : cutting grooves in MDF
  • Vibration emission (ah) : 4.5 m/s2
  • Uncertainty (K) : 1.5 m/s2
•  The declared vibration emission value has been measured in accordance with the standard test method and may be used for comparing one tool with another.
• The declared vibration emission value may also be used in a preliminary assessment of exposure.

WARNING: 

• The vibration emission during actual use of the power tool can differ from the declared emission value depending on the ways in which the tool is used.
• Be sure to identify safety measures to protect the operator that are based on an estimation of exposure in the actual conditions of use (taking account of all parts of the operating cycle such as the times when the tool is switched off and when it is running idle in addition to the trigger time).

For European countries only
EC Declaration of Conformity
We Makita Corporation as the responsible manufacturer declare that the following Makita machine(s):
Designation of Machine:
Router
Model No./ Type:
RP1800,RP1800F,RP1801,RP1801F,RP2300FC,RP2301FC are of series production and
Conforms to the following European Directives:
2006/42/EC
And are manufactured in accordance with the following standards or standardised documents:
EN60745
The technical documentation is kept by our authorised representative in Europe who is:

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

WARNING Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.

ROUTER SAFETY WARNINGS

1. Hold power tool by insulated gripping surfaces, because the cutter may contact its own cord. Cutting a “live” wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool “live” and shock the operator.
2. Use clamps or another practical way to secure and support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding the work by your hand or against the body leaves it unstable and may lead to loss of control.
3. Wear hearing protection during extended period of operation.
4. Handle the bits very carefully.
5. Check the bit carefully for cracks or damage before operation. Replace cracked or damaged bit immediately.
6. Avoid cutting nails. Inspect for and remove all nails from the workpiece before operation.
7. Hold the tool firmly with both hands.
8. Keep hands away from rotating parts.
9. Make sure the bit is not contacting the workpiece before the switch is turned on.
10. Before using the tool on an actual workpiece, let it run for a while. Watch for vibration or wobbling that could indicate improperly installed bit.
11. Be careful of the bit rotating direction and the feed direction.
12.  Do not leave the tool running. Operate the tool only when hand-held.
13. Always switch off and wait for the bit to come to a complete stop before removing the tool from workpiece.
14. Do not touch the bit immediately after operation; it may be extremely hot and could burn your skin.
15. Do not smear the tool base carelessly with thinner, gasoline, oil or the like. They may cause cracks in the tool base.
16.  Draw attention to the need to use cutters of the correct shank diameter and which are suitable for the speed of the tool.
17.  Some material contains chemicals which may be toxic. Take caution to prevent dust inhalation and skin contact. Follow material supplier safety data.
18. Always use the correct dust mask/respirator for the material and application you are working with.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. 

WARNING: DO NOT let comfort or familiarity with product (gained from repeated use) replace strict adherence to safety rules for the subject product. MISUSE or failure to follow the safety rules stated in this instruction manual may cause serious personal injury.

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

CAUTION: Always be sure that the tool is switched off and unplugged before adjusting or checking function on the tool.
Adjusting the depth of cut
Fig.1
Place the tool on a flat surface. Loosen the lock lever and lower the tool body until the bit just touches the flat surface. Tighten the lock lever to lock the tool body. Turn the stopper pole setting nut counterclockwise. Lower the stopper pole until it makes contact with the adjusting bolt. Align the depth pointer with the “0” graduation. The depth of cut is indicated on the scale by the depth pointer.
While pressing the fast-feed button, raise the stopper pole until the desired depth of cut is obtained. Minute depth adjustments can be obtained by turning the adjusting knob (1 mm per turn).
By turning the stopper pole setting nut clockwise, you can fasten the stopper pole firmly.
Now, your predetermined depth of cut can be obtained by loosening the lock lever and then lowering the tool body until the stopper pole makes contact with the adjusting hex bolt of the stopper block.
Nylon nut
Fig.2
The upper limit of the tool body can be adjusted by turning the nylon nut.
CAUTION: Do not lower the nylon nut too low. The bit will protrude dangerously.

