Craftsman 320.27669 User Manual

Operator's Manual

12.0 Amp, Variable Speed,
2 Peak HP Digital Plunge Base

Router

Model No. 320.27669

!i

00°s

• WARRANTY

• SAFETY

• UNPACKING

• DESCRiPTiON

WARNING: To reduce the risk of

injury, the user must read and
understand the Operator's manual
before using this product.

Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, iL 60179 U.S.A.
www,craftsman,com

• OPERATION

• MAINTENANCE

• TROUBLESHOOTING

• ESPANOL

Warranty page 2
Safety Symbols page 3-4

Safety Instructions page 5-10
Unpacking Page 10-11
Description page 12-14
Operation page 15-31
Maintenance page 32-33

Troubleshooting page 34-36

Exploded View and Part List page 37-43
Sears Repair Parts Phone Number Back Cover

CRAFTSMAN ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
FOR ONE YEAR from the date of purchase, this product is warranted

against any defects in material or workmanship. With proof of
purchase, defective product will be replaced free of charge.

For warranty coverage details to obtain free replacement, visit the
web site: www.craftsman.com

This warranty is void if this product is ever used while providing

commercial services or if rented to another person.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have

other rights which vary from state to state.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

A

AI& WARNING: Some dust created by using power tools contains chemicals
known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other

reproductive harm.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS!

This router has many features for making its use more pleasant and enjoyable.

Safety, performance, and dependability have been given top priority in the

design of this product making it easy to maintain and operate.

27669 ManuaLRevised_11 0215 Page 2

The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible dangers.
The safety symbols and the explanations with them deserve your careful

attention and understanding. The symbol warnings do not, by themselves,
eliminate any danger. The instructions and warnings they give are no

substitutes for proper accident prevention measures.

WARNING: Be sure to read and understand all safety instructions in this

manual, including all safety alert symbols such as "DANGER," "WARNING,"

and "CAUTION," before using this router. Failure to follow all instructions listed

in this manual may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.

SYMBOL SIGNAL MEANING
,_ SAFTY ALERT SYMBOL: Indicates DANGER, WARNING, OR CAUTION.

May be used in conjunction with other symbols or pictographs

,_ DANGER: Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result

in death or serious injury. This signal word is to be limited to the most extreme

situations .Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire,
electric shock, and personal injury.

_, WARNING: Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could

result in death or serious injury. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce
the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury.
,_ CAUTION: Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could

result in minor or moderate injury. It may also be used without the safety alert
symbol as an alternative to "NOTICE"2 Always follow the safety precautions to

reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury.

NOTICE: "NOTICE" is the preferred signal word to address practices not

related to personal injury. The safety alert symnol not be used with this signal
word. As an alternative to "NOTICE", the word "CAUTION" without the safety
alert symbol may be used to indicate amessage not related to personal injury.2

Damage Prevention and Information Messages

These inform the user of important information and/or instructions that could

lead to equipment or other property damage if they are not followed. Each
message is preceded by the word "NOTE," as in the example below:

NOTE: Equipment and/or property damage may result if these instructions are
not followed.

,_ WARNING: To ensure safety and reliability, all repairs should be performed
at a Sears Parts & Repair Service Center.

WARNING: The operation of any power tools can result in

foreign objects being thrown into your eyes, which can result in
severe eye damage. Before beginning power tool operation,
always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shield

and a full face shield when needed. We recommend a Wide
Vision Safety Mask for use over eyeglasses or standard safety

glasses with side shields. Always use eye protection which is

marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1

27669 ManuaLRevised_11 023_5 Page 3

SAVE THESE iNSTRUCTiONS

Some of the following symbols may be used on this tool. Please study them
and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to

operate the tool better and more safely.

SYMBOL NAME DESIG NATION/EXPLANATION

V Volts Voltage

A Amperes Current

Hz Hertz Frequency (cycles per second)

W Watt Power

min Minutes Time

Alternating Current Type of current

Direct Current Type or a characteristic of current

n o No Load Speed Rotational speed, at no load

] Class II Construction Double-insulated construction

.../min Per Minute Revolutions, strokes, surface speed,

Wet Conditions Alert Do not expose to rain or use in damplocations.

Read The Operator's Manual read and understand operator's manual

O Always wear safety goggles or safety

_1_ Alert Precautions that involve

Eye Protection glasses with side shields and a full face

Safety

No Hands Symbol Failure to keep your hands away from theblade will result in serious personal injury.

No Hands Symbol blade will result in serious personal injury.

No Hands Symbol blade will result in serious personal injury.

