Rebuilding Vintage Porter-Cable Router

Old machines like this might not have all the latest bells and whistles but don't think that means they are not as good. Older aluminium body routers tend to turn a little slower, operate smoother and have far less noise. They were built during a time when over engineering was seen as a good thing and stand up well to the rigors of shop use. This old Porter Cable was my grandfather's. Bringing it back was as much about him as it was about the tool.

See this router in action cutting circles in this instructable: https://www.instructables.com/id/Router-Circle-Jig-...

Things to remember: Bearings do not have to be perfect to be functional. Shielded bearings can be relubricated. Bearings are CHEAP so sometimes it is just better to replace them.

Comments

[Moosegooser]

I would like to take the time to thank you for the Vintage Porter Cable router rebuild.. I saw this awhile back and casually watched it. It gave me inspiration to rebuild a slightly older porter Cable ,that was my dads. (Im 66).. Once I pulled mine apart, it was exactly like your model 162..Mine is a model 1100 (Model 100, 1955 vintage) After I pulled the bearings, and went to order new, I discovered that small top bearing has a inner race that is inset on one side.
The outer race is marked by a very thin ground line around the outside diameter, that designates the "flush" side.. I could not remember how that bearing came off.. I remembered your video,,and search for it again,, and sure enough! It shows that same bearing mark as you dis-assemble yours, It showed its correct orientation on the shaft..
I will also say,, that when you re-assembled that bearing, you put it on backwards from the way it came off! Easy to do.. the side that is recessed is only recessed by .017! That's why they grind that line around the outside race.
I ordered my bearings from Accurate Bearing in Illinois.. (Very reasonably priced wholesale house) Their numbers for those bearings are ABC # 6201-13 (large bearing held in place with retaining ring, and had the shim under it..) and ABC# WC87038 (Small bearing with the recessed side..)
The RECESSED side presses down to the armatures shoulder..with the marked line, facing toward armatures shaft end..
"ABC" stands for Accurate Bearing Company...
So,, Even though, your bearings were still noisy,, the time you took to show procedure, helped me greatly, and I heartily thank you..

Gooser...

[Keithmmusic]

Gooser,
I have the same router and it's missing the 1/4" collet. I don't know what it looks like to purchase a new one or where to purchase. Can you point the way?

Keith