Stopper block

Fig.3
The stopper block has three adjusting hex bolts which raise or lower 0.8 mm per turn. You can easily obtain three different depths of cut using these adjusting hex bolts without readjusting the stopper pole.
Adjust the lowest hex bolt to obtain the deepest depth of cut, following the method of “Adjusting depth of cut”. Adjust the two remaining hex bolts to obtain shallower depths of cut. The differences in height of these hex bolts are equal to the differences in depths of cut.
To adjust the hex bolts, turn the hex bolts with a screwdriver or wrench. The stopper block is also convenient for making three passes with progressively deeper bit settings when cutting deep grooves.
CAUTION: 

• Since excessive cutting may cause overload of the motor or difficulty in controlling the tool, the depth of cut should not be more than 15 mm at a pass when cutting grooves with an 8 mm diameter bit.
•  When cutting grooves with a 20 mm diameter bit, the depth of cut should not be more than 5 mm at a pass.
• For extra-deep grooving operations, make two or three passes with progressively deeper bit settings.

Switch action

Fig.4 CAUTION:

• Before plugging in the tool, always check to see that the switch trigger actuates properly and returns to the “OFF” position when released.
•  Make sure that the shaft lock is released before the switch is turned on.

To prevent the switch trigger from being accidentally pulled, a lock button is provided.
To start the tool, depress the lock button and pull the switch trigger. Release the switch trigger to stop.
For continuous operation, pull the switch trigger and then depress the lock button further. To stop the tool, pull the switch trigger so that the lock button returns automatically. Then release the switch trigger.
After releasing the switch trigger, the lock-off function works to prevent the switch trigger from being pulled.
CAUTION: Hold the tool firmly when turning off the tool, to overcome the reaction.

Electronic function
For model RP2300FC,RP2301FC only Constant speed control

• Possible to get fine finish, because the rotating speed is kept constantly even under the loaded condition.
• Additionally, when the load on the tool exceeds admissible levels, power to the motor is reduced to protect the motor from overheating. When the load returns to admissible levels, the tool will operate as normal.

Soft start feature 

• Soft start because of suppressed starting shock.

Speed adjusting dial

For model RP2300FC,RP2301FC only
Fig.5
The tool speed can be changed by turning the speed adjusting dial to a given number setting from 1 to 6. Higher speed is obtained when the dial is turned in the direction of number 6. And lower speed is obtained when it is turned in the direction of number 1.
This allows the ideal speed to be selected for optimum material processing, i.e. the speed can be correctly adjusted to suit the material and bit diameter.
Refer to the table for the relationship between the number settings on the dial and the approximate tool speed.

CAUTION: 

•  If the tool is operated continuously at low speeds for a long time, the motor will get overloaded, resulting in tool malfunction.
•  The speed adjusting dial can be turned only as far as 6 and back to 1. Do not force it past 6 or 1, or the speed adjusting function may no longer work.

Lighting up the lamps
For model RP1800F, RP1801F, RP2300FC,RP2301FC only
Fig.6
CAUTION: Do not look in the light or see the source of light directly.
Pull the switch trigger to turn on the light. The lamp keeps on lighting while the switch trigger is being pulled. The lamp turns off 10 – 15 seconds after releasing the trigger.
NOTE: Use a dry cloth to wipe the dirt off the lens of lamp. Be careful not to scratch the lens of lamp, or it may lower the illumination.

ASSEMBLY

CAUTION:  Always be sure that the tool is switched off and unplugged before carrying out any work on the tool.

Installing or removing the bit
Fig.7

CAUTION:

• Install the bit securely. Always use only the wrench provided with the tool. A loose or overtightened bit can be dangerous.
• Use always a collet which is suitable for the shank diameter of the bit.
• Do not tighten the collet nut without inserting a bit or install small shank bits without using a collet sleeve. Either can lead to breakage of the collet cone.
• Use only router bits of which the maximum speed, as indicated on the bit, does exceed the maximum speed of the router.

Insert the bit all the way into the collet cone. Press the shaft lock to keep the shaft stationary and use the wrench to tighten the collet nut securely. When using router bits with smaller shank diameter, first insert the appropriate collet sleeve into the collet cone, then install the bit as described above.
To remove the bit, follow the installation procedure in reverse.