No Hands Symbol Failure to keep your hands away from the

Hot Surface To reduce the risk of injury or damage,

orbits, etc., per minute

To reduce the risk of injury, user must
before using this product.

shield when operating this product.

safety.

your

Failure to keep your hands away from the

Failure to keep your hands away from the

blade will result in serious personal injury.

avoid contact with any hot surface.

27669 ManuaLRevised_11 0215 Page 4

GENERAL POWER TOOL SAFETY WARNINGS
,_ WARNING: Read all safety warnings and instructions. Failure to follow

the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious

injury.
= Know your power tool. Read the operator's manual carefully. Learn the

applications, as well as the specific potential hazards related to this tool.
Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock, fire or serious injury.

= Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently and use them to instruct

others who may use this tool. if someone borrows this tool, make sure they
have these instructions also.

= The term "power tool" in the warnings refers to your mains-operated

(corded} power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.

WORK AREA SAFETY

= Keep the work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas inviteaccidents.
= Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the

presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks
which may ignite the dust or fumes.

= Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool.

Distractions can cause you to lose control.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any
way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded} power tools.

Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock

Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes,

radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric
shock if your body is earthed or grounded.

Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a
power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.

Inspect the tool cords periodically and, if damaged, have them repaired
at your nearest Sears Service Center. Be aware of the cord location.

Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or
unplugging the power tool. Keep the cord away from heat, oil, sharp

edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of
electric shock.

= When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable

for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of

electric shock.

27669 ManuaLRevised_11 0215 Page 5

• If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a

ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCl} protected supply. Use of a GFCI
reduces the risk of electric shock.

PERSONAL SAFETY

Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when
operating a power tool. Do not use the tool while tired or under the
influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while

operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
Know your power tool. Read the operator's manual carefully. Learn the

applications, as well as the specific potential hazards related to this tool.
Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock, fire or serious injury.

Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when using this router. Everyday

eyeglasses have only impact-resistant lenses; they are not safety glasses.

®

Protect your lungs. Wear a face mask or dust mask if the operation is dusty.

®

Protect your hearing. Wear appropriate personal hearing protection during
use. Under some conditions noise from this product may contribute to
hearing loss.

All visitors and bystanders must wear the same safety equipment that the

operator of the router wears.
Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure that the switch is in the OFF-position

before connecting to a power source and/or battery, picking up or carrying

the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energizing

power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on.

A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result

in personal injury.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This

enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair,

clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or
long hair can be caught in moving parts.

If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and
collection facilities, ensure that these are connected and properly used.

Use of these devices can reduce dust-related hazards.

POWER TOOL USE AND CARE

• Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your

application. The correct power tool will do the job better and more safely at

the rate for which it was designed.

27669 ManuaLRevised_11 0215 Page 6

Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any
power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must

be repaired.

Always check the tool for damaged parts before use. Before further

use of the tool, a guard or other part that is damaged should be carefully
checked to determine if it will operate properly and perform its intended
function. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of

parts, and any other condition that may affect the tool's operation. A guard
or other part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced at a

Sears Service Center.
Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or the battery from the

power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or
storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of

starting the power tool accidentally.

= Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow

persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate

the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.

Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving
parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the
power tool operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before

use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.

• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with

sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.

• Use the power tool, accessories, tool bits, etc., in accordance with

these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the

work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from

those intended could result in a hazardous situation.

_, WARNING: When using power tools, basic safety precautions should always

be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury.
_. WARNING: The operation of any tool can result in foreign objects being

propelled into your eyes, resulting in severe eye damage. When operating
power tool, always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields and

a full face shield when needed.

WARNING: if any parts are missing, do not operate the tool until the missing

parts have been replaced. Doing so could result in serious personal injury.

SERVICE SAFETY

• Nave your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only

identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power

tool is maintained.

27669 ManuaLRevised_11 0215 Page 7

If any part of this router is missing or should break, bend, or fail in any
way; or should any electrical component fail to perform properly: shut off

the power switch and remove the plug from the power source and have the

missing, damaged, or failed parts replaced before resuming operation.

• Tool service must be performed only at a Sears Parts & Repair Service

Center. Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could
result in a risk of injury.

Use only identical replacement parts when servicing a tool. Follow the
instructions in the maintenance section of this manual. Use of unauthorized

parts or failure to follow maintenance instructions may create a risk of
electric shock or injury.

SPECiFiC SAFETY RULES FOR ROUTER

Hold power tools by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an
operation where the cutting tool may contact hidden wiring or its own cord.

Contact with a "live" wire will make exposed metal parts of the tool" live" and
shock the operator.

Use clamps or another practical way to support and secure the
workpiece to a stable platform. Holding the work by hand or against your

body leaves it unstable and may lead to loss of control.

®

Maintain a firm grip o the router with both hands to resist starting torque.

