My Router blew up!!

[p8ntblr]

Well not quite. I bought a used Milwaukee router at a garage sale a few weeks ago. I tried it when I got home and seemed to work great. I was happy. I was thinking about selling because I got in on the Dewalt deal and tried out again this weekend. I plugged it in, turned it on, and nothing happened. Tried a different plug and sparks flew from the top and it died completely. I was going to open it up this afternoon. Any suggestions on what to look for?

It looks like this one.
http://www.mytoolstore.com/milwauke/5615-29.html

[thrytis]

I would start by looking at the brushes. They typically are easy to access without taking the entire thing apart. Look for two round plugs about 1/2" in diameter with a slot in the middle opposite each other. The manual (which you should be able to get online) should tell you how to check them.

[ragswl4]

Sparks are never, ever a good sign. Usually means something smoked inside or, not knowing where the brushes are located, could it be that. If it has replaceable brushes perhaps thats the only problem. Make sure you unplug it before you open it up. It could have been the power switch shorted out and it could be live inside when just plugged in. DON'T TRUST ANY ELECTRICAL PARTS OR SAFETY DEVICES WHEN THERE HAS BEEN A FAILURE!!! I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND LIVE TESTING AT THIS POINT.

Look for burned part, swollen parts, arc marks (black soot) and frayed wiring.

[Tom Slick]

it easily could be the brushes failing because they were worn out. if the commutator is still in good shape you should be fine just replacing the brushes.

brushes are rectangular pieces of carbon usually with a spring and wire attached to them.
the commutator is a series of copper bars that form a circle at the top of the rotating assembly in the motor.

If you are interested, you can ship it to me and I'll fix it for the price of parts and shipping, no labor. If it was not worth repairing I could tell you that too. it would probably cost $10 each way to ship and $10-15 in parts. I used to repair power tools as part of my previous job.
This offer goes to anyone who would like power tools repaired.

[p8ntblr]

If you are interested, you can ship it to me and I'll fix it for the price of parts and shipping, no labor. If it was not worth repairing I could tell you that too. it would probably cost $10 each way to ship and $10-15 in parts. I used to repair power tools as part of my previous job.
This offer goes to anyone who would like power tools repaired.

Wow!!! That is extremely generous of you Tom. I may just take you up on that offer. I'll PM you if I do.

[TheRic]

thanks Tom!!!!!!