OPERATION

CAUTION: 

• Before operation, always make sure that the tool body automatically rises to the upper limit and the bit does not protrude from the tool base when the lock lever is loosened.
• Before operation, always make sure that the chip deflector is installed properly.

Fig.8
Always use both grips and firmly hold the tool by both grips during operations.
Set the tool base on the workpiece to be cut without the bit making any contact. Then turn the tool on and wait until the bit attains full speed. Lower the tool body and move the tool forward over the workpiece surface, keeping the tool base flush and advancing smoothly until the cutting is complete.
When doing edge cutting, the workpiece surface should be on the left side of the bit in the feed direction.

1. Workpiece
2. Bit revolving direction
3. View from the top of the tool
4. Feed direction

NOTE: 

•  Moving the tool forward too fast may cause a poor quality of cut, or damage to the bit or motor. Moving the tool forward too slowly may burn and mar the cut. The proper feed rate will depend on the bit size, the kind of workpiece and depth of cut. Before beginning the cut on the actual workpiece, it is advisable to make a sample cut on a piece of scrap lumber. This will show exactly how the cut will look as well as enable you to check dimensions.
• When using the straight guide or the trimmer guide, be sure to install it on the right side in the feed direction. This will help to keep it flush with the side of the workpiece.

Fig.9

Straight guide

Fig.10
The straight guide is effectively used for straight cuts when chamfering or grooving.
Install the straight guide on the guide holder with the clamping screw (B). Insert the guide holder into the holes in the tool base and tighten the clamping screw (A). To adjust the distance between the bit and the straight guide, loosen the clamping screw (B) and turn the fine adjusting screw (1.5 mm per turn). At the desired distance, tighten the clamping screw (B) to secure the straight guide in place.
Fig.11
Wider straight guide of desired dimensions may be made by using the convenient holes in the guide to bolt on extra pieces of wood.
Fig.12
When using a large diameter bit, attach pieces of wood to the straight guide which have a thickness of more than 15 mm to prevent the bit from striking the straight guide. When cutting, move the tool with the straight guide flush with the side of the workpiece.
If the distance between the side of the workpiece and the cutting position is too wide for the straight guide, or if the side of the workpiece is not straight, the straight guide cannot be used. In this case, firmly clamp a straight board to the workpiece and use it as a guide against the trimmer base. Feed the tool in the direction of the arrow.

Fig.13

Fine Adjusting Straight Guide (accessory)

Fig.14
When Router is Mounted
Insert the two rods (Rod 10) into the outer mounting slots of the guide holder, and secure them by tightening the two clamping screws (M15 x 14mm). Check to make sure that the thumb nut (M6 x 50mm) is tightened down, and then slide the router’s base mounting unit onto the two rods (Rod 10), and tighten the base’s clamping screws.
Fine Adjusting Function for Positioning Blade in Relation to Straight Guide
Fig.15

1. Loosen thumb nut (M6 x 50mm).
2. Thumb nut (M10 x 52mm) can be turned to adjust position (one turn adjusts the position by 1mm).
3. After completing position adjustment, tighten thumb nut (M6 x 50mm) until secure.

Scale ring can be rotated separately, so scale unit can be aligned to zero (0).

Guide Shoe Width Alteration

Loosen the screws marked by the circles to alter the width of the guide shoe in the left and right directions. After altering width, tighten the screws until they are secure. Guide shoe width (d) alteration range is 280mm to 350mm.

• Fig.16
• Fig.17
• Fig.18

Templet guide (optional accessory)

Fig.19
The templet guide provides a sleeve through which the bit passes, allowing use of the tool with templet patterns. To install the templet guide, pull the lock plate lever and insert the templet guide.
Fig.20
Secure the templet to the workpiece. Place the tool on the templet and move the tool with the templet guide sliding along the side of the templet.
Fig.21
NOTE:

• The workpiece will be cut a slightly different size from the templet. Allow for the distance (X) between the bit and the outside of the templet guide. The distance (X) can be calculated by using the following equation:
  Distance (X) = (outside diameter of the templet guide – bit diameter) / 2

Trimmer guide (optional accessory)