®

Never attempt to use the router motor without first installing it in an
approved fixed base. Failure to heed this warning could result in personal

injury and damage to the motor.
Make sure that the motor housing does not move up or down when

clamped in the fixed base. If the motor is not securely clamped into the
base, injury could result and adjustments will not be accurate.

Do not hand=hold the router in an upside down or horizontal position.

The motor can separate from the base if not properly attached according to
the instructions.

Tighten the coliet/nut securely to prevent the cutter bit from slipping, if

the collet/nut is not securely tightened, the cutter bit may detach during use,

causing serious personal injury.

®

Never tighten collet/nut without a cutter bit installed in the collet/nut.

®

Never hold the piece being cut in your hands or across your legs. it is
important to support and clamp the workpiece properly in order to minimize

body exposure, bit binding, or loss of control.

®

Always keep the chip shield clean and in place.

®

Stay alert and clear the router cutter bit path of any obstructions before
starting the motor. Keep cutting area clear of all foreign objects while the

motor is running.

27669 ManuaLRevised_11 0215 Page 8

= Inspect and remove a[[ nails from lumber before routing.
= Check to see that the cord wi[[ not "hang up" during routing operation.

= Make sure that the cutter bit is not in contact with the workpiece before

the switch is turned on. The bit must always be running at full speed before

contacting the workpiece.

= Keep hands clear of the cutter bit when the motor is running to prevent

personal injury.

= Provide clearance under the workpiece for the router cutter bit when

through-cutting.

= Keep cutting pressure constant. Do not overload the motor.
= Use only sharp cutter bits that are not chipped or cracked. Blunt cutter bits

will cause stalling and burn the workpiece.

= Never use this router motor with a cutter bit larger than 3=1/2 inches in

diameter.

Always use cutter bits that are designed for this router. Never use cutter

bits which are larger in diameter than the opening in the router sub-
base. Cutter bits that have cutter diameters larger than the opening could

cause possible loss of control or create other hazardous condition that could
cause serious personal injury.

The sub-base on this fixed base router has an opening of 1=1/4 inches.

To use cutter bits with a larger diameter, install and use a sub-base with a

larger diameter opening (sold separately at Sears stores or other Craftsman
outlets).

Do not use large router cutter bits for freehand routing. Use of large
cutter bits when freehand routing could cause loss of control or create

hazardous conditions that could result in serious personal injury, if using a
router table, large bits should be used for edging only.

Be sure that the cutter bit is centered in a template guide (sold
separately) prior to template guide applications to avoid personal injury or
damage to finished work.

Do not remove more than 1/8 inch in a single pass. Excessive depth of
cut can result in loss of control that could result in personal injury.

After completing a cut, turn the motor OFF and let it come to complete

stop before removing router from workpiece.
Let the motor come to a complete stop before putting the router down.

Cutter bits coast after the power is turned off.
Only use router tables with on=board switch=controlled receptacles.

Failure to use router tables with all the appropriate safety features could
result in serious personal injury.

27669 ManuaLRevised_11 0215 Page 9

Disconnect the tool from the power source before making any
adjustments or changing cutter bits.

if you are changing a bit immediately after use, be careful not to touch

the collet/nut or cutter bit with your hands or fingers. The heat buildup

from cutting could cause severe burns. Always use the wrench provided.

Avoid "climb cutting;" see "OPERATION" section in this manual "Climb cutting"

increases the chance for loss of control resulting in possible serious injury.

,_ WARNING: Your router should never be connected to the power source
when you are assembling parts, making adjustments, installing or removing bits,
cleaning, or when it is not in use. Disconnecting the router will prevent accidental

starting, which could cause serious personal injury.
When unpacking the box, do not discard any packing materials until all of the

contents are accounted for:

1.

Carefully lift the router out of carton and place it on a stable, flat surface.

2.

Open the carton to locate the following:

• Vacuum port and 2 screws used to attach it to the base
Chip shield ( already installed on router )

1/4 inch .collets/nut ( (the 1/2 in. collet/nut is already installed on router )
Collet/nut wrench

Depth-Adjustment Wrench

• Edge Guide
Manual

3. Inspect the items carefully to make sure that no breakage or damage has
occurred during shipping. If any of the items mentioned is missing, (refer to

"PARTS LIST" illustration), return the router to your nearest Sears store to
have the router replaced.

WARNING: If any part is broken or missing, do not attempt to assemble the

router, plug in the power cord, or operate the router until the broken or missing

part is replaced. Failure to do so could result in possible serious injury.

27669 ManuaLRevised_11 0215 Page 10

CARTON CONTENTS/LOOSE PARTS (Fig.l)

Plunge Base and Digital Router motor with 1/2 inch Collet/
Nut

Vacuum Port

Chip shield ( already installed on router )

2 screws (for attaching vacuum port)

1/4 inch Collet/Nut

Edge guide

Depth-adjustment wrench

@_ Collet/Nut wrench

27669 ManuaLRevised_11 0215 Page 11

KNOW YOUR DiGiTAL ROUTER (Fig. 2)
NOTE: Before attempting to use your router, familiarize yourself with all of the

operating features and safety requirements.
Your plunge base router has a precision-built electric motor and it should only

be connected to a 120-volt, 60-Hz AC only power supply (normal household

current). Do not operate on direct current (DC). This large voltage drop will cause
a loss of power and the motor will overheat. If the router does not operate when

plugged into a correct 120-volt, 60-Hz AC only outlet, check the power supply.

This router has an 8-ft., 2-wire power cord (no adapter needed).

Fig. 2

Motor housing precision
milled cast aluminum for exact fit

Super-fine
adjl

Depth indicators

Depth rod
knob

Depth rod Non-marring
Super-fine sub-base

adjustment screw

Depth sto_

and
construction

Ergonomic handles

Digital display

housing

Toggle Switch

base

_indle lock

"Live Tool

ght

_-ft. Power Cord

Self-releasing
Collet/Nuts System :

1/4 and 1/2-inch collets/nuts

Quick Lever

Vacuum port

27669 ManuaLRevised_11 0215 Page 12

Plunge depth

locking lever

,_ WARNING: Do not allow familiarity with the router to cause a lack of alertness. A
fraction of a second of carelessness is enough to cause severer injury

PRODUCT SPECiFiCATiONS

Rating 12.0Amps
No Load Speed 10000-25000 RPM

Peak HP 2
Input 120-volt, 60Hz AC

Collets/Nuts and Cutter bit Shank 1/4 in. and 1/2 in.
Diameters

Plunge Base Diameter 6-11/16"
Sub Base Opening (Diameter for 1-1/4 inches

cutter bit use)

Sub Base Thickness 0.23 inch (6mm)
Plunge Base Depth of Cut 2-1/8 inches (55mm)

WARNING: The safe use of this product requires an understanding of the

information on the tool and in this operator's manual, as well as knowledge of

the project you are attempting. Before use of this product, familiarize yourself
with all operating features and safety rules.

This Plunge Router has the following features:

1.

Powerful, 12.0 Amp soft start motor develops 2 Peak HP to handle most
routing jobs.

2.

Bectronic Feedback Circuitry provides soft starts for longer motor life, and
maintains constant speed under load to help produce a quality finish in all materials.

3.

Variable=Speed Motor runs at 10,000 to 25,000 RPM (no-load speed).

4.

Variable=Speed allows matching proper speed to material and cutter bit
size.

5. Quick=clamp System allows motor to be changed from fixed to plunge base
without use of tools.

6. Plunge Base features Fine and Micro Depth Rod Adjustments with Turret
Stops for precise set-ups and repetitive cutting.

7. Smooth Plunge Action lowers bit into workpiece at 90°for more accurate cutting.

8. Protective Plunge Post Bellows protect guideposts from woodchips, dust,
and moisture.

27669 Manual_Revised_11 0215 Page 13

9. Spindle Lock for easy 1 wrench bit changes. Includes 1/4 and 1/2 inch
Self-Releasing Collets/Nuts for use with a wide variety of 1/4 in. and 1/2 in.

router bits, sold separately.

10. 100% Ball Bearings for smooth, efficient operation and long life.

11. Base Features Large Base Openings and Large Chip Shield, combined with 3
LED Worklights on motor to provide high visibility of bit and workpiece.

12. Durable Non=marring Sub-base glides smoothly over workpiece. The sub-

base installed on this router has an opening of 1-1/4 inches. To use cutter

bits with larger diameters, please disassembly vaccum port and use
sub-bases with larger openings, sold separately at Sears stores or other
Craftsman outlets.

13. Motor Housing constructed of High Density Nylon and Precision Milled
Cast Aluminum for strength and exact fit into bases.

14. High-impact resistant Motor Housing Top Cap and Handles on Bases help

protect tool from damage.

15. Conveniently located ON/OFF toggle switch, side mounted for added
visibility, easy access.

16. Vacuum Port allows base to attach to 1-1/4 inches vac hose attachment,
sold separately.

17. Large 1" X1-1/2" LCD Screen provides digital readings of motor speed and
suggests bits selection

18. "Live Tool Indicator" light is green when router is plugged into a power
source. Light is located on motor housing top cap next to power cord inlet.

19. Replaceable Brushes (sold separately) for dependable service.

20. Includes carry bag for easy carrying and storage.

27669 ManuaLRevised_11 0215 Page 14