Fig.22
Trimming, curved cuts in veneers for furniture and the like can be done easily with the trimmer guide. The guide roller rides the curve and assures a fine cut.
Install the trimmer guide on the guide holder with the clamping screw (B). Insert the guide holder into the holes in the tool base and tighten the clamping screw (A). To adjust the distance between the bit and the trimmer guide, loosen the clamping screw (B) and turn the fine adjusting screw (1.5 mm per turn). When adjusting the guide roller up or down, loosen the clamping screw (C). After adjusting, tighten all the clamping screws securely.
Fig.23
When cutting, move the tool with the guide roller riding the side of the workpiece.
Fig.24

Dust nozzle set (Accessory)

1. Dust nozzle
2. Clamping screw

009878
Use the dust nozzle for dust extraction. Install the dust nozzle on the tool base using the thumb screw so that protrusion on the dust nozzle fit to the notch in the tool base.
Then connect a vacuum cleaner to the dust nozzle.
Fig.25
How to use screw M6 x 135 for adjusting the depth of cut
When using the tool with a router table available in the market, using this screw allows an operator to obtain a small amount of adjustment of the depth of cut from above the table.
Fig.26

1. Installing the screw and washer on the tool
   •  Attach flat washer onto this screw.
   •  Insert this screw through a screw hole in the tool base and then screw in the threaded part in the motor bracket of the tool.
   • Fig.27
   • Fig.28
   • Fig.29
   • At this time, apply some grease or lubricating oil to the inside of the screw hole in the tool base and the threaded part in the motor bracket.
   • Fig.30
   • Fig.31
2. Adjusting the depth of cut
   • A small amount of depth of cut can be obtained by turning this screw with a screwdriver from above the table. (1.0 mm per a full turn)
   • Turning it clockwise makes the depth of cut greater and turning it counterclockwise smaller.

Fig.32

MAINTENANCE

CAUTION: 

•  Always be sure that the tool is switched off and unplugged before attempting to perform inspection or maintenance.
•  Never use gasoline, benzine, thinner, alcohol or the like. Discoloration, deformation or cracks may result.

Replacing carbon brushes

Fig.33
Remove and check the carbon brushes regularly. Replace when they wear down to the limit mark. Keep the carbon brushes clean and free to slip in the holders. Both carbon brushes should be replaced at the same time. Use only identical carbon brushes.
Use a screwdriver to remove the brush holder caps. Take out the worn carbon brushes, insert the new ones and secure the brush holder caps.
Fig.34
After replacing brushes, plug in the tool and break in brushes by running tool with no load for about 10 minutes. Then check the tool while running and electric brake operation when releasing the switch trigger. If electric brake is not working well, ask your local Makita service center for repair.
To maintain product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, any other maintenance or adjustment should be performed by Makita Authorized Service Centers, always using Makita replacement parts.

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

CAUTION: 

• These accessories or attachments are recommended for use with your Makita tool specified in this manual. The use of any other accessories or attachments might present a risk of injury to persons. Only use accessory or attachment for its stated purpose.

If you need any assistance for more details regarding these accessories, ask your local Makita Service Center.

• Straight & groove forming bits
• Edge forming bits
• Laminate trimming bits
• Straight guide
•  Trimmer guide
• Guide holder
• Templet guides
• Templet guide adapter
• Lock nut
• Collet cone 12 mm, 1/2″
• Collet sleeve 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm
•  Collet sleeve 3/8″, 1/4″
•  Wrench 24
•  Vacuum head set

Router bits

Straight bit

Fig.35 

“U”Grooving bit

Fig.36 

“V”Grooving bit

Fig.37

Drill point flush trimming bit

Fig.38

Drill point double flush trimming bit

Fig.39

Board-jointing bit

Fig.40 

Corner rounding bit

Fig.41

Chamfering bit

Fig.42 

Cove beading bit

Fig.43 

Ball bearing flush trimming bit

Fig.44

Ball bearing corner rounding bit

Fig.45

Ball bearing chamfering bit

Fig.46

Ball bearing beading bit

Fig.47

Ball bearing cove beading bit

Fig.48

Ball bearing roman ogee bit

Fig.49

NOTE: Some items in the list may be included in the tool package as standard accessories. They may differ from country